Street Gangs: A Guide To Community Awareness
INTRODUCTION
This information is to help parents determine if their child is either at risk
in becoming associated with or is involved in gang activity. Indicators of gang
association outlined in this brochure may generally fit a variety of youths. If
parents observe more than one indicator, they should talk to their child about
their concerns.
WHAT IS A GANG?
A gang is a group of three or more people who associate together, have a common
identity and engage in criminal or delinquent activity. The gang may use a name,
color, clothing style, tattoos, or other items to identify themselves. A gang
may or may not claim control over a certain territory in the community.
WHY PEOPLE JOIN ...
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be aware of behavior changes in their children. Such changes
include; a decline in grades, truancy, graffiti in the youth's room, on school
folders or on clothes, wearing of certain style or color of clothes, breaking of
curfew, change in friends, drug and/or alcohol use, or possession of money or
items that a parent cannot explain. Involvement of your child with a group of
their friends in delinquent or criminal behavior may be another sign. Some gang
members devise hand signals to communicate with other gang members. Use of such
signals should alert parents to possible gang association.
GANG PARAPHERNALIA
CLOTHING:
Style shows the group that youths associate with. The particular color, type of
clothing, shoes, hats, or the way the clothing is worn can be a warning sign.
Look for the symbols, messages, graffiti or gang names written or embroidered on
jacket, pants, shoes or baseball caps.
COLORS:
Various colors may be signs of gang association. Red may be used to ...
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may show your child singularly displaying these
indicators.
WEAPONS:
Parents and the community should be aware that youths involved with gangs
commonly carry weapons. The weapons may be baseball bats, tire irons, spiked
wrist bands, a pipe, "martial arts" weapons, knives, "look alike" pellet guns,
and guns. These types of weapons have been seized from youths involved in gangs
in this county.
HOW GANGS FUNCTION
Gangs thrive on intimidation and publicity. Violence is common in gangs and is
used to maintain its status. Gangs depend on both individual and group
participation. An individual will be pressured by others in the gang to maintain
their status.
Legitimate groups elect a ...
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Street Gangs: A Guide To Community Awareness. (2006, November 17). Retrieved April 18, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Street-Gangs-A-Guide-Community-Awareness/55743
"Street Gangs: A Guide To Community Awareness." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 17 Nov. 2006. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Street-Gangs-A-Guide-Community-Awareness/55743>
"Street Gangs: A Guide To Community Awareness." Essayworld.com. November 17, 2006. Accessed April 18, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Street-Gangs-A-Guide-Community-Awareness/55743.
"Street Gangs: A Guide To Community Awareness." Essayworld.com. November 17, 2006. Accessed April 18, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Street-Gangs-A-Guide-Community-Awareness/55743.
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