Wake and Durham counties have been chosen to participate in a "comprehensive anti-gang initiative" that includes $2.5 million in federal funding, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

The Triangle is one of four regions across the country receiving this latest round of federal money to thwart gang-related crimes. Wake and Durham will split the money 50-50.

At a news conference at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Joe Bryan described the grants as seed money that will enable local governments to figure out ways to steer young people away from gangs.

Local leaders say hundreds of gang members live in the Triangle. Durham Mayor Bill Bell said a study completed this year identified about 1,000 gang members in Durham. Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison said about 100 gang members are in jail on any given day in his county.

"I won't mention any of them by name because that's what they want you to do," Harrison said.

Deputy Attorney General Mark R. Filip said $1 million of the federal money will go toward efforts to prevent young people from joining gangs. Law enforcement will use another $1 million for criminal prosecution. The remaining $500,000 will help former gang members make a successful transition after they are released from prison. Faith-based groups and others will provide transitional houses, job training and job placement.

At least one community activist at Tuesday's news conference said she was concerned that the funding actually get to the people and communities who need it most.

"The problem is that most of the time the money is used for administrative purposes and for law enforcement," said Victoria Peterson, a former candidate for the Durham County Board of Commissioners.

But Peterson joined others from across the Triangle to applaud the federal initiative. Shanekia Weeks, newly named director of the Wake County Gang Prevention Partnership, said the grants allow different groups to work together to try to identify what works.

"One child may need a role model. Another child may need a role model and an activity. Still another one may need a role model, an activity and therapy," Weeks said. "There's no one solution, and it's definitely not going to happen overnight."

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