Child Safety

Gang Activity

Gangs bring fear and violence to neighborhoods, traffic drugs, destroy property and drive out businesses.  Gangs can draw young people away from school and into a life of crime and violence.  Visit the National Youth Gang Center for more information.

In its most rudimentary form, a gang is a group of individuals, either juvenile or adult, who associate on a continuous basis, have a common purpose, and are involved in delinquent or criminal activity.

About gangs

• They can be organized around race or ethnic group, money-making activities, or territory.
• Most gang members are male, but that is changing rapidly;  kids as young as 8 are susceptible.
• Young people give various reasons for joining gangs.  Among the most common are the feeling of belonging they get with a group, protection, to earn money, for excitement, and to be with friends.  For some, it becomes their family.
• Gangs signal their existence and solidarity through clothing and head coverings, a special vocabulary, tattoos, hand signs, an tagging their territory with graffiti.
• "Gangsta" rap paints a picture of daily gang activity.  The lyrics glorify violence, abuse of women and disrespect for authority, especially the police.  Its popularity among the young has helped spread the culture of gangs, cutting across class, economic, racial and geographic lines.

Signs that your child might be in a gang

• Changes in types of friends
• Changes in dress habits, such as wearing the same color combination most of the time
• Gang symbols on books or clothing
• Tattoos
• Secrecy about activities
• Extra cash from unknown sources
• Carrying a weapon
• Declining interest in school and family
• Being arrested or detained by police

Ensuring your child doesn't need a gang

• Talk with and listen to your child.  If you don't, a gang member will in order to gain their confidence and build trust.
• Supervise your children's activities.  Help them get involved in athletics and other activities that interest them.
• Know about your child's friends and their friends' families.
• Put a high value on education and help your child to set goals and do his or her best in school.  Do everything possible to prevent them from dropping out.
• Talk about your values and why you think gangs are dangerous.  Discuss the violence, drug dealing and the likelihood of being arrested or imprisoned.
• Don't forget to listen.