David Laughlin
The Duncan Banner
DUNCAN —
A strong relationship with law enforcement and an educated staff are the two main deterrents to gang activity cited by Superintendent Sherry Labyer. Not that Duncan Public Schools have a strong gang presence, Labyer says. The gang presence in DPS, Labyer says, consists mostly of “wannabes.”
Labyer defines “wannabes” as individuals who wear the colors of their respective gang when they are able, individuals who display gang signs and individuals who are involved in criminal activities, all of which are very difficult to do at DPS. Labyer said her entire staff is trained to identify activity that would indicate gang involvement.
“They don’t get any opportunities to do that in our schools,” she said.
In addition to having an educated staff, Labyer credits the presence and knowledge of a resource officer as a major deterrent to any kind of gang activity.
“We know what to look for with gang signs,” she said. “Our dress code simply won’t allow saggy pants, or colors or slogans to be displayed on shirts that represent gang affiliation. We ask our teachers and our staff to be vigilant. We address issues when we see them.”
In dealing with gang activity, Labyer says vigilance is key, but understanding is the door that must be unlocked.
“A gang wannabe is someone who wants to belong,” she said. “They want to fit in somewhere, and they feel a gang is where they can belong. Wannabes don’t just come out of nowhere, they evolve. You can never let your guard down, you have to stay vigilant. If our kids can’t be safe, they can’t learn.”
For questions that arise even after sufficient training, Labyer stays in close contact with local law enforcement.
“We have a great partnership with the Duncan Police Department and the Stephens County Sheriff’s Department,” she said.
When Labyer or her staff face issues or questions that they don’t know the answer to, Labyer says a call to either DPD or the SCSD is usually in order to find an answer.
“I bet (DPD Chief) Danny (Ford) and (Stephens County Sheriff) Wayne (McKinney) regret giving me their cell phone numbers,” she said. “Those two just bend over backwards for us. Our relationship is just priceless.”
A zero tolerance method is used to deal with any kind of gang-related activity. Labyer said if any student is caught “displaying” gang signs, her staff shuts it down immediately.
“Our building principals are trained on what to look for,” she said. “Gang signs and any inappropriate gestures are addressed immediately.”
Law enforcement cooperation is paramount when rumors are made about any student.
“We just investigate the source,” she said. “We don’t jump to any conclusions. We ask a lot of questions, and law enforcement really helps us with those situations.”
— David Laughlin is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at david.laughlin@duncanbanner.com.
