Mineola, NY-It was a view into another world, where secret codes, colorful bandanas and beads or hand signals could mean the difference between life and a death. It's a place where an initiation into a club might include cutting or killing another human being and where violence is something that bonds people together. It is the world of gang members and their culture, a problem that continues to grow at an alarming rate in the suburbs of Long Island.

This week Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) gave county officials and community leaders a first hand look into the world of gangs and gang violence when he hosted a talk led by Secure Person Inc., a security consulting company run by former New York City Corrections Officers.

"The gang problem affects a cross section of children throughout Long Island, from Sands Point to Long Beach," said Legislator Abrahams. "No one can afford to be in denial concerning gang involvement. That is why seminars such as this are so important."

The intensive gang awareness program gave attendees a raw view of gang behavior and culture and addressed specific information pertaining to gang identifiers, gang initiations practices, and backgrounds on well-known street gangs.

"I believe we can solve the problem of gangs in our communities if we all do our part," said Legislator Abrahams. "We must replace our children's fascination with the gang culture with something else to constructively occupy their time. We must build a circle of hope around our young people."

Guest speakers included Eric Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Secure Person, Inc., Herman Pyatt, Retired Captain of the New York City Corrections Department and other members of the Secure Person, Inc. staff.