Gang Information Resource Guide For Parents & Teachers A Gang by Definition Any group of people who engage in socially disruptive or criminal behavior. They are usually territorial, often but not always of the same gender, and operate by creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in a community. The gang may choose a name, logo, specific color, or, method of dress used for purposes of identification for their own members and their counterparts. They will have some form of leadership and a method of operation and recruitment. Schools have become a breeding ground for gangs and this can have a tremendous negative impact on the learning environment. They should be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly. Understanding Gangs: Facts and Information Gangs and How They Work: Gangs first emerged in the United States in the late 1960's. The West Coast gang movement started in Compton, California, between two rival high schools which sported school colors of blue and red. These groups adopted the names "Crips" and "Bloods." The Bloods wore the color red to denote their gang affiliation and the Crips wore the color blue. They operated on the premise of threats, intimidation, and extortion. Their criminal activity began by taking lunch money from other students. As these gangs grew in size, they began competing for the same sources of revenue and territory, and it wasn't long before violence erupted. Guns soon became the weapons of choice because fights were not always fair and evenly matched. Curtis High School has had members of both the "Bloods" (Eastside Bloods) and the "Crips" (26th Street Crips, Rolling 40s Crips, and 206 West Side Crips) in attendance over the past few years but a Zero Tolerance Gang Policy has virtually eliminated their active participation on campus. This Zero Tolerance Gang Policy has allowed the school to eliminate undesirable gang behaviors from the campus and insure the safety of the staff and student body. While it is not against the law to be a gang member it is against school district policy to express intimidating gang behaviors on school district grounds. Students who profess to be gang members or those who are identified by school authorities through their behaviors as gang members are asked to sign a gang contract which specifies acceptable and unacceptable school behavior. Those found to be in violation of this contract are placed on a long- term suspension for their contract violations Other gangs also emerged with their roots grounded in the prison system. Most noteworthy of these where Black Gangster Disciples, which started in the Chicago prison systems and competed for the drug market. They have now moved out of the penal system and have spread rapidly to all factions of society. Locally we recognize these as B.G.D.'s or G.D.N.'s. G.D.N. stands for Gangster Disciple Nation, and they dropped the word black from their name so that they could recruit membership from all races. They believe in a system of hierarchy under their self-appointed leader, King David, or David Barksdale, a prisoner who founded the group. They operate on some ver y strict principles which have been included in this resource guide. G.D.N. symbols are often a six-pointed star (the Star of David) after their leader, King David. They are very active in the community and the schools. The High School has cracked down on their activities so they have tended to recruit at the lower grade levels in the community. Hispanic gangs are also located in this area and should be taken just as seriously as other gangs. "M.P". Is a gang which is showing activity in the area and stands for Mexican Posse. At Curtis High School we have seen signs of their graffiti on our cam pus and on students book covers. Graffiti may be words like VATOS LOCOS (Crazy Mexican), Serenos XIII and Nortenos XIV. This stands for North and South neighborhoods in California. These gangs are very territorial and usually are actively involved with narcotics and drug trafficking. Asian cultures are not immune to gang activity either but are much more difficult to track. They are usually more sophisticated and very secretive. They have very strict codes of honor and silence and operate on strong profit motives. Often language and cultural differences pose a problem when trying to understand and identify these gangs and their members. The white race is also involved in gang activities and has locally recognized groups such as "Skin Heads" and "Bad Boy Club." These gangs also participate in illegal activities and crimes against people; usually of other races. White supremacy is the basis for their belief. They roam in groups intimidating people of different ethnic origins. This group is very violent and responsible for hate crimes against other races. They often shave their heads and can be distinguished by their dress which is predominately paramilitary with heavy black boots and often white tee shirts. What do gangs have to offer that is currently not provided by society? That is the million-dollar question and one worth understanding. When you sit down and really talk to gang members, they invariably answer "RESPECT"; in fact if you "DIS" someone (show disrespect) in their mind, it could be enough of a reason to kill you. It must be understood that these are not all bad kids; they have