Australia’s first program for former outlaw motor-cycle gang members wanting a lasting way out of gang life has been launched in Queensland.
The Exit Program launch coincided with the release of two videos revealing the truth about associating with outlaw motor-cycle gangs (OMCGs) as told by former gang members and families.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the gang members featured in the videos told how they and their families continued to live with the consequences of their choice to join a gang.
“The message they both share is: ‘You wouldn’t join a gang if you knew the truth’,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“These personal accounts expose the reality of life inside these criminal networks and the devastating impacts on families.”
She said her officers regularly saw the terrible personal outcomes for people drawn into the gangs.
“Those featured in the video chose to participate because they want to highlight to others the effect gang membership has had on their health, families and future,” Commissioner Carroll said.
She said more than 50 ex-OMCG members had participated in the research — the first Australian study to explore reasons why individuals joined and left OMCGs by speaking directly to former club members.
“What the research tells us is more than half of those interviewed joined an OMCG following a significant life event or crisis, seeking camaraderie, but were instead met with a life of violence and crime and felt like there was no way out,” the Police Commissioner said.
“For many ex-gang members, staying out of gangs and criminal activity is influenced by a range of factors and motivators, which individuals find difficult.”
She said it was these factors the Exit Program was trying to address in order to reduce gang-related crime and the harm it caused families and communities.
