A South Carolina law enforcement officer and entrepreneur, Jacob “Jake” Higgins has focused on serving the people he swore to protect and help. Before moving to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office as the Detective Sergeant of the Narcotics/Gang/VICE and Violent Crime Unit, he served as a Master Police Detective and certified Gang Investigator with the Bluffton Police Department. Throughout his career, Jacob Higgins has worked to create and implement solutions to the gang menace digging into the deepest workings of violent crime.
Gangs continue to be widespread, thus threatening the safety of communities not only in the US but around the globe. Once considered an urban problem, gangs have in recent years permeated smaller communities, putting a strain on local resources. Local communities are affected the most, as gangs are deeply rooted in neighborhoods. Even large gangs with nationwide networks draw their membership from local youths and utilize neighborhood members to carry out their illegal activities.
Addressing the challenge of gangs needs to begin at the community level, as plans and strategies developed need to be broad-based and involve multiple parties. A good strategy for gang eradication should address three main issues: formulating strategies to deter gang membership, helping youths to drop out of gangs, and sufficiently empowering communities to deal with gangs. For this strategy to succeed, it requires a multi-faceted approach that brings together law enforcement officers, youth, parents, schools, businesses, recreation departments, social service organizations, and religious institutions, among others.
It is also essential to involve elected and nominated leaders such as politicians, agency heads, and ministers, as well as community leaders who have influence over communities by their words and actions. Cooperation among community stakeholders cultivates a sense of belonging and enthusiasm, which creates an environment for success. Community efforts should include identifying current and potential gang members as well as facilitating reconciliation and conflict resolution among gangs, given most criminal groupings are formed based on rivalries.
Jacob Higgins 