just acquired a different set of societal values than we a re used to, often without much forethought or understanding. They do not realize that RESPECT must be earned and not taken through violence and intimidation. Earned respect lasts forever and respect taken by intimidation and harassment can be lost in a second, with a single bullet. Gangs offer their members a sense of family often missing in a "wana-be" gang member’s life. They tend to provide a sense of belonging and security for those youth who are feeling disenfranchised by blood relatives, schools, peer groups, and society. Youth who join gangs often do not realize that some day there will come a time to pay for what the gang has provided them. The payback almost always involves some form of criminal activity. Gangs operate in secrecy with codes of honor and pledges. They often involve initiations, which are usually in the form of a severe beating. This is often called being "put on" or "jumping in." They recruit new membership in our schools and neighborhood s and attract members by offerings of comradeship, security, wealth, power and respect. Potential members are courted in and often have no idea what they are getting in to. Once "jumped in" they are often required to participate in criminal activities and soon it is a regular part of gang life. Gangs do not allow dissension in the ranks, and there is no easy way to get out once you're in. Gang members have related that "you get out when you get dead." You can also get "put out" just like you get "put on" which again usually entails a severe beating- not a favorable option. Gang membership is often a lifetime commitment. Gangster Disciple Nation's 17 concepts: (Taken from a known gang member) 1.Silence and Secrecy No member shall give any information or discuss any matters that concern another member or the function of the organization to any individual that is not a standing member of our nation. 2.Drugs No member shall consume or inject any drug that is addictive, crack, cocaine, etc. Anyone caught violating must be reported. 3.Stealing No member shall steal from any person, business, or residence in the community. 4.Respect No member shall be disrespectful to any member or anyone. Being disrespectful to others entices others to be disrespectful to you, which leads to silly and unnecessary confrontations. Always be respectful, honorable, dignified, loyal, and thoughtful. 5.Breaking and Entering No member shall break in or enter any building, business, or residence in the community. Making moves that will bring undue pressure to others is prohibited. 6.Gambling No members shall gamble in any game or make any bets unless all parties have their money up front. 7.Police No member shall engage in any unnecessary confrontations with any officers or anyone in the community. 8.Sportsmanship No member shall engage in any heated arguments or fights while participating in any sport or game, good sportsmanship is to be used at all times. 9.Personal Hygiene All members must look presentable at all times and living quarters must be kept clean. 10.Littering No member shall litter at any building, streets, or parks in the community. Trash receptacles must be used at all times. 11.Incidents All incidents, minor or major, that concerns the health and well being of any member of the community must be reported to your superior. 12.Aid and Assist All members shall aid and assist one another in all righteous endeavors. 13.Exploiting No member shall use higher membership, staff, or office to exploit funds or favors from any member or anyone in the community. 14.Bill of Rights All members are required to read and become familiar with chapter 38, criminal law and procedure, the Illinois Constitution and the United States Constitution. 15.Rape No member shall use threat or force to make anyone engage in any sex acts, nor participate in or condone acts of rape in the community. 16.Schools All members who are in school are required to attend on a regular basis and sufficient grades must be maintained at all times. 17.Literacy All members are required to be able to read and write at least on an eighth grade level. Those who do not have their G.E.D. are encouraged to obtain them and seek higher levels of education. GANGS By Joan Gaustad Although youth gangs have existed in the cities of the United States almost as long as the nation itself. trends during the last two decades have alarmed school and community officials. Gangs, now more violent than ever, are spreading to new locations. Warns Clarence Terhune, director of the California Youth Authority, "the problem can erupt anywhere at almost any time" (Kay McKinney 1988). What Is a Gang? Gangs vary tremendously in composition and activities. Irving Spergel (1989) suggests the following working definition: "juvenile and young adults associating together for serious, especially violent, criminal behavior with special concerns for 'turf'." Turf can signify the control of a physical territory, a criminal enterprise, or both. Defense of turf can lead to extreme violence. As Captain Raymond Gott of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office says, simply "wearing the wrong color in a certain neighborhood can get you killed" (McKinney). Turf lines are normally drawn in the neighborhoods, but gang rivalries also have a