Albany and Dougherty County law enforcement remain on high alert following the murder of a gang leader three weeks ago.
They are watching for gang retaliation crimes.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany want to protect kids from gangs, and are asking parents to enroll students in their after school programs.
Law enforcement says after school when many parents are working, and their kids are home alone, is one of the prime times that gangs are out now recruiting. The Boys and Girls Club is offering help.
Since the murder of 24-year-old Dontavious Luke on August 27, law enforcement has been on high alert in case of more gang violence in revenge for his murder. Boys and Girls Club officials say they are needed now more than ever to keep kids off the streets and away from gangs.
"Kids done lost their life. Kids afraid to go out because they are being bullied. Parents don't want their kids going to certain places because they are afraid. That's when a community got to step in and say we going to take our community back," said Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany Director of Operations, Bob Hutchinson.
Law enforcement says after school, from 3 to 6, when kids are home alone and parents at work, is when gangs are on the streets.
"They seem to be much more susceptible to peer pressure at times like that. It's a time when they can get caught alone without an adult around to intervene," said Dougherty County Sheriff's Office Captain Craig Dodd.
That's why the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany has opened up their teen enrichment after school programs, and are asking all parents to get their students, 13 and over, boys and girls, enrolled.
"The Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany is saying we serve kids. That's the purpose of this facility here. That's why we built this facility," said Hutchinson.
The Boys and Girls Clubs will furnish transportation to their three centers around Albany, and have a number of programs and activities including tutors to help with homework. Hutchinson has worked with the center for 42 years, and says the gang danger is greater now than ever.
"I've seen kids you spend a little time with them, you can turn them around. I've seen kids we lost, because the street grabbed them and they were gone," said Hutchinson.
The cost is only $5 dollars a year, but they say they will work with parents if they can't pay that. They say it's vital to protect kids now from gangs.
This Saturday at Tift Park from 10 to 2 the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany will hold their "day for kids",to meet with parents and students interested in joining.
Parents can learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany and enroll their students by going to any one of the three centers or by calling 439-0196. Or at their day for kids Saturday at Tift Park.
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