Homepage / Nashville News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Franklin Looks To Stop Gang Problem

City Works To Be Proactive To Resolve Issue

POSTED: 8:57 am CDT May 13, 2008
UPDATED: 9:15 am CDT May 13, 2008

One of the fastest-growing and wealthiest communities in Tennessee is admitting that it has a growing gang problem.

Video: Franklin Looks To Stop Gang Problem

Leaders from the city of Franklin held a meeting on Monday night to stop the problem.

Police said a recent fight at Centennial High School and two deaths in the area are the result of a growing gang issue.

"You can't be naive to things, and sometimes I think people feel we're in a little Mayberry here," said Franklin resident Alissa Harris.

Veteran detectives said the meeting is all about being proactive. The goal is to have public discussions early so any looming problems don't develop further.

The meeting was the first time that the town has held a citywide meeting on gangs. Many who came were parents.

"I just want to hear more about what they know about gang formation," said parent Mike Skinner.

Authorities said that education and forceful police work is part of the solution.

"We've already started having what we refer to as our gang nights, where we pair a patrol officer up with a detective and they go out and aggressively seek out gang members. (They do this) either by traffic stops, getting out talking to people," said Detective Darren Barnes of the Franklin Police Department.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI are also part of the effort.

Police point out the gang members come from all backgrounds, and it's not just men -- there are women, too.

"It's kind of exciting, though; Franklin is being proactive about the issue," said Harris. "We still need to be proactive to keep the community the way it is."

Franklin police said they are working with several other local departments in an effort to crack down on these gangs.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Understand the signs of mental illness and you can learn the best ways to treat whatever problems you may have. More

A slowing market means the advantage is with you, the home buyer. So what does that mean to you? More

House, home, garage
Been reading stories about the increase in home foreclosures? In the market to invest? Search a national database of homes on the block. More


Banks are failing or getting taken over, but find out why there may be no need to panic about the future of your money. More

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.