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ALBANY, GA -- "It’s not a new trend but it is a trend that gangs are getting a lot more media attention and having a lot more impact on the operation of our society," said R.D. Harter of the Dougherty County School System.

And that impact is being felt on the streets, in homes, and in schools.

Harter says gangs and gang rituals offer young people a sense of bizarre security.

"Some gangs have colors, some gangs use certain initiation practices, some gangs have signs and symbols," said Harter.

But those traditions can be dangerous and sometimes, deadly – especially when it comes to the three main methods of gang initiation.

"One is to be blessed in and that is an older, established member will give approval for the admission of the person into the gang without them having to do anything else," said Dougherty County D.A. Greg Edwards. "With girls, they may be sexed into a gang. That means they would have to have sex with the various gang members to show their commitment to the gang. The third way is to be jumped in or beaten in."

Officials with the Dougherty County School System say they recognize that juveniles are particularly vulnerable to gangs because of their overwhelming need to belong. But they’re working hard to remind students that there are other, more productive options available to them.

"There are plenty of opportunities in the school system to join good groups – the bands, the chorus, the C.T.A.E. program," said Harter.