Crime Prevention Part IICrime Prevention Part II
Identifying & addressing Identifying & addressing
GANG PROBLEMS GANG PROBLEMS
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Institute for Criminal Justice StudiesInstitute for Criminal Justice Studies
ObjectivesObjectives• Look at a definition of a gang
• Look at prevention and intervention strategies
• Learn several indicators and risk factors of gangs in your community
• Explore tips of what can be done by parents, schools, and neighbors to
prevent gang activity
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What is a Gang?What is a Gang?There is no nationally accepted
definition, but most agree on the following elements:
A group of three or more people
These people share a common identifying sign, symbol, or name
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What is a Gang?What is a Gang? Gang members individually or collectively engage in an ongoing pattern of criminal or delinquent activity
They are often between 12 and 24
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Texas Law – Street GangTexas Law – Street Gang
Penal Code 71.01 (Definitions)
(d) "Criminal street gang" means three or more persons having a common identifying sign or symbol or an identifiable leadership who continuously or regularly associate in the commission of criminal activities.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Crime and Gang InvolvementCrime and Gang InvolvementSerious and Chronic Offenders
Gang LeadersIllegal Gun and Drug Suppliers
Other Active Gang Members and Associates
Children and Adolescents atHigh Risk for Gang Involvement
General Population of Youth and FamiliesLiving in High Risk Areas
Share of Illegal
Activity
Relative Share of Population
Other Active Gang Members & Associates
Children & Adolescents atHigh Risk for Gang Involvement
General Population of Youth & Families
Living in High Risk Areas©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Types of GangsTypes of GangsTraditional gangsTraditional gangs
Business/profit gangsBusiness/profit gangs
White hate gangsWhite hate gangs
Copy-cat gangsCopy-cat gangs
Delinquent social gangsDelinquent social gangs©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Conditions that Enable Gangs To Conditions that Enable Gangs To GrowGrow
Socializing agents are ineffective – “misfits”
Abundance of free and unstructured time
Limited exposure and access to good jobs and careers
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Conditions that Enable Gangs To Conditions that Enable Gangs To GrowGrow
A place to congregate, a well-A place to congregate, a well-defined neighborhooddefined neighborhood
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Are our children at risk of joining Are our children at risk of joining a gang?a gang?
Do we have a GANG problem?Do we have a GANG problem?
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Indicators of Possible Gang Indicators of Possible Gang InvolvementInvolvement
Purchasing or desire to buy or wear clothing of all one wear clothing of all one color or stylecolor or style
Changing appearance with special haircuts, eyebrow markings, or tattoostattoos
Using hand signs
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Indicators of Possible Gang Indicators of Possible Gang Involvement (cont.)Involvement (cont.)Gang graffiti on folders, desks, walls, and buildings
Developing a bad attitude towards family, school, and authorities
Staying out later than usual
Carrying weapons©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Indicators of Possible Gang Indicators of Possible Gang Involvement (cont.)Involvement (cont.)
Withdrawing from family activities
Changing friends; spending time with undesirable people
Having more money or possessions
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Hand signs are used to Hand signs are used to show allegiance to a show allegiance to a
specific gang.specific gang.©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
GANG – hand signsGANG – hand signs
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Some gangs also use symbols to identity their gang. This gang is called “Mara Salvatrucha,” clique-Centrales
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
“Mi Vida Loca”-
My Crazy Life
Tear Drop
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Is All Graffiti Gang Graffiti?Is All Graffiti Gang Graffiti?
No, some graffiti is tagger graffiti.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What is Tagger Graffiti?What is Tagger Graffiti?
It is usually more artistic.©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What Can We Learn From What Can We Learn From Graffiti?Graffiti?
Gangs may use graffiti to claim Gangs may use graffiti to claim a particular area as their turf.a particular area as their turf.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Graffiti may show what gangs are fighting, arguing, or “beefing.”
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Graffiti may present the gang roll call.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Why Individuals Join GangsWhy Individuals Join Gangs
Fun and excitement
Identity and sense of belonging
Peer pressure
Financial gain/drugs
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Why Individuals Join GangsWhy Individuals Join Gangs
Protection
A family tradition
A failure to understand what being in a gang means
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Who Joins Gangs?Who Joins Gangs?
Recruits generally range in age from 12 to 24 years
Most members are boys, but 10 percent of all gang members are girls
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Who Joins Gangs?Who Joins Gangs?All ethnic groups and income levels are represented, and gangs are found in all parts of the country
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of gang involvement
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Associated Risk FactorsAssociated Risk FactorsLiving in an area with a high
level of gang activity, drug/alcohol use, available firearmsLack of a positive support
system at homeViolence against family membersExposure to TV shows, movies,
and/or music that glorifies violence
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Associated Risk Factors (cont.)Associated Risk Factors (cont.)Lack of alternative activities, such as community youth programs
Lack of positive role modelspositive role models
Low self-esteemLow self-esteem and/or a sense of hopelessness about the future
Poor decision-makingPoor decision-making and communication skillscommunication skills
Too much unsupervised free unsupervised free timetime
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Associated Risk Factors (cont.)Associated Risk Factors (cont.)Poor school achievementProblematic child-parent relationship
Lack of respect for Lack of respect for authorityauthority (parents, teachers, law enforcement officers)Family members who are or were gang members
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Responding to a Gang ProblemResponding to a Gang Problem
Prevention Primary
SecondaryInterventionIntervention
SuppressionSuppression
ReentryReentry
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
TIPSTIPS
What Parents What Parents Can DoCan Do
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
NOT THE ANSWER!NOT THE ANSWER!©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What Parents Can Do?What Parents Can Do?Be a positive role model.
