GANG OVERVIEW

GANG OVERVIEW
Gangs have evolved into a massive community problem. This problem requires a multifaceted and comprehensive response by every sector of the greater community. Gangs
have been documented in every state in the United States. The California Department of
Justice estimates there are as many as 300,000 gang members in California alone. The
following are some startling facts that prove the need for awareness, prevention,
intervention, and suppression programs regarding gangs.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), in 2002 California had 6,120 street
gangs with approximately 300,000 members
DOJ research shows that of the 300,000 gang members in California, 60 percent are
Hispanic, 30 percent African-American, 6 percent Asian, and 4 percent White
Research concludes that the typical age range of gang members is approximately 1424 years of age although there are reports of gang members as young as 8 and as old
as 30
Research estimates that 75-80 percent of gang members are actually adults
Conservative estimates are that there are over 23,000 youth gangs with almost
665,000 members in the U.S. (National Institute of Justice, 1998).
Gang members can come from any socio-economic or ethnic background
Gang migration has resulted in the representation of gangs in foreign countries
Gang members are now using more sophisticated weapons
There is an influence of prison gangs on street gang activity
Gang involvement is happening at younger ages and for longer periods
Tagger crews have become more violent over the years
There is greater organization among street gangs than previously thought
Although females are committing more violent crimes, they only represent between
four to ten percent of the gang membership population
Although there is no nationally accepted definition of what a gang is, California Penal
Code 186.22 defines street gangs as “a group of three or more individuals having a
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common name or common identifying sign or symbol, and whose members individually
or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal activity.”
MODES OF COMMUNICATION
Gang members communicate with each other as well as other gangs by using hand signs.
Hand signs consist of rapid movement of the hands. Gang members are able to spell out
letters and numbers using their hands as a way to challenge rival gangs. The following
are some examples of hand signs.
“M” representing Mexican Mafia
“C’s” representing Crips
“E” representing East Side
“W” representing West Side
Hand signing is just one of the ways in which gangs members communicate with one
another. Street gangs will also communicate with prison gangs through mail, personal
visits, and phone calls. Another form of communication for gangs is the Internet. The
World Wide Web has become a tool for many gang members. Gang members will
design their own web pages, display their pictures and artwork, and also use chat rooms
to recruit possible members. The following are some examples of gang related websites
on the Internet.
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WHY KIDS JOIN GANGS
Youth will join a gang for various reasons. The overwhelming reason for kids to join is
to meet a need that is not being fulfilled by their family, school, or environment. The
following are some of the reasons why youth decide to become involved with gangs.
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Attention
Desire for friendship and a sense of belonging
Nowhere else to turn
Peer pressure
Low self-esteem
Respect/desire to be recognized
Fear/need for protection
Sense of power
Love
Victim of poverty or inequality
Family tradition
Excitement
Access to drugs, guns, sex, and money
To feel superior
Family problems/lack of positive communication
Inadequate adult supervision
Fad/media glamorizing gangster life
WARNING SIGNS
Defiant behavior- Most youth express defiant behavior from time to time. Gang
involved youth are extremely defiant of authority figures and will at times challenge
authority or make threats against authority figures.
Change in dress- Many gang members use colored clothing, sports team logos on
clothing, a certain style of clothing, or clothing accessories to denote gang membership.
If the youth in question begins dressing in only one certain style or color, parents and
teachers should begin to take notice and ask why the youth is dressing differently. A
child that likes a certain sports team and dresses with that team’s logo is exhibiting
normal behavior. However, if the child does not follow sports and still dresses in a sports
team logo, further inspection is warranted.
New friends- The child may begin to associate with a new group of friends, and if these
friends all dress in similar styles or colors, parents and teachers should begin to discuss
why the child is associating with this new group of friends. If the new group of friends
consists of gang members, then the chances for the child to be involved with a gang
increase significantly. Parents should not allow their child to associate with this group.
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Tough image- Gang involved youth believe that a very tough, mean, or aggressive image
is very important. Children that are becoming gang members will begin to act very
tough, often times using profanity and using a defiant posture whenever they are
confronted.