devastating impact on schools. Often, even non-gang members begin bringing weapons to school for "protection" from robberies and gang violence (Cindy Tursman 1989). Asian, black, Hispanic, white and interracial gangs exist, ranging in size from a few members to thousands. Age’s range from preteen to adult, but the average age is dropping from 15 in 1984, to 13 1/2 in 1987 (McKinney). The vast majority of gang members are male (Spergel). Most gang members advertise their membership by distinctive dress and behaviors, including handkerchiefs and shoelaces of specific colors, jewelry, tattoos, jargon, and hand gestures. They mark their territory and challenge other gangs with spray-painted graffiti or gang symbols. The National School Safety Center (NSSC 1988) provides an excellent summary of the characteristics of different types of gangs. Why Do Gangs Form? According to Larry Rawles, deputy director of Philadelphia's Crisis Intervention Network, gang membership offers kids status, acceptance, and self-esteem they haven't found elsewhere (Del Stover 1986). In poorer communities, a breakdown of family and community structures may leave kids more receptive to gang recruitment. However, gangs c an also form in affluent areas among kids who feel alienated from friends and families (Stover). Financial gain is a powerful motive for gang involvement, especially for impoverished youths with poor education and lack of access to decent jobs (McKinney). The vast sums of money available through the drug trade have increased the size of gangs, both by recruitment and by longer retention of members. Usually only a few adult gang members make large sums of money. Aware that courts treat juveniles far more leniently than adults, they shield themselves by using juvenile gang members as everything from lookouts to gang hit men (NSSC). Drug trafficking makes traditional turf battles bloodier by providing the money for sophisticated weaponry, and it creates new l sources of conflict as rival gangs fight over lucrative drug territories (McKinney). Where Are Gangs a Problem and How Do They Spread? Gangs continue to be active in large cities where they have been long established. and they are spreading to suburbs and smaller cities. Pressure by police and rivals and the lure of higher drug profits push gangs to seek new territories (Dan Bryant 1989). Meanwhile, in many midsize communities factory closings and business failures create unemployment and poverty, "conditions conducive to gang activity" (Tursman). In some cities, like Chicago and Philadelphia, gang activity is actually stabilizing or declining as their gangs move into other cities like Detroit and Milwaukee (Tursman). Gangs flourish in Los Angeles, the current "gang capital of the U.S.," in spite of increased community and police efforts, and have spread like cancer to surrounding communities (Stover). The Drug Enforcement Agency has confirmed the presence of members of Los Angeles gangs in forty-nine other cities across the nation. Chris Baca, director of Albuquerque's Youth Development, Inc., warns other midsize cities to react quickly; by the time Albuquerque acknowledged it had a problem, gangs with Los Angeles origins were firmly established (McKinney). School officials in Eugene, Oregon aware of the dramatic increase in gang activity in nearby Portland, recently made a unique attempt to block its spread to their own community. On October 2, 1989, eighteen-year old Robbie Robinson, accompanied by two friends wearing gang colors, enrolled at South Eugene High School. Administrators contacted Jefferson High School in Portland, Robinson's previous high school, and learned he had ant extensive record of gang activity and had been barred from finishing high school there. On Robinson's first day of attendance, a group of seven additional teens dressed in gang fashion entered and walked through the halls. One of them announced that he, too, planned to enroll. Principal Don Jackson suspended Robinson. A week later, in the first such action in the nation, the school board sought an injunction in Lane County Circuit Court to bar the student permanently from the city's schools, not on the basis of any specific actions, but because "his mere presence at the school in clothing associated with gang membership constitutes a danger to the health and safety of students" (Jeff Wright 1989). On November 8, the injunction was granted. Some citizens expressed concern about the constitutionality of the ruling, but members of the local chapter of the NAACP and of the Community Coalition for the Prevention l of Gangs applauded the action. Said Jackson, "You don't un-gang a community. We may not be able to keep it out, but at least we have to try" (personal interview. May 7, 1 990). How Can School Officials Fight Gang Activity? Experts agree the schools must be established as neutral ground. Anything related to gang membership should be banned: weapons, violence, illegal activity, gang-identified clothing, insignia, and gestures. Staff can expect to be tested constantly by the subtle and changing forms of gang symbols. Administrators must communicate clear, consistent standards of discipline and enforce them. In a study of Ohio gang activity, Dr. Ronald Huff found that teachers who backed down in confrontations were more likely to be assaulted than teachers