Gang Awareness

School Safety

Why do students join gangs?

• Some of the reasons for joining a gang may include:• A search for love, structure, and discipline• A sense of belonging and commitment• The need for recognition and power• Companionship, training, excitement, and activities• A sense of self-worth and status• A place of acceptance• The need for physical safety and protection• A family tradition

http://www.focusas.com/Gangs.html

What are the warning signs?

• Admits membership• Change of behavior or defiant behavior • Grades drop/truancy • New “friends” • Calls from unknown people • Unexplained money and jewelry • Obsession with certain colors and sports teams apparel • Flashing signs • Graffiti on books and walls • Evidence of drug abuse

http://www.state.nj.us/oag/gang-signs-bro.pdf

What are some of the common gangs in Colorado?

• Eighteenth Street Sedanos•Bloods•Crips

Eighteenth Street SedanosIdentifiers

• Blue & Black Color combination

• symbols XV3, XVIII, 666, 99,(9+9=18)

• 3-dots in their graffiti and tattoo

• The 18th Street gang is occasionally referred to as the "Children's Army" because of its recruitment of elementary and middle-school aged youth

BloodsIdentifiers

• Colors red, black, brown and pink• Dog paws made up of three dots• B ’ s u p, C ’ s D o w n“Ash to ash, dust to dust, bloods I trust;Crabs we bust, kill a crab, win a prize;Kill a blood your whole family dies.”

MS 13 Identifiers

• “THEY prey on high-school students, second-generation immigrants who want protection or a sense of identity.” Brad Hamilton

• Heavily tattooed • Typical Latin gang

tattoos • “Heavy Metal” tattoos • Blue and black

bandanas

What skills can educators help to foster so students can say “no” to gangs?

• Well-developed social and interpersonal skills• High sense of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and personal

responsibility• Reflectivity, rather than impulsive thought and

behavior• Internal locus of control (i.e., the belief of being able

to influence environment in a positive manner)• Flexible coping strategies, well-developed problem-

solving skills and intellectual abilitieshttp://www.focusas.com/Gangs.html

What can parents do to prevent their child from joining a gang?

• Develop open and frequent communication with your children.

• Encourage children to become involved in athletics and other health-oriented activities for a sense of belonging.

• Cultivate respect for others’ property and pride in community.

• Know who your children are spending time with.• Don’t let children stay out late or spend a lot of time

unsupervised in the street.• Become involved in your child’s education and in your

community.http://www.state.nj.us/oag/gang-signs-bro.pdf

References

• http://www.ncgangcops.org/gangs.html• http://avm.gangs.tripod.com/id22.html• http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/sets.html• http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2010/Septem

ber/10-crm-996.html• http://www.corrections.com/tracy_barnhart/?

p=405• http://www.magtfdenver.org/crew%20and

%20gang%20index.htm