Do everything possible to involve your children in supervised, positive group activities.
PraisePraise your children for doing well and encourage them to do their very best.
Get to knowknow your children’s friends and their parents.
What Parents Can Do (cont.)What Parents Can Do (cont.)
Set limitsSet limits for your children, and enforce them.
Do not allow your children to dress in gang-style dress in gang-style clothingclothing, to practice gang hand signs, or to write gang graffiti on any surface, including their bodies.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What Parents Can Do (cont.)What Parents Can Do (cont.)Know where your children are at all times, and schedule activities to occupy their free time.
Get involved in your children’s education, and encourage them to stay in school. Be active in the PTA.
Teach your children to set positive goals, to hold high standards, and to prepare for a positive future.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What Parents Can Do (cont.)What Parents Can Do (cont.)
Explain to your children that only a very small percentage of youth join gangs.Help your children to understand the natural consequences of being involved in a gang.The more connected a child is with family, school, community, and positive activities, the less likely he or she will be attracted to gangs.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What Parents Can Do (cont.)What Parents Can Do (cont.)
The more connected a child is with;
Family
School
Community
Other positive activities, the less likely he or she will be attracted to gangs.©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
WHAT CAN SCHOOLS DO?WHAT CAN SCHOOLS DO?
RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What Schools Can DoWhat Schools Can DoIdentify at-risk students and students who are already gang members.
Encourage them to participate inSportsDrama & ArtMusicJROTC, & other positive activities
Increase their confidence & Increase their confidence & sense of belongingsense of belonging
What Schools Can DoWhat Schools Can DoDon’t allow anyone to:Don’t allow anyone to:–wear gang clothing–Paraphernalia or other items
(Jewelry) associated with gang activity at school;
–don’t permit gang hand signals.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What Schools Can DoWhat Schools Can DoPhotograph and remove all Photograph and remove all graffiti from the school graffiti from the school grounds and property.grounds and property.
Promote afterschool Promote afterschool programs that address the programs that address the prevention of violence.prevention of violence.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What Neighbors Can Do?What Neighbors Can Do?
Get to know your neighbors and their children.
Communicate.
Maintain a standard for your neighborhood’s appearance that tells gangs that they are not welcome.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
What Neighbors Can DoWhat Neighbors Can DoWork with your local law enforcement agency to develop a community strategy against gangs.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Getting Out of a GangGetting Out of a Gang
Speak to a counselorcounselor, police officerofficer, clergyclergy, or other professionals about ways youth can create create distance between distance between themselves and the gangthemselves and the gang.
RelocateRelocate.
Get information about tattoo removal programs.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Getting Out of a GangGetting Out of a Gang
Getting out is not an Getting out is not an easy task; retaliation, easy task; retaliation, reprisals and general reprisals and general “FEAR”, but it can be “FEAR”, but it can be done.done.
Rescue: Law Rescue: Law Enforcement & the Enforcement & the community needs to be community needs to be prepared and ready to prepared and ready to helphelp.
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Notable QuotesNotable Quotes“Knowing gang life was so
surrounded by death, I don’t know how anyone could WANT to get into a gang.” Miss Moni, former gang member
“The way out is not by guns and violence. It is by using [your] minds. Educate yourself.”
EZ-T, former gang member
Quotes taken from Gangstyles; Quotes taken from Gangstyles; www.streetgangstyle.comwww.streetgangstyle.com
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
©TCLEOSE Course #2101 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part I is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
DEFINE & PROCESSDEFINE & PROCESS• Define a gang
• Explain some recommended prevention and intervention strategies
• Explain some gang indicators and risk factors of gangs in your community
• Explain some tips of what can be done by parents, schools, and neighbors to
prevent gang activity
Gang Program ResourcesGang Program ResourcesNational Youth Gang Center WebsiteNational Youth Gang Center Website www.iir.com/nygcwww.iir.com/nygc
OJJDP Summary: Youth Gang Programs and Strategies (Howell, 2000) www.iir.com/nygc/PublicationLinks.htm#YGPIwww.iir.com/nygc/PublicationLinks.htm#YGPI
Addressing Community Gang Problems: A Practical Guide (BJA, 1998) www.iir.com/nygc/PublicationLinks.htm#CAYGwww.iir.com/nygc/PublicationLinks.htm#CAYG
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
Gang Program ResourcesGang Program Resources (cont.)
G.R.E.A.T Programs www.great-online.orgwww.great-online.org
National Crime Prevention Council: Teens, Crime, and the Community
www.ncpc.org/tccwww.ncpc.org/tcc
National Youth Gang Center
www.irr.com/nygcwww.irr.com/nygc
Latin American Youth Center www.layc-dc.orgwww.layc-dc.org
National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
www.safeyou.orgwww.safeyou.org
Center for Safe Communities & Schools – Texas School Texas School Safety CenterSafety Center – San Marcos
www.cscs.txstate.edu www.cscs.txstate.edu
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Curriculum Part II is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
National Crime Prevention Council
1000 Connecticut Avenue, NWThirteenth Floor
Washington, DC 20036202-466-6272
202-296-1356 (fax)www.ncpc.org
Used with permission from the Bureau of Justice AssistanceSeptember 2006
Contact InformationContact Information
INSTITUTE for CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES350 N. Guadalupe, Suite 140, PMB 164
San Marcos, Texas 78666.
512-245-6232 www.criminaljusticestudies.com
©TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Part II Curriculum is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)TCLEOSE Course #2102 Crime Prevention Part II Curriculum is the intellectual property of ICJS (2009)
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