POLICE AIM TO EDUCATE WITH GANG VIDEO

There are about 400 gang members in Hamilton and the number is
growing, police say.

And despite shootings in the city falling 55 per cent last year, gang
members are still peddling drugs and toting guns on the streets.

That's why Hamilton police created Gang Proof, a video aimed at teens
about the dangers and myths of gangs.

"Hamilton is a big city, and when you have big cities you sometimes
have big problems," said Staff Sgt. Mike Thomas.

"The big message is don't even get involved in gangs."

The 18-minute video is premiering in The Hamilton Spectator
auditorium April 28 at 7 p.m.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on gangs, gang
violence and how educators and parents can help.

The video will also be shown at area schools and can be privately
booked for screenings.

Gang activity in Hamilton has increased since 2006, when Toronto
police cracked down on it in their city, Thomas said.

"So where do they go? London, Peel, Hamilton, Niagara, and actually
Brantford," he said.

Despite police disrupting gang activity, the numbers aren't going
down, Thomas said.

About 50 per cent of all shootings in Hamilton are gang or drug
related, according to the video.

So, it's important for police to reach young people before high
school when they decide which friends to hang out with, Thomas said.

"Get the kids young -- that seems to be quite successful.

"I think any type of education is going to help."

The video's book-ended by an interview with the grandmother of Desmon
Mingo, who was shot dead during a gang deal in 2002.

It features male and female former gang members, who talk about the
difficulties of leaving a gang and spending their birthdays in jail.

John Williams, who played for the Tiger-Cats last season, and
MuchMusic VJ Sarah Taylor, a Hamilton native, speak about their
experiences with gangs growing up.

Thomas also dispels some gang myths in the video, noting it's not the
rich lifestyle it seems and gang members often talk to police about
their so-called friends.

EVENT INFO

What: Gang Proof

Where: Hamilton Spectator Auditorium, 44 Frid St.

When: April 28, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Register by e-mail:
sbenning@hamiltonpolice.on.ca or by phone at 905-546-4900.