Hillarysworld

WHEELING -- Wheeling Jesuit University Professor Dr. John Poffenbarger is studying the growth of gangs in the Northern District of West Virginia.

Poffenbarger is working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine how serious the problem is. Surveys have been sent out to area law enforcement agencies to track gang activity. Early indications are that gangs do exist in the mountain state, but to what extent is still to be determined.

The three part study is showing that the state’s two panhandles appear to have the most gang activity in the region. Their proximity to Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. are cited as the main reason for the increased gang activity.

Part two of the survey calls for visiting public and private schools to see if gangs are making their way into area schools.

The Northern District doesn’t appear to have an active gang presence right now, but the survey will help communities and law enforcement recognize gang signs and prevent them from gaining footholds in area communities.

Gang signs have been spotted in Wheeling. Steubenville Ohio too has had some gang activity, but Ohio is not part of the survey.

The final results of the survey aren’t expected to be released until later this year.