Over the weekend, a group of gang intelligence investigators from Rikers Island visited the Refuge Church of God in Bed-Stuy. Their mission was to educate parents on how to recognize the telltale signs that their children might be involved with a gang. This initiative is a proactive step to help parents keep their children out of harm’s way and steer them towards a positive future.
According to Damel Pinkney, one of the instructors for the workshop, this platform offers a chance to bridge the gap and share vital information with the public. “This is what’s going on, pay attention to this,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness. As an investigator at the Corrections Intelligence Bureau on Rikers Island, Pinkney recognizes the power of education and hopes to use this platform to inform and educate others.
Assistant Commissioner Shaun Kelly, who is a retired NYPD detective in Brooklyn, is the mastermind behind this initiative from the Department of Corrections.
Kelly expressed her deep sorrow over witnessing numerous young lives being taken away due to senseless incidents on the streets. She felt a profound ache in her heart as she remembered those tragic moments.
Drawing from their extensive experience working within one of the nation’s most infamous correctional facilities, the trio of investigators identified several key factors that may be leading young individuals towards gang involvement. These include the influence of drill rap lyrics, gang-related symbols and gestures, as well as the significance of certain emojis and dance moves.
Pinkney emphasized the importance of having conversations with children in the digital age. He recognizes that kids are intelligent and constantly evolving, so it’s crucial for parents to evolve with them. As technology continues to advance, it’s essential to stay updated and informed on how to best approach communication with younger generations.
During the event, parents were given the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns they may have had. It was important for them to have a platform where they could voice their thoughts and receive answers. As such, the organizers ensured that the Q&A session was an integral part of the event. Parents were able to engage with the speakers and gain a deeper understanding of the topics discussed. The feedback received from the parents was valuable and helped to make the event a success.
Maxine Walker, a grandmother of teenagers, expressed her appreciation for understanding the significance behind the sounds and music that she hears. “We hear the sounds, we hear the music, but we don’t know what it represents, so it was good for me to know,” she said.
During the team’s mission to tackle gang violence, they received an invitation from Pastor Kevin Osbourne to visit his church and extend their support to his community. With his kind gesture, the team got an opportunity to work towards the betterment of the community and help combat the issue of gang violence.
According to Osbourne, as parents, there are many things that we are unaware of. However, if we equip our children with the necessary tools and resources and provide them with information, they will be able to bring about positive change on their own.
Each week, the team visits a new place of worship with the goal of educating the community and putting an end to the cycle of children being incarcerated. Their hope is to spread awareness and prevent any more young individuals from facing the same fate.
Investigator Louis DeJesus, who is also a workshop instructor, expressed that although they may not be able to reach everyone, saving just one child would make a significant difference.
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