What Is A Gang

Gang Structure

Gang Identification

Gangs and Graffiti

Gang Membership

Schools

Parents

Community

Connecticut Gang Investigators Association

Street gangs can be described as a group of persons having an informal or unusually close social relationship. They share a common collective identity, usually expressed through a gang name; typically adopt certain symbols and signs or claim control over a certain "turf"; and are deliberately involved in illegal or antisocial activities.

Leadership roles are gained by dominance of one person over other members. Gangs are usually comprised of males ranging in age from 13 to 28 years of age; however, the number of female members is rapidly increasing. Gangs are moving into middle class neighborhoods and are becoming integrated with all racial and ethnic groups.

Gang members are proud to identify themselves and will freely admit their membership, openly display tattoos, dress in a style identifying their gang or sets, throw "signs" (gestures with their hands and fingers which identify their gang or set) and often adopt nicknames that become their street identity or "moniker." Some signs of gang involvement may include:

• COLORS -- subtle or obvious one color of clothing, particular brand of sportswear, hats, shoes, shoelaces, bandannas, jewelry, haircuts, etc. In the past, gangs dressed in a basic style or color chosen by the group, but pressure from law enforcement, school officials, parents, etc., has forced change in dress styles making identification difficult, i.e. all youth who wear sports apparel are not gang members.
• GRAFFITI -- unusual signs, symbols, alphabets, and nicknames on notebooks, papers, clothing, walls, etc.
• LANGUAGE -- uncommon terms, words, names or phrases (this changes frequently).
• BEHAVIOR -- changes in behavior, poor grades, secretive friendships, or meetings to attend, etc.
• DRESS -- sagging is a fad; however, gang members and associates usually "sag" their pants about mid to below the buttocks, with the underwear showing.

Graffiti is one of the most visible signs of gang activity. It is used to mark territories, claim responsibility for violent acts, for individuals to show association and allegiance, or to "DIS" (show disrespect) rival gangs or sets. Graffiti has become a problem for all of our communities. Property values decrease in both residential and commercial areas where graffiti is displayed. Graffiti may appear on notebooks, clothing, walls, etc. As soon as you find graffiti, take pictures, call a law enforcement agency and remove as soon as possible.

There are many reasons for youth to join gangs, including: the excitement of gang activity, peer pressure, economic rewards, attention, low self-esteem, lack of identity, need to feel accepted, security or protection, companionship, lack of alternatives, neglect, lack of appropriate parental involvement, lack of meaningfully adult guidance, and little or no neighborhood involvement. Membership crosses all boundaries of age, sex, race, academic achievement and economic status.

• Identify schools as neutral ground and adopt a NO TOLERANCE policy for gang activity or behavior such as sagging, headgear, bandannas, hand signs, etc.
• Train school personnel in gang identification and handling.
• Establish policies and procedures that distinguish between misbehavior and criminal acts.
• Establish policies and procedures that reflect firm, fair and consistent treatment of all students.
• Create a mechanism for mediation of youth conflicts.
• Establish cooperative relationships with law enforcement and social service personnel servicing your school.
• Communicate suspected gang involvement and activity to administration and/or law enforcement gang units or agencies.
• Remove graffiti as soon as possible after taking pictures and notifying law enforcement gang units or agencies.
• Incorporate gang issues into classroom discussions and lessons. Include decision making, rights and responsibilities, consequences, and problem solving skills.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to help your children understand the dangers of gang involvement that can lead to a criminal record and the finality of death which is so often the result of gang violence. Encourage your children to report others who pressure them to use, deal drugs, or participate in gang activity. Intimidation and fear can preoccupy and destroy a child's ability to concentrate on school and prevent them from gaining the tools necessary for a meaningful life. Be aware of changes in your child's behavior, truancy, declining grades, friends, late hours, isolation from family activities, use of a new nickname, graffiti or tattoos, sagging pants, or outer clothing that are indicators of possible gang association.

• Don't say "it can't happen to me."
• Talk with children early and regularly about gangs, alcohol/drugs, violence, and other at-risk behavior. Set rules for these that are nonnegotiable.
• Demand accountability for friends.
• Establish clear guidelines and limits for your children's behavior and activities.
• Be aware of and do not permit gang identifiers.
• Eliminate youth access to weapons.
• Do not permit youth access to weapons.
• Do not permit youth to sponsor or attend unsupervised parties. Don't let your children dupe you into believing that "everyone else does it."
• Demand accountability for time spent.
• Meet regularly with school counselors,teachers and School Resource Officers.
• Demand accountability for money and clothes.
• Ask frequent questions whenever you're suspicious.
• Meet and greet your children's friends.
• Communicate with the parents of friends.
• Listen and communicate with your children.

Gangs attempt to instill fear. Their power grows through intimidation of rival gangs and citizens alike, and direct confrontation is best left to law enforcement agencies. However, everyone has the responsibility to work toward a solution. Here are some of the ways you can participate:

• Prevention strategies exist that are designed to educate, inform, and assist in recognizing the hazards involved with gang activity. As increased peer and financial pressure occur, today's youth are being forced to make adult decisions with adult consequences before they have the skills to make meaningful life choices. Get involved in programs that are designed to help our youth.
• As soon as a youth exhibits any gang behavior, we must take steps to prevent further association with gangs. The single most important step in intervention is prohibiting a youth's continued contact with negative influences. Once warning signs become evident, immediate intervention and counseling become necessary to prevent further participation.
• Provide information to the law enforcement gang units or agencies. Information on graffiti, gang activities, gang involvement, etc., will help our entire community to successfully combat this problem. REMEMBER: This is not a problem associated with only one area of our community, but rather impacts all of Southeastern Connecticut and the surrounding areas.
• Encourage immediate graffiti removal. If you see graffiti on private property, encourage the owners to call a law enforcement gang units or agencies., take pictures, and to remove it as soon as possible. Many neighborhood organizations will provide paint to cover graffiti.
• Call on law enforcement agencies to speak to your neighborhood associations, businesses, and other civic groups about what you can do to help.

The Connecticut Gang Investigators Association is made up of representatives from the Local,State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. They are working together throughout Connecticut and the tri-state area to address not only gang activity and involvement, but ways of preventing today's youth from becoming involved. Recognizing the negative impact of gang activity in the schools and community, the Southeastern Connecticut Gang Activities Group serves as a specialized resource team for the area by:

• Consistent and prioritized enforcement, investigation, and intervention with gang related incidents.
• Anti-gang education programs.
• Participation in area-wide efforts to reduce gang activity and identify alternatives to gangs.