who were fair but firm (Bryant). The NSSC details a number of specific conflict prevention strategies. Graffiti should be painted over immediately. Not only does this signal that school property is not the Ganges, it also discourages rival gangs from responding with more graffiti, or worse, defacing their rival's symbols which can lead to retaliation and violence, Anti-gang policies of the Portland school superintendent included searching students and lockers if there were indications of drugs or weapons, and expelling and referring to juvenile court any student found to possess weapons (McKinney). Some districts split up gangs by transferring disruptive students. This may reduce friction, but Spergel warns new problems sometimes result: a gang member may be picked out if he is transferred to a school dominated by another gang (Stover). Schools may also offer alternative educational programs for gang members (Richard Arthur 1989). Districts unused to gang activity may be reluctant to acknowledge its appearance. Roberto Rivera, director of the Chicago Intervention Network, urges school boards to encourage administrators to be alert for signs of gang activity and assure them that reporting problems won't reflect adversely on them (Stover). Preventive efforts are also important. Chicago schools offer recreational alternatives to gang activity by staying open for evening extracurricular activities (Stover). The City of Paramount, California, has developed an anti-gang curriculum entitled "Alternatives to Gang Membership" (Tursman). Experts stress the importance of starting prevention programs in the early elementary grades in order to circumvent gang influence (Bryant). Spergel suggests specifically targeting "youth who give clear indication of gang involvement" as opposed to those identified as generally "at-risk." Some warning signs include evidence of child abuse, behavior and personality changes, gang-identified dress, sudden unexplained wealth, and increased substance abuse (NSSC). How Can Schools and Communities Jointly Fight Gangs? Information sharing is vital. Milwaukee School Security Chief Jerry Mourning urges schools to keep abreast of gang rivalries: "You need to know what's happening in the community. What happens over the weekend, we handle on Monday mornings" (Stover). In Chicago, the school board receives monthly reports on student assaults from each school to give them an overview of citywide trends (Stover). Police expertise can benefit schools. In Chicago, police have trained 6,000 teachers to identify gang behaviors. Milwaukee school administrators and police meet periodically to exchange information on gang activities. Police can also train school staff to handle armed or violent youths (Stover). In many communities schools have joined law enforcement, judicial, and civil authorities to create coordinated anti-gang programs, such as the Philadelphia Crisis Intervention Network and the Chicago Intervention Network. School boards in Pasadena and Compton, California have invited the Los Angeles Community Youth Gang Services 'to conduct weekly seminars for fourth, fifth and sixth graders on the dangers of becoming involved with a street gang" (Stover). The NSSC lists a number of successful school and community programs, some preventive m nature. Sometimes anti-gang efforts go beyond the community. In 1985, Illinois passed legislation increasing penalties for distribution or sale of weapons and drugs within 1,000 feet of school property. New Jersey recently established similar safe-school zones (Tursman). Even comprehensive efforts may be unable to eliminate gangs. But school officials can take steps to control gang activity within their sphere, and they can make valuable contributions to reducing the problem in their communities. Graffiti - A Crime Of Vandalism Graffiti is probably the most visible of gang criminal activity. It can be seen in neighborhood parks, the backs and side walls of stores, fences, retaining walls, and any other prominent structure that is paintable. Graffiti is a crime, punishable by incarceration and/or fines. It should never be taken casually and should always be removed as soon as it appears. Graffiti is done by two different kinds of groups for two different purposes and it is important that the differences are explained. It is however important to note that the Sheriff's Department and court system will treat both groups with equal severity. The first type of graffiti is called tagging and is usually done by a tagging crew or an individual artist or "painter". M any perceive this as a form of artwork or social expression. It is usually very well done and artists sign their work with some sort of nickname. The colors are bright and "painters" use different tip sizes and types to achieve the desired effects. It should be made clear however that it is most often done without the property owner’s permission or appreciation. Cost of removal can be very expensive and the crime is often classified as a felony. Artists are usually caught because they are very proud of their work and they sign their piece. They call this throwing up a mural. Styles are very distinguishable and work is soon identified back to the "painter" The second type of tagging is called Gang Graffiti and is done for an entirely different purpose. Gang graffiti