Starts using nickname- In the world of gangs, you are not anyone until you have earned
a nickname. Gang members refer to each other by nickname. In some gangs, youth do
not know the real names of members just their street names or nicknames. Parents and
teachers should be aware of the different types of gang nicknames and should not allow
children to use nicknames that are associated with gangs or violence, such as “Sniper,
L’il Killa, C-Dog, Flaco” etc.
Secrecy- Many gang involved youth posses gang-related paraphernalia, pictures, samples
of graffiti, etc. These youth may hide gang paraphernalia, drugs or weapons in the house.
They may not want parents to see graffiti written on clothing, backpacks, furniture or the
walls of the bedroom. They may try to get a lock on the bedroom door or threaten
parents if they try to get into the bedroom.
Money- Some youth get involved in gangs to make money illegally. Crimes may include
armed robbery, selling drugs, being a lookout for drug dealers, auto theft/burglary, etc.
Parents should be concerned over unexplained money or material good such as jewelry,
radio, televisions, computer games etc.
Excessive sleeping- Research indicates that teenagers naturally need more sleep than
adults do. However, gang members like to hang out at night. In addition, gangs may
commit crimes such as drive-by shootings or graffiti late at night. Thus, gang members
are often up until early in the morning and may sleep until noon or beyond. Excessive
sleeping may also indicate alcohol or other drug use.
Cuts and bruises- Gang members tend to get into more physical confrontations than
positive groups such as the Boy Scouts. Fights may occur between gang members in the
same gang, or with rival gangs, or even with individuals that are not part of the gang
world. Be aware of unexplained cuts and bruises, especially on the knuckles and hands
(from hitting objects or people).
Tattoos- Gang member use tattoos to demonstrate what gang they belong to. Younger
gang members may use a pen or magic marker to draw the gang’s name or initials on
their body. They may also draw their gang nickname and use other gang slogans for their
tattoos. Older individuals may “carve” or “brand” gang-related symbols or words into
their skin. Eventually this behavior will lead to the individual getting a permanent tattoo.
A youth that proudly displays a fake or real gang tattoo is demonstrating that they are
currently involved in a gang.
Graffiti- Like tattoos, graffiti can be the name of a gang, initials, numbers or symbols
that are associated with the gang. Graffiti is not just written on the walls of buildings but
can be found on books, notebooks, backpacks, clothing and furniture. Graffiti is used to
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mark gang territory or demonstrates involvement in gangs. Youth that are involved with
gangs will generally have graffiti written on personal possessions.
Practicing behaviors- Just as youth that are interested in sports will practice that sport,
youth interested in gangs will practice gang-related behaviors. They will usually practice
graffiti writing on paper or notebooks. Some parents have reported finding their son or
daughter staring into a mirror. These youth are practicing a tough and menacing stare
often referred to as “mad-dogging.” Youth just beginning gang involvement will spend
hours practicing the hand signs of the gang.
Alcohol/drug abuse- Gang members have easy access to alcohol and drugs. Some gang
members get involved with gangs just to party.
Generally, one indicator, by itself, does not mean that the youth in question is involved in
a gang. However, some warning signs may signal a greater interest in the gang lifestyle
such as practicing gang hand signs and graffiti. Warning signs should be taken as a
collective, but if the youth has gang graffiti in their possession, has a gang type of a
tattoo, or using a gang type of nickname, this would indicate that the youth is fullyinvolved with gangs.
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OVERVIEW
In the early 1900's Los Angeles witnessed the emergence of Latino street gangs, although
they did not begin to take form until the 1950's. To some extent their formation was due
to economic conditions, prejudice, and racism. The following timeline provides a more
detailed history of events contributing to the formation of these street gangs.
1900 - Los Angeles experiences the birth of Mexican street gangs. Gang members start to mimic
the dress style, mannerisms and language of the Mexican drug dealers that operate between L.A.
and El Paso, Texas. Youth are mainly interested in swing music and start to use the “Calo”
language, a blending of Spanish and English words.
