ADEL — Lack of communications and access to data are two major problems hampering authorities trying to deal with gangs in South Georgia, according to participants at a conference Friday.

Gov. Brian Kemp attended the meeting of regional law-enforcement and government leaders, held at the Cook County E911 Center. Sheriffs, police chiefs, county commissioners and school board members from several South Georgia counties participated.

Kemp told local leaders he wants state government to offer cities and counties help without imposing a mandate.

“If you need help prosecuting gang members, we will help,” he said. “Whatever you need, we want to help.”

Chase Daugherty, Cook County’s probate court judge, asked Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Mark Pro for an update on an April 14 shooting at a prom party in Adel that left one man dead. Officials said earlier they believe the incident was gang-related.

“People are reluctant to talk,” Pro said. “More than 100 people were there, and even after an appeal for help, there has been no information from the community.”

Dick Perryman, Alapaha District attorney, said his office has little experience with prosecuting gang members. He mentioned a drive-by shooting case in Atkinson County which he said was likely gang-related, but the suspects were only sentenced for assault and not gang charges.

“We need more training,” he said.

Sheriff Raymond Peterson of Clinch County said his county has been dealing with gangs for awhile.

“We had two or three gangs in our county, plus a shooting,” he said. Clinch no longer houses its prisoners but ships them to Coffee County, where the jail takes note of such things as tattoos and unusual marks, Peterson said.

Kemp said the creation of a database for sharing such details as tattoo designs and other identifying marks is a top priority.

Cook County schools work together with the sheriff’s office to provide school resource officers to help students, said Dr. Tim Dixon, school superintendent.

“We need more education on gangs,” he said.

Chief Alapaha Circuit Judge Howard McClain said the judiciary’s emphasis has been on giving gang members a fair trial once they’ve been arrested. 

“More has to be done to attack the problem before it gets to the courthouse,” he said.

Kemp said his gang projects aim to break up existing organizations, but agreed there needs to be more talk on pro-active prevention techniques.

David Moore, the sheriff of Atkinson County, said too many youngsters are lured into the gang life by the promise of “flashy stuff.” 

Kemp agreed, saying he’d heard gangs were targeting 5- and 6-year-olds on social media.

Toward the end of the meeting, all those who were not members of law enforcement were asked to leave as the governor received a detailed report from the FBI.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.

NOTE: This story was changed from its original posting to reflect the proper school system for Superintendent Dr. Tim Dixon.