WHAT A COMMUNITY CAN DO

GANG ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS

Street gang membership encompasses all races from most socioeconomic levels and is not limited to larger cities. Street gangs have national scope and many gangs are localized imitations of larger cities. 

  Understanding of street gangs is vital to curbing recruitment. A street gang is a group or association of three or more people who may have a common identifying sign, symbol or name, and who individually or collectively engage in, or have engaged in, criminal activity, or as a juvenile commits an act that if committed by an adult would be a criminal act. A gang related incident is when an incident occurs where the participants, suspects or victims, are identified as gang members or affiliates, or when the conduct is consistent with street gang activity.

 Active prevention is now required virtually from the start of a child’s entry into the school system.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

Ÿ  Don’t ignore your suspicions, talk to your child

Ÿ  Watch for some of the signs, such as clothing, truancy, poor progress in school, or frequent negative contacts with police.

Ÿ  Listen to conversations your child has with friends or new acquaintances.

Ÿ  Check your child’s room periodically for signs and symbols.

Ÿ  Talk to your child’s teacher about your suspicions.

Ÿ  Divert your child’s attention away from friends unknown to you and into other activities.

Ÿ  Ask for help from the many community agencies.

Ÿ  Call the police, they will respond to your questions, and if desired will talk with you and your child about gangs.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Ÿ  Report all crimes and gang activity to the police.

Ÿ  Identify any suspects to the police, as well as street names. Remember that all information can be kept confidential.

Ÿ  Remember that the police can not do it alone, they need the help of the community. You can start or participate in community or neighborhood crime watches. Volunteer for youth-based groups like “Big Brothers” and “Big Sisters” or the YMCA providing positive mentoring for troubled youths.

WHAT SCHOOL OFFICIALS CAN DO

   Teachers, teacher’s aides, counselors, administrators, and coaches can help to identify gang members or those at risk by:

Ÿ  Monitor known gang members.

Ÿ  Monitor associates who are commonly seen with gang members.

Ÿ  Discourage those at risk, especially in elementary and middle schools.

Ÿ  Recognize the signs and symbols of gang activity.

Ÿ  Work with students and staff to discourage gang involvement or activity.

Ÿ  Make sure gang activity as well as drugs, alcohol, weapons etc. are included in a zero-tolerance program in the schools.

Ÿ  Have special arrangements with local community colleges where youths can be provided with remedial English and math courses. SAT and GED preparation programs to set students on the right track academically and give them hope for the future.

Ÿ  Have after school sports programs including additional programs in conflict resolution, self-discipline, team-building and intercultural understanding. Make sure the zero-tolerance policy is in effect for all school functions.

   Your community has a variety of ways in which to address gang activity:

Ÿ  Start intervention programs offering counseling, parenting classes, tutoring, educational trips, and high school and college courses.

Ÿ  Set up an interagency gang task force-uniting schools, police departments, health department and other similar agencies to help identify gang involved youth and prevent the cycle of youth violence.

Ÿ  Start a youth consortium-a partnership of youth serving organizations that meet once a month to network, plan and implement programs that address the specific needs of youths.

Ÿ  Support Arts/Theater programs

Ÿ  Start a youth directed group that addresses alcohol, drug-abuse, physical abuse, gang activity and dysfunctional families.

    Good parenting is the first step in preventing gang activities. Being involved in all aspects of your child’s life and being a good mentor or role model will inspire them to do well in everything they do. Participating in your community by organizing or helping with community clean-ups, painting over graffiti, and helping those less fortunate with programs that renovate, paint or repair older houses for low income families. Provide education and community enrichment activities for low-income families. Show people in your community that gang activity will not be tolerated.