1910 - Start of the Mexican Revolution and continues to 1940. This starts an influx of Mexican
immigrants/refugees north into California and Texas. The immigrant Mexican usually tries to
relocate in the United States where other family members are or where people from the same area
settled. Many Mexicans relocate in the LA area, San Diego and near El Paso, Texas.
1940 - Mickey Garcia, a young boy from Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico arrives in El Paso and joins
the “Secundo Barrio.” He has a unique dress style that is quickly adopted by all Mexican street
gang members. Garcia wore:
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A hat with a long feather on one side
Pleated baggy pants
A creased shirt
A trench coat
French toe or Stacy Adams shoes
A long chain, attached to a belt loop,
that ran past the knee and went into the pants pocket
tapa or tanda
tramas
lisa
carlango
calcos
key chain
This outfit becomes known as the Zoot Suit. This style of dress is also labeled the “pachuco”
look. “Pachuco” is a term used to define gang members in the 1940s.
1940’s - Maravilla gangs begin to form in L.A. and continue into the 1950’s
1941 - August 2, 1942 Jose Diaz is beaten up and dies from a skull fracture near a popular
swimming hole known as “Sleepy Lagoon,” William’s Ranch, now known as Montebello. Diaz’s
death is blamed on gang fighting.
LAPD rounds up the usual suspects and arrests 24 members of the 38th Street gang. Twenty-two
are indicted by the grand jury and sent to trial.
1943 - January 13th, jury convicts: 3 members
9 members
5 members
5 members
1st degree murder
2nd degree murder
Assault with a deadly weapon, Penal Code 245
Not Guilty
Mexican community in uproar, feels trial was fixed and convictions based on race. The convicted
38th Street gang members are sent to prison.
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While in prison 38th Street members never complain even though they get the worst jobs and are
initially treated unfairly. They press their clothes and shine their shoes, even though they are too
big for them. They become folk heroes and role models to the Mexican community, especially to
the street gang members because they are tough, keep silent and maintain their dignity while in
prison. A polarization between the Mexican community and society begins.
In 1943, Zoot Suit riots caused the Mexican street gang members to develop their own uniform,
to compete with the U.S. military soldiers. The riots also cause many Mexican’s to believe the
police cannot be trusted.
Later this same year, the California Appeals Court overturns the convictions of the 38th street
gang members for the murder of Jose Diaz. The court finds that the evidence was falsified by
police.
1950’s - After the war ends, Mexican street gang aggression against U.S. soldiers switches to
each other. The Maravilla gang from East L.A. develops the most notorious reputation.
Mid 1950’s - Mexican street gangs develop an ethnic pride. The term Chicano is used to
described pureness of the race. Chicano is the Aztec word for Mexican. The term puro is also
used to describe being 100%, or full-blooded Mexican.
1960’s - As the drug culture starts, Mexican street gangs start to get involved in selling,
manufacturing and using drugs. Second-generation Mexican street gang members are present.
Mixed race Mexicans are frowned upon. Nationally, only 58 cities report the presence of street
gangs.
1966 - In the Rampart area of Los Angeles, a non-traditional Mexican street gang emerges known
as the 18th street gang. This is the first Mexican street gang to break the race barrier and allows
mixed-race Mexicans into the gang.
1968 - “Robert Salas,” an original Mexican Mafia member is roommate with Hector Padilla, a
Mexican national in Northern California in San Quentin Prison. While Salas and Padilla are out
of their cell, “Pieface,” another Mexican Mafia member sneaks in the cell and steals a pair of
Florshiem shoes that belong to Padilla. Pieface goes back to his cell only to find that the shoes are
too small. He gives the stolen shoes to Salas as a gift. Salas accepts the shoes and puts them on.
Salas walks back into his cell only to find Padilla looking for his shoes. Padilla sees Salas
wearing his shoes and accuses Salas of stealing them. Salas and Padilla argue and begin fighting.
Padilla is stabbed numerous times during the argument and dies. This murder starts the “Shoe
Wars,” solidifying the rivalry between the Mexicans from the South and the North.
