"STREET GANGS"

A BRIEF OVERVIEW

The following information has been compiled in an effort to educate and inform parents, school officials and the community about street gangs.

Street gang activity and the negative consequences associated with it can have a tremendous impact on our youth, their families, schools and the community in general. It is NOT just a law enforcement issue, but rather a complex community issue that can only be solved through community-wide attention, support and intervention.

The information presented here is designed to provide a basic understanding of the issue and to help parents, teachers, and others recognize the early stages of gang activity.

A street gang is any notable group of young people who are perceived as a distinct group by others. They recognize themselves as a distinct group, and prompt a negative response from the community. The group also is organized, has leadership, and is involved in the commission of criminal acts.

NOTE: Membership in a gang, in and of itself is not a crime.

There are different types of gangs, ranging from social or neighborhood gangs involved only in minor community disturbances, to delinquent gangs with more frequent police contacts, to non-traditional gangs who commit serious violent crimes.

How Do We Know There Are Gangs In The Community?

No one type of criminal activity will indicate this, however the following conditions indicate the possible existence of gangs:

Rampant graffiti on streets, curbs, buildings, schools, public parks.

Gang symbols, common types of graffiti or group colors.

Widespread vandalism.

Fighting between youth groups with increasing violence and use of weapons.

Citizen complaints of gang activity and fear to venture out into neighborhoods at night.

Youngsters commonly seen traveling in "packs', often dressed alike.

Drug use and narcotics trafficking.

Gang graffiti will begin to appear in increasing quantity within an area where a gang is active. Graffiti consists of unique symbols and cryptic writings which has specific meaning to gang members or rivals. Graffiti is not just art work-it is the billboard of the streets designed to publicize gang power and status, define territory, send messages and warn intruders. In general, any graffiti written upside down or crossed out is a threat to a rival gang or person.

Colors is the term used when referring to a gang member representing his or her membership by wearing gang logos, particular colors of clothing or particular brands of clothing worn in a specific manner. This may include hair styles, jewelry, bandannas or clothing accessories. It may include the way a person stands, walks of folds his arms or hands. The bandanna is considered the "flag" of the gang nation.

Hand Signs and Gang Slang are a means of communication. Symbols formed with the fingers, hands or body have specific meaning to the gang. Buzz words or phrases that have specific meaning to the gang may be used. These may be unique to an area, or similar to other areas, but with drastically different meanings.

Those youths who have trouble getting along in school or with parents, or who find it difficult to conform to society's norms, tend to join gangs. Certain socioeconomic conditions create a large "underclass" or "subculture" who live in areas marked by a high incidence or crime, unemployment, poverty, congested living, hopelessness, broken homes, loose family ties and boredom. Youths from such areas are at risk of becoming involved in gangs.

People join gangs to fill a void in their lives. They find in gangs what they cannot find at home, school or in the community. The Strongest incentive comes from wanting to belong.

A 1988 National School Safety Center publication, "Gangs in Schools," lists other causes:

Protection or security from "bullies" and "gang violence" which occurs in schools and neighborhoods.

Identity and status: to achieve acceptance and build self-image among peers. Gangs are ego supporting systems; they are viewed by our youth as launching pads to becoming big shots.

Activity and Excitement: the need to find relief from boredom. Gangs supply action.

Companionship: the need for closeness and a sense of belonging; to have approval and recognition. Gangs provide a sense of brotherhood, family and fellowship.

Economics: the opportunity to earn money in areas where jobs are scarce or low-paying. Gangs make money through illegal activities such as thefts, robbery and narcotics trafficking.

Sweet-talk and Muscle. Youth are often confronted by gang members in their neighborhoods or in school and asked to join the gang. Youth are told about all the good things that happen when they join, such as how they earn money, make friends, go to parties and belong to a close "family." Frequently, they just pester the youth into joining. The other extreme, gang intimidation, includes threats of bodily harm or being beaten up.

Affiliation with gangs usually does not happen overnight. Pre-gang behavior commonly begins at the elementary school age.

Although there is no fool-proof way to predict who will join a gang, some indications that a youth is headed toward gang membership are:

poor progress or achievement in school

truancy from school

lack of hobbies or leisure time activities

frequent negative contacts with police

draws gang insignias on school papers or at home

behavior problems at home

puts tattoos or brands self

"dressing down" in gang attire and jewelry

uses a nickname

purchases or wants clothing all of one color (especially blue, or red)

sudden affluence (money, clothing, car, etc.)

start to see signs of tobacco, alcohol, or drug use

While the above items are characteristic of gang involvement, some youth who join or associate with gang so not dress in the traditional gang clothes and do not exhibit conspicuous behavior that indicates gang involvement. Parents must be aware of the behavior and activities of their children. Continual monitoring of behavior and communication between parents and youth is imperative as a means to prevent gang membership.

Establish a graffiti removal campaign

Open school in the evenings to teach parenting, and behavior intervention courses

Provide recreational and employment opportunities

Establish a gang information system to monitor gang activity

Establish a community-wide educational/awareness program to deal with gang issues

Utilize experts in law enforcement to assist in gang awareness education

Establish a community gang task force and establish a school-community advisory council to plan long term strategies

Report all suspicious person / groups, activity, and vehicles to the police

Do not publish names of gangs when reporting crimes in the media

Establish or re-establish a neighborhood watch group

Report all gang graffiti, so it may be photographed and removed

Support efforts to pass ordinances that help in preventing gang activity