COLUMBIA -- State Attorney General Henry McMaster says the gang problem in South Carolina is growing and he plans to use a new tool to fight gang activity.

McMaster said today that his office would begin using the state grand jury's drug jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute drug related gang activity.

"We have a gang problem in this state. It's growing and getting more violent," McMaster said. "While law enforcement has been vigorous in prosecuting gang crimes, it is clear that we still do not know the breadth and depth of the gang problem statewide. Therefore, it is appropriate to utilize the state's most powerful investigative tool, the state grand jury, to investigate and prosecute gang crime."

McMaster said gang members often are uncooperative or silent on drug investigations, leading to dead ends for police.

But when the grand jury is involved, gang members can be compelled to testify. If they refuse to cooperate, they can be jailed for contempt.

The state grand jury is used when regular police investigative techniques are not adequate for the case and require the state grand jury's ability to compel testimony and subpoena records, documents and evidence.

State Law Enforcement Division Chief Robert Stewart said 522 gang-related incidents were reported in South Carolina in 2003, up from 370 in 2002.

Previous Stories:

• March 6, 2001: Growth Of Gangs Troubles Law Enforcement