ASSESSING GANGS: TEEN CRIME TODAY WORSE THAN BEFORE

Recent talk about gangs in Cape Girardeau amounts to little more than a mincing of words -- words that continue to deflect the city's attention from a problem that will continue to worsen unless residents recognize what is happening and join with police and juvenile officials to combat the situation.

More than a week ago members of the Downtown Neighborhood Association met with a Cape Girardeau County juvenile officer who said gangs aren't a big problem here. Compared to urban gangs like those in St. Louis, the 50 or so gang participants here aren't such a big problem, said Doug Koenig.

Charlie Herbst, a Cape Girardeau police officer, also put the gang situation here in perspective by comparing it to gang activity in St. Louis.

But, officials tend to agree, the first step in effective gang deterrence is recognizing there is a problem.

As a starter, forget comparisons with urban gangs. Cape Girardeau isn't the inner city of St. Louis or Chicago. But the drug activity, drive-by shootings and homicides related to gang activity are just as real here as anywhere.

Instead of comparing gangs here to gangs elsewhere, it would be better to compare juvenile criminal activity here today with what juveniles were doing in Cape Girardeau 20 or 30 years ago. Who remembers children dealing drugs in the 1960s and 1970s? Who remembers youngsters driving by a group of teen-agers and shooting at them? Who remembers adolescents killing each other with guns?

It isn't just Cape Girardeau either. Smaller, non-urban communities throughout Missouri and the nation are experiencing many of the same problems. Asked the police chief of one small Missouri town: "When a small-town kid shoots into a crowd of teen-agers because he wants to act like a big-city gang member, does it make any difference that he was just pretending when another kid dies?"

The Downtown Neighborhood Association is sensitive about the reputation the downtown area has for crime, even though police officials say there are other areas that are worse. Downtown is experiencing a revitalization, both in businesses and in the restoration of fine, old homes. This is creating a new sense of pride and commitment on the part of homeowners who like the charm and atmosphere of century-old buildings.

The association took a good step by seeking information from the juvenile officer. Members expressed concern and looked for ways to get involved and make a difference.

More neighborhoods in Cape Girardeau can take a cue from the downtown area. After all, gang activity and other crimes such as drug-dealing and drive-by shootings aren't confined to any particular area.