MyFOXChattanoogaGang Violence is City's Hottest Topic

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond recently made a strong statement against gangs.

"You've got three things we need to do here. Either got to put them in jail, send them out of town or put them in the funeral home," he told us.

Sheriff Hammond says his comment does not mean he wants gang members killed or wants officers to shoot them. He just wants law enforcement to crack down.

Going through footage of gang crimes from years passed, we found tough talk by authorities backed up by lackluster commitment and a growing number of victims. Chattanooga city council members believe they have done their part by funding the police department and other public safety issues. But now with a gang task force forming, the question is will the council give more money to anti-gang initiatives.

The newly hired Gang Task Force Coordinator, Boyd Patterson, addressed the NAACP about a potential solution to Chattanooga's gang problem.

"Not just drop the hammer on the gangs who don't get the message, but cut off the pipeline of kids going to gangs and if we continue with this sense of community then I think we have a chance to make a real difference," said Boyd.

Dozens of people packed the Glennwood Rec Center to hear Patterson present the comprehensive gang model. He says the goal is to identify the problem in hopes of ending gangs and violence here. Patterson plans to speak with former gang members and hit the streets.