Gang Awareness

Taken from the pamphlet "What can I do to keep my kids from joining a gang?" sponsored by Radio Shack, National Crime Prevention Council, and the National Sheriff’s Association.

Today many communities, maybe even yours, are facing serious problems with gangs. As a member of the community, you may feel helpless against gangs, but there are things you can do in conjunction with the authorities to prevent or reduce gang problems. And as a parent, there's a lot you can do to keep your own children from joining gangs.

• Learn about gangs.
• Learn about gangs and signs of gang activity.
• Join with others to make or keep your neighborhood gang-free.
• Sharpen your skills as a parent and use them.

Young people (as young as 9 or 10 years old) are joining gangs in ever-growing numbers in all parts of the country. The reasons they give for joining are remarkably similar:

• To belong to a group.
• For excitement.
• To get protection.
• To earn money.
• To be with friends.

Gangs leave signs of their presence. As gang members, young people may adopt specific behavior, such as:

• Wearing specific colors or emblems.
• Using special hand signals.
• Wearing or drawing gang symbols - on walls as graffiti or on books, paper or clothing.
• Wearing certain kinds or color of clothing in very specific ways.
• Possessing unexplained, relatively large sums of money.
• Declining grades and interest in school.
• Staying out without good reason.
• "Hanging" with known or suspected gang members.
• Carrying weapons.

As a Parent

Many gang members say they joined because the gang offered them support, caring and a sense of order and purpose; all the things most parents try to give their kids. The odds are that the better you meet these needs, the less need your children will see for gangs.

Here are some parenting skills that are especially important:

• Talk with and listen to your child. Spend some special time with each child.
• Put a high value on education and help your child do his or her best in school. Do everything possible to prevent dropping out.
• Help your kids identify positive role models and heros, especially people in your community.
• Do everything possible to involve your children in supervised, positive group activities.
• Praise them for doing well and encourage them to do their very best - to stretch their skills to the utmost.
• Know what your children are doing and with whom. Know about their friends and their friends' families.

Address the Issue

It is important to discuss with your child gangs and the problems they can create. The best time to talk about gangs is before there's a major problem. Tell your child that:

• You disapprove of gangs.
• You don't want to see your child hurt or arrested.
• You see your child as special and worth protecting.
• You want to help your child with any problems he or she might face.
• Family members don't keep secrets from each other.
• You and other parents are working together against gangs.
• Listen to what your child has to say.

Talk to Other Parents

For one thing, you'll find out what everyone else's parent really said. For another, you can support each other and share knowledge that will help spot problems sooner than you can on your own.

As a Citizen

If you suspect gang activity in your area, contact the police immediately. Gangs often lead to crime problems, and the police should be made aware of any potential problem areas.

Develop Positive Alternatives

Are there after-school and weekend activities kids can enjoy? Can the school offer its facilities? Can parents organize clubs or sports? Can older kids tutor or mentor younger ones? Can the kids themselves help with ideas?

Work With Police and Other Agencies

Report all suspicious activity. Set up a Neighborhood Watch or a community patrol. Let the police know about gang graffiti. Get (and share) the facts on the gang problem in your community. Find out what local services, non-profit as well as government, will work with communities to help avoid gang problems.

After Contacting the Police

Get Organized Against the Gang Organization.

Use the system.  Work with the local authorities and city or school organizations.  Use your neighborhood association or get together with others to form a new group.  Get help from a variety of sources right in your community.  In addition to the police:  religious leaders, family counselors, community associations, school counselors or principals, athletic coaches, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA/YWCA, Scouts, drug abuse prevention groups, youth-serving agencies and community centers, just to name a few.

The Santa Rosa Police Department currently has a Gang Crime Investigations Team and a School Resource Team that can help you with gang problems in your neighborhood. Contact them at (707) 543-3670 or you can leave information on our Gang Tip Hotline (707) 543-GANG.

Brochures on Basic Criminal Street Gang Information and Resources is available here to download in in English or Spanish.