For many years gang members in Chicago have been spreading to Janesville/Beloit as an escape route; when things get hot for a member they flee to Janesville. Especially in current times, the Chicago Police have Obama on their side against gangs. The gang members are scrambling as Police conduct raids on known parisite dwellings/havens.

If there is no love or family at home, these young people, who have a need for a support group, will turn to gangs for lack of any love or devotion at home. Parenting pays attention and when parents don’t pay attention the kids will gravitate to anyone willing to give it. Now that I have stated the obvious, I feel a need to say this spreading like H1N1 all over the south east corner of the state. No, it’s not coming from Rock Country, it began at home. I live in Elkhorn and work in Delavan. I cannot remember a day that I have gone to work and not heard a police siren in that city. It’s terrible. I can only pray that with so many unemployed men in the area, they take the time finding their kids instead of a job. Right now, the jobs aren’t there and if unemployment is all you have coming in, you need to focus on being a parent, a tough loving dad, a knowing mother, and do the job God gave you. The fix begins at home. Get involved in a Church and get these kids some moral ground to stand on. Help them find their conscience and learn right and wrong and above all else parents, let them believe they are loved and important in your life.

Some of you who read the news (online or otherwise), are the same people who let your loved ones do these things. So much for caring...No matter what the cost (relative to), you need to step in...! These younger people need to be shown what life is suppose to be about. I grew up fairly poor, but I never went that route. I never allowed for the peer-pressure to sway me, my parents wouldn't allow it. No excuses. Parents, need to be parents. This is where most gang troubles start-in youth. Take control.

Yes there is a current problem with the gangs. Yes the unit assigned to the issue, is doing a good job of data keeping and application of such data. However, I personally feel (all of) these gang members have the rest of us over a barrel.
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First, if you don't stay on top of their signs, signals, colors etc etc, yada yada...then you are not going to know what's going on in all of the criminal world. Thus lacking the intelligence to do whatever...police related. But secondly, we are substantiating this crap MADE UP way of life, and giving it new life everytime we acknowledge it...such as all these clowns who keep putting their poses, and gang related crap on their 'my-space' and 'face book' pages etc. When I see this stuff, all I see is silliness.
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I would rather be a little ignorant, and push for a no-tolerance attitude...I'm sick of hearing about these clowns. The worst part is, many of these 'members' have friends and family who could give them the kick in the pants they need it. Until then, I guess I have to support efforts of these gang units.

There are gang wannabes in this town. However, I would nip it now before they become true gang bangers..

yes there is a gang problem and Janesville denied it until it was out of there control. To sweep certain things under the carpet to make it look like your city is not as bad as it really is, just makes it harder to try and straighten out when it slaps you in the face. I as a parent of now adult children tried to show Janesville that there was a problem and all I heard was "it is wannabees, there is no real gangs and now take a look at the problem... That was in the early 90s.

Sounds like an interesting read. I'll buy a Sunday, maybe get some coupons too.

I believe there is a gang problem janesville is like any other city it's size, with a down economy and no sign of recovery in sight it forces alot of families to make sacrifices and that usally starts at home with parenting. Both are out working full time menial jobs to try and make ends meet, so these kids turn to each other and drugs for comfort and amusement. What we need more of are neighbors of these drug houses to call the police when they see any sign of gang activity and report it and keep doing it until they stop or move but stay on them and maybe they will get tired of the hassels and quit you notice I said maybe. But aggravate them like they do us.

117 is the gang "census" in the jail. It's probably around 100 at any given time, given that gang members are far more likely than the general public to commit jailable offenses.
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I live across the street from an address that has had intermittent blatant gang activity including drug sales, half-a-dozen people in "colors" sitting out front yelling or making gang signs at passing vehicles, and generally creating a nuisance. So, yes, there is a gang problem in Rock County and parts of Janesville and Beloit in particular. So far, police and city response has done much to keep the nuisance behavior under a certain level. Mostly, they just make too much noise (at any time of the day), leave trash out front, and so forth. But they're still there, as the landlord is resistant (I would say co-dependent), and we still worry, as when a car drives down the street with its horn blaring. Is that saying hello? Or intimidation that could precede a confrontation?
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For a few weeks this summer, there were two or three active drug sales operations including the one above, and the entire block took on an unnerving, loose, wild-west feel at times.
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In fact, I'm sitting here typing this and there was some yelling and honking. Sheesh.

I believe Rock County had great potential for a gang problem which began a couple years ago. In speaking mainly for the City of Janesville, and from personal experience, I had a very positive experience and received great support from this unit in keeping my family safe. I strongly believe there efforts are keeping our community safer than it would have become without them.

117 are locked up as of this week. Not all arrested this week. Thanks. -Ted

117 were locked up this week or 117 are locked up as of this week? That would be a lot of arrests in one week!