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Gang Information

 

What is a gang?

Gangs are usually formed according to ethnic, racial or economic reasons. Traditional youth gangs structured along ethnic lines include Black, Hispanic, Asian (e.g., Laotian, Mein), Pacific Islander (e.g., Tongan, Filipino), and White (e.g., Skinheads, White Pride) gangs.

Criminal street gangs are three or more people who form an allegiance for a common purpose and engage in violent, unlawful, or criminal activity. A gang may or may not claim control over a certain territory in the community.

 

How Gangs Function

Gangs thrive on intimidation and notoriety. They often find violence glamorous and a necessity to maintain individual and gang status. Like most groups, street gangs depend upon both individual and group participation. Unlike legitimate groups or organizations, street gangs generally do not have an identified leader. The person who is the toughest, has the weapons, or has the most money may rise as the leader. This status is generally short-lived.

Factors Contributing to Gang Affiliation

Some factors include (but are not limited to):

Ineffective parenting. Evidence of parental abuse or neglect. Associates with others with similar social & personal problems. Experimentation with drugs and/or alcohol.

Poor academic achievement and early anti-social behavior. Display of low self-esteem. History of family gang involvement.

Signs of Gang Involvement

This list is a guide. Some items may not be signs of involvement on their own.

Change in behavior and lifestyle. Drug or alcohol use. Decline in grades. Truancy. Change of friends. Keeping late hours. Having unexplainably large sums of money or expensive items

Gang graffiti in their bedroom or on their things. Wearing gang clothing or colors (e.g., blue or red). Using hand signals to communicate with peers. Having photos showing gang names, slogans, insignia, or activities. Gang tattoos or insignias. Disclosure of gang membership.

 

 

Steps to Discourage Gang Activity

Prevent your child from associating with gang (or suspected gang) members. Know your child's friends. Occupy or supervise your child's free time in a constructive manner. Develop and maintain good communication with your child. Spend time with your child.

Do not allow your child to wear gang-style clothing or colors. Set limits for your child. Do not allow your child to write gang names or slogans. Teach your child respect for others. Learn about local gang activity. Be an informed & involved parent.

Links to Gang-Prevention Websites

California Gang Investigator's Association	The Coroner's Report
The Federal Gang Violence Act	Gang Expert & Consultant Lisa Taylor-Austin, MS Ed.
Gangs, A Bibliography	Gangs OR Us