Gangs leaving their mark Police point to signs, worry about public's indifference. Wednesday, June 06, 2007 • By TOM QUIGLEY • The Express-Times LOPATCONG TWP. | They congregate outside the Regal Cinemas in Pohatcong Township, the footbridge near the Phillipsburg High School and the area's late-night restaurants. They're Bloods mostly, with a smattering of Latin Kings, evidenced by their graffiti recently scrawled on the front of the high school, according to police intelligence. Township patrolman Brian K. Nixon organized the seminar held at the Lopatcong Township Middle School. Attendance was low, reflecting perhaps what the guest speaker described as a stubborn refusal to accept that gangs are in the Phillipsburg area. "Just getting people to admit that gangs in New Jersey exist has been like pulling teeth," said Lt. Edwin Torres of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission. But Nixon said area police have identified at least 40 male gang members in the Phillipsburg area and another dozen female members. Torres said gang membership in itself is not illegal. Yet the gangs rely on narcotics sales for 99 percent of their money. That's why so many end up in trouble, he said. Adult gang members with children use them to do the "dirty work," Torres said. He said it's similar to any other serious family problem such as alcoholism and therefore tough to fix. Gang members have used their distinct graffiti messages to mark their turf at such places as the high school footbridge, Nixon said. "I wish more teachers showed up tonight," he said early in the meeting. A few dozen teachers and parents attended, along with area police officers. "Some parents don't even know what their child is doing," Torres said. The lieutenant -- a nationally recognized expert on gangs -- said education is the best way to prevent children from seeking love and acceptance in a gang. He said parents must know who their children are hanging out with, adding many do not. Torres said children can easily quote the lyrics from major hip-hop singers -- some gang members themselves. "But ask them to quote Shakespeare and you'll have a problem," he added. "Today's heroes for our young people are not who they should be." Nixon and Torres said parents can play a crucial role in preventing their children from joining gangs. He said parents must love their children and join with educators to provide positive alternatives. "Most gang members want to get out but they don't know how," Torres said. Reporter Tom Quigley can be reached at 908-475-8184 or by e-mail at tquigley@express-times.com.