1972 - Joe Morgan becomes a member of the Mexican Mafia and is considered to be the
Godfather of the mafia. He has strong street ties as well as ties with the Italian Mafia and
connections with the drug traffickers from Mexico.
1975 - Mexican street gangs use fear and intimidation to control the community.
1980 - The traditional ways of Mexican street gangs are abandoned or mutated. Hispanic gang
members have now begun to commit crimes in their own neighborhoods.
Tagger Crews develop as an alternative to gang membership.
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1988 - By the end of the year there are approximately 450 gangs in Los Angeles with an
estimated 5,000 members.
1990 - By early 1990’s gang violence escalates to another all-time high. Guns become the first
weapon of choice for gang members.
1994 - Tagger Crews reach maximum population. Some crews reach more than 300 members in
size. “Tag Banging” is well developed and spreads throughout California. Tag Banging is a term
used to define taggers who emulate the behavior of gang members.
18th Street gang is established in Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, Alaska,
Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Nevada, Honduras, El Salvador and
Mexico.
Methamphetamine starts to become the drug of choice for Hispanic gangs.
18th Street is now jumping tag-banger crews into their gang. 18th street gang membership is close
to 20,000. 18th Street continues to develop a reputation for violence and drug dealing.
1996 - Every state in the U.S. reports the presence of street gangs. There is an expanding gang
sub-culture in rural America. African-American and Hispanic gangs are emulated the most
among all groups.
2000 - Female associates and members are becoming more actively involved in drug operations
as mules by carrying weapons and drugs for male gang members.
Generic “Sureño” and “Norteño” gangs are well established in many states.
(Valdez, 2000)
Today the main focus of most traditional Hispanic/Latino gangs is neighborhood territory
or “turf.” The majority of Hispanic/Latino gangs are generational, meaning their roots
are set in one particular neighboorhood for a long period of time. Gangs defend and guard
their neighborhood because they believe it is their purpose to do so. Respect is a major
issue for gang members. If a gang feels disrespected or insulted and the gang members
do nothing about it, this gives other gangs authority to disrespect that area or turf.
Although some Hispanic/Latino gangs do sell drugs and commit criminal activites for
money, this is not their primary focus. Older members who have outgrown street activity
engage in profit oriented activities.
STRUCTURE
Historically, the majority of Hispanic/Latino gangs follow a three-tier structure. The three
tiers within his structure are categorized as peripheral, affiliate, and hard core gang
membership. However, a recent shift in the traditional gang structure has led to the
development of a four-tier configuration. The four tiers in the new structure are defined
as follows:
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Peripheral
A person who identifies him/herself with the gang but is not normally involved with the
criminal activity associated with the gang. This type aspires to become a true member of
the gang. Juveniles in this stage are often referred to as “wanna-be’s.”
General Member
A gang member who readily identifies him/herself as a member of the gang on a limited
status basis. Members are considered “new booties” and have yet to obtain respect.
Respect is the most important factor of a gang. A gang member obtains respect by his
affiliation with the gang, how he/she depicts his/her involvement in the gang, and his/her
criminal behahavior or acts for the gang. Once trust and loyalty are proven, members
become active in the gang.
Active Member
A member who is actively “putting in work,” meaning that jobs (criminal activities) are
completed as assigned by the gang (i.e assaults on rivals, car jacking). Completing jobs
contributes to the affiliate’s reputation and also enhances the individual gang member’s
reputation.
Hard-Core
A person within the gang who actively promotes and participates in the criminal activity
of the gang. Members are known as “shot callers”, “O.G.” (Original Gangster) and as
“Veteranos,” (Spanish for “veteran”). These members have already proven themselves to
the gang and have typically been active for quite some time. Hard core gang members
decide which criminal activities the gang will participate in.
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Initiation
The traditional initiation for males in Hispanic/Latino gangs is a “jump-in”. A jump-in
occurs when a group of gang members beat the new member in (with his consent). The
new member wanting to be initiated into the gang is “jumped” by the other memebers.
Usually the gang members who participate in the jump-in are considered “O.G.’s”. The
O.G.’s determine the duration of the jump-in and how many gang members will
participate. Although the “jump-in