is usually done to mark territorial turf. It often displays the local gangs' name as a warning to other gangs to stay away. Sometimes tagging will take the form of a challenge to other gangs to show disrespect to them and make death threats against their members. As an example; 187 Lil Weasel, would mean that someone has threatened to kill a rival with a street name of Little Weasel. Graffiti is also used by gangs to brag about crimes they have committed or intend to commit. This type of graffiti is more territorial and therefore has the potential of being dangerous. Gang members will often use marking pens on personal items to identify themselves as well as spray paint on larger items. They are not as concerned with style as they a re with making a statement. Gang graffiti of is done in a cryptic or Old English style and is always printed. Graffiti is the Most Visible of all Gang Criminal Activity Two Types of Graffiti 1.Tagging (Tagging Crews) •Usually Social Gangs Less Violent Engage in Contests Perceived a "Artwork" Uses Same Network as Street Gangs 2.Gang Graffiti More Territorial Seen More around Turf Areas Notoriety Driven, Intimidation Brag About/Announce a Crime To Challenge/Disrespect Death Threats (187 Babyface) POTENTIAL GANG INDICATORS Baseball Caps Red or Blue Pro Team Logos Black (Raiders) Common (Neutral) Writing on Caps: #13_14," "S.O.S.," "Cuz," etc. Bandannas "Rags" Red = "Bloods" "Nortenos Scripps = "Blue" "Surenos" Shirts / Jackets Pendletons Still Popular Raider Jackets (Neutral) Jerseys with Appropriate Numbers ("13," "14") Jerseys with Appropriate Colors: Red, Blue/Nicknames Pants / Shoes Jeans (Pressed) to Khaki Work Pants, Suspenders (Retreatists, Hate Groups, skinheads) Doc Marten Boots (Retreatists), Nazi Boots Canvass Shoes (Hispanic) Brand Names Tennis Shoes British Knight Also Stands for (BK)=Blood Killers Colored Shoelaces Tattoos/Burns Mostly self-inflicted (Pins, Knives) Teardrops, Spider Webs (On Neck or Next to Thumb) Look for "Hate" on Knuckles, "Sur," "Norte," "13" or "14" Eagles on Vietnamese Gangs Cigarette Burns on Arms or Chest (Filipino) (The More Burns, the Higher The Rank) Jewelry and Other Heavy Gold Paraphernalia (Retreatists) Dark, Gold-Trimmed Sunglasses Beepers, Car Phones Plain Dark Glasses (Hispanic, Samoan, Asian) Hand Signs Hairstyle No Real Common Style Shaved Head, Cropped (Retreatists) Lines, Symbols, "13" or "14" Shaved in Hair Shaved Sides with Long Tail in Back Popular with Blacks, Hispanics, Filipino, and Some Asian WARNING SIGNS FOR PARENTS & TEACHERS Sudden Poor Academic Performance Non-Involvement With School Relatives Are/Have Been Gang Members Marks Himself/Herself with Tattoos/Burns Using a Nickname or attaching a Prefix Uses Gang Graffiti on Book Covers, Folders Suddenly purchasing or Wanting Clothing All of One Color (Specially Blue or Red) Wearing Sagging Pants Down to the Hips Wears an Excessive Amount of Gold Jewelry Using Hand Signals Sudden Change in Friends Suddenly Argumentative Desiring Too Much Privacy Developing Sudden Rebellious Attitude with Parents and Teachers Starting to See Signs of Tobacco, Alcohol, or Drug Use Sudden Affluence (Money, Clothing, Car, etc.) Sudden Negative Police Contact Excessive Disciplinary Referrals WHAT YOU SEE, YOU CAN CHANGE! PROVIDING REALISTIC ALTERNATIVE IDEAS FOR PARENTS Be a Responsible Model Communicate Honestly _ Understand Their Feelings Set Clear Standards and Stick to Them Get Involved if You See Your Children Begin to Have Problems Get Involved With Your School Pay Attention to School Grades Find Out What the School Policy is On Gangs, Drugs Get Involved With Your Local Police: Report Unusual Grouping in Your Neighborhood Talk to Other Parents Establish Block Parent and Crime Prevention Programs, i.e. Neighborhood Watch. RESOURCES Arthur, Richard F. "How to Help Gangs Win the Self-Esteem Battle." SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR 46,5 (May 1989):18-20. EJ 388 730. Bryant, Dan: "Community wide Responses Crucial for Dealing With Youth Gangs." JUVENILE JUSTICE BULLETIN (September 1989): 1_6. (U.S. Department of Justice). McKinney, Kay C. "Juvenile Gangs: Crime and Drug Trafficking." JUVENILE JUSTICE BULLETIN (September 1988): 1_8. (U.S. Department of Justice). National School Safety Center: GANGS IN SCHOOLS: BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO. Malibu, California: National School Safety Center, Pepperdine University, 1988, 49 pages. ED 312 171. Spergel. Irving A: YOUTH GANGS: PROBLEM AND RESPONSE, A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Executive Summary. Draft. Chicago: School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, January 1989. 24 pages. Stover, Del. "A New Breed of Youth Gang Is on the Prowl and a Bigger Threat Than Ever." AMERICAN SCHOOL BOARD JOURNAL 173,8 (August 1986): 19-24,35. EJ 338 808. Turner, Brenda. "A Groundswell Response to Recent Crime Wave." SCHOOL SAFETY (Spring 1989): 15-17. EJ 398 973. Tursman, Cindy. "Safeguarding Schools Against Gang Warfare." SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR 46,5 (May 1989): 8,9,13-15. EJ 388 729. Wright. Jeff: "Court Ban of Student Requested." THE RESISTER GUARD, November 4, 1989, Eugene, Oregon. World Wide Web Resources: CID Home Page: HTTP://www.campbell.army.mil/cid/index.html CID Gang Page: HTTP://cfs.vrhome.com/gang/