Serious juvenile crime is up in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. - Juvenile Judge Edmond Naman is concerned. Serious juvenile crime in the Mobile area is rising. "Our serious crimes, our murders, our robberies are up, and they are significantly up from just 2, 3 or 4 years ago," explained Judge Naman.

Judge Naman said last year, 7 murders, and 31 robberies were committed by juveniles in Mobile. This year there have already been 6 murders, and 21 first-degree robberies. Judge Naman said all of those crimes were committed by kids, 15-years-old and younger.

"These young people that are charged with murder and robberies, there are some significant indicators of problems there, and they are not getting what they need," said Judge Naman.

He feels that children who are ignored, and who don't have a protective force around them, are more likely to commit crimes. He thinks parents should always know what's going on in their children's lives.

"Know who your child is hanging around with, know what they're doing in the house, know what's inside their room, check, snoop, be a parent. That is probably the most important , and to do your job, your number one job as a parent, is to see that their needs are taken care of, if they have mental health needs, you go and take care of those things. If they're doing poorly in school, find out what the problem is and try to address it...most of the murderers and most of the robbers we see, there is no parental involvement in these children's lives," said Judge Naman.

Judge Naman said he will not say that there are local chapters of national gangs in Mobile, but he did say that children who are left alone, and ignored, will find something to occupy their time.

"You can call it what you want, but we do have groups of individuals together that are causing a lot of problems," said Judge Naman.

Judge Naman says almost all serious crimes committed by minors start as the child being arrested for possesion of a gun. He says the child is usually later arrested for robbery, and down the line, murder. He says the punishment will soon be much more harsh for minors carrying guns.

In the meantime, Judge Naman says drug crimes, and minor in possession of alcohol cases have gone down.