MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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August 1, 2012

Take gang prevention efforts home

— Muskogee police say they have made progress in eliminating the threat of gang violence.

Muskogee clearly has a problem with gang and youth-related violence.

The final defendant in the 2010 fatal shooting at Arrowhead Mall was tried and convicted recently.

Dondray Fowler will be behind bars for the foreseeable future.

Police are doing what they can to change the culture surrounding youth violence.

“We’re making a dent,” police spokesman Cpl. Pedro Zardeneta said.

Classes inside Muskogee Public Schools have helped provide awareness as police attempt to put a stop to youth joining gangs, Zardeneta said.

“In 2010, we instituted the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program to Muskogee Public Schools and first-time juvenile offenders through municipal court,” Zardeneta said.

The program consists of two courses, a course taught to fifth-graders and one taught to sixth-graders.

The 12-session program teaches things such as:

• Conflict resolution;

• Myths about gangs;

• Consequences of drugs and gun use; and

• Empathy and anger management.

The program has worked so well that police are considering instituting a second GREAT program for families.

The six-week program would include how to recognize gang behavior in youth and how to address it.

Though police are making strides, the greatest influences come from mom and dad at home.

Any effort is good effort in eliminating gangs.

The City Council should expand the efforts of Muskogee police.

The council should look for ways to fund this family program as soon as possible.

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