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 Denial is the first and largest obstacle to overcome in dealing with the emergence of gang-related activities in a community. Once a community becomes aware of gangs and their characteristics, it can look at the members’ needs for rehabilitation, education, or documentation by law enforcement for use in the judicial system. What is a Gang? A gang is a formal or informal, ongoing organization, association or group of three or more persons who: · have a common name or common identifying signs, colors or symbols; and · have members or associates who individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal activity. A member of a gang is a person who engages in a pattern of criminal street gang activity. Gang Structure: Leadership roles are gained by dominance of one person over other members. Gangs are usually comprised of males ranging in age from 13 to 28 years; however, there are also female gang members. Gang Membership: Membership crosses all boundaries of sex, age, race, academic achievement and economic status. There are many reasons for youth to join gangs, including: · the excitement of gang activity and affiliation · peer pressure · economic rewards · attention · low self-esteem · lack of identity · a feeling of acceptance · security or protection · companionship · lack of alternatives · neglect · lack of appropriate parental involvement · lack of meaningful adult guidance · lack of neighborhood involvement · friendship or brotherhood · protection from rival gangs · a feeling of belonging or purpose Gang Identification: Gang members are proud to identify themselves and will usually admit their membership, openly display tattoos, dress in a style identifying their gang or sets, “throw signs” (gestures with their hands and fingers which identify their gang or set) and often adopt nicknames that become their street identity or moniker. During the past few years some of these identifications have become subtler. Warning Signs of Gang Involvement · Changing Friends. Does not bring friends home or does not introduce friends to parents; is vague or refuses to tell you where he/she is going and with whom. · Lack of interest in family. No longer interested in family activities, becomes rebellious and disregards household rules and curfews, becomes withdrawn from the rest of the family. · Decline in School. Interest in school and school-related activities declines, schoolwork and homework quality declines and grades fall; eventually may contemplate dropping out of school. · Changes in appearance. Adds or deletes a primary color (such as red, blue or black) in wardrobe, a particular brand of sportswear, hats, shoes, shoelaces, bandannas, jewelry, haircuts, etc. · Graffiti (tagging). Begins to practice different signs and symbols on school or personal papers; draws or paints graffiti on his/her walls or doors; has letters from foreign alphabet and symbols incorporated in those drawings; has paperwork or gang bibles in his/her room. · Newly Unexplained Wealth. · Gang Graffiti. Graffiti is one of the most visible signs of gang activity. It is used to mark territories or boundaries, to claim responsibility for violent acts, to show association and allegiance, to issue challenges, to recruit or to “DIS” (show disrespect) rival gangs or sets. · Use of a Nickname or Street Slang. Uncommon terms, words, names or phrases. · Dress. Sagging has been the fad (pants below buttocks with underwear showing), but this is ever changing. · Tattoos. Names, black monikers or symbols. Parent Awareness As a parent, it is your responsibility to help your children understand the dangers of gang involvement, which can lead to a criminal record or to death, which frequently results from gang violence. Encourage your children to report others who pressure them to use or deal drugs or to participate in gang activity. Intimidation and fear can pre-occupy and destroy a child’s ability to concentrate at school and can prevent him from gaining the tools necessary for a meaningful life. Be aware of signs of possible gang association. · Don’t say “It can’t happen in my family” · Talk with children early and regularly about gangs, sex, alcohol/drugs/tobacco, violence and other at-risk behavior. Set rules for those behaviors that are non-negotiable. · Demand accountability for friends. · Establish clear guidelines and non-negotiable limits for your child’s behavior and activities. · Be aware of and do not permit gang identifiers. · Eliminate youth access to weapons. · Do not permit your child to sponsor or attend unsupervised parties. Don’t let your child dupe you into believing that “everyone else does it.” · Demand accountability for time spent away from home. · Meet regularly with school counselors and teachers. · Demand accountability for money and clothes. · Ask frequent questions whenever you’re suspicious. · Meet and greet your child’s friends. · Communicate with the parents of your child’s friends. · Communicate with your child. Gangs attempt to instill fear in your community. Their power grows through intimidation of rival gangs and citizens alike, and direct confrontation is best left to law enforcement. However, everyone has the responsibility to work towards a solution. · Get involved in programs that are designed to help our youth. · Encourage immediate graffiti removal. · Maintain a strong liaison with your police department for continued maintenance of community policing. If you have any concerns please contact the Youth Services Officer, Youth Resource Officer, or the CHARACTER COUNTS Officer in your Police Department. Resources begin on page 136, Web Sources on 165
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