Southwest Lansing (MI) and my neighborhood

I left the Averill Woods Neighborhood Association meeting tonight with the Lansing Police Department about concerns of gang activity feeling very positive about the conversation that took place.

Two events this summer at the Averill Woods School fueled talk of possible gang activity in our southwest side residential enclave with questions being asked and fears expressed.

Details of both events were provided along with training for neighborhood residents to help them recognize situations which need to be reported to police.

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Here’s a bulleted list of information provided and take-aways from the meeting:

• The two event involving gang concerns at Averill School happened on June 23 and August 5.  Lt. Mike Yankowski explained that 10 participants were identified at the first skirmish.  The participants were aged 16-19 and were playing basketball behind the school.
• Shots were fired at this event, participants interviewed and the investigation continues.
• On August 5, police were called for a similar event with participants dispersing before officers arrived.  At that point there was no sign that a fight had taken place.
• Individuals involved were not from the neighborhood.
• Yankowski, at this point, there are no signs of a gang problem in the Averill Woods Neighborhood, but he encouraged residents to be vigilant and informed and to stay in conversation with police.
• That’s when two gang resource specialists from LPD provided training for residents about recognizing signs of a gang presence.
• They both emphasized that they want to know as soon as there’s any indication of a problem.
• The police want to know whenever there’s any inappropriate loitering in an area.  They emphasized that a call should be made to the LPD non-emergency number.
• Recognizing the difference between two kids “joshing” around with each other and being violent was discussed.
• Residents were encouraged to be wary of unknown individual youth standing for extended periods on a street corner or other spot and who could be a lookout for larcenies taking place.
• They both urged residents to not get into a confrontation with problem-makers, but to call police.
• Neighborhood members were also urged to have a presence on their streets by walking and observing.
• It was emphasized that everybody should be aware and not afraid to call police when they have concerns.