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Ochs Center Results to be Released Thursday

29 views · Published 11 September 2012 · 3:06 · Indexed 8 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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By Jerry Askin  This Thursday, we are expecting to hear the full results of a 6-month comprehensive gang assessment-- paid for with your tax dollars.We gave you a sneak peek at what to expect from the OCHS Center Gang Study a few weeks ago-- now we're digging deeper-- and asking-- taxpayers if they think the study is a waste of money.The assessment done by the Ochs Center is supposed to find possible causes of gang activity in our area.And while many taxpayers support the research, others say the findings don't support the amount spent.Joe Smith has a passion for working with at-risk children in Chattanooga-- even overseeing the YMCA's community action project....So if anybody wants to see the gang issue addressed-- it's him."We need to know the why's and what we should be doing about it," says Joe Smith.For the past 6 months, Ochs Center researchers have interviewed thousands of people in Chattanooga-- including former gang members and ex offenders. Here's a little of what they found.1) Children join gangs for protection.2) Gang members are usually unemployed-- have very little education and live in poverty.3) And that police officers recognize where members concentrate-- and commit crimes.Many taxpayers say these findings are needed before we can work towards finding solutions."I would like to see some efforts go into making this a safer place..especially at the park," says Linda Stovall, who supports the gang study.So what needs to change? 1) The study finds schools and rec centers can serve as an ideal place for gang education and prevention programs. 2) And there's a need for more jobs for current and former gang members.So it begs the question-- is the study full of common sense? Dana Rogers says its a complete waste-- that no study will stop our city's gang problem."If it's already turning up things that we already know, then what's the point? They need to try something else," says Rogers.But Smith isn't bothered by the study-- or it's 5,000 dollar price tag. Now, he'd just like to see everyone pitch in to prevent the need for another one."Let's get involved to help in this community," says Joe Smith.Again, the full 200-paged report should be complete and ready by Thursday. We'll bring those  results to you when they come in. We called the Mayor's office today for a comment, and was told, he was out of town until Wednesday.

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