One of the answers to resolving the gang problems in the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County is to establish a special court for handling just those issues. The city and county need to get together and define what they believe to be gang related crimes in the city and county and establish one court to be responsible for handling just those cases.
The judge assigned to this special court needs to have the authority to order the parents into the court and hold them accountable for the actions of their child. If the parent doesn't show up, the court has to have the authority to order the parent picked up and answer for the actions of their child.
Together, the court and the parent could establish what guidelines need to be addressed to correct the child's behavior. Failing to take corrective action and follow the courts guidelines should result in civil and, or criminal sanctions against the parents as well as the child.
Once the parent knows that he or she will be brought into the equation and they find themselves having to miss work, then maybe they will find solutions for taking more control over their child.
Chattanooga would not be the first city to establish such guidelines. There are cities that have dealt with gang problems for years that use this type of practice in their court system with positive results. It is not the only solution but, it is a good place to start.
Joseph Sebenick
Chattanooga
joespartans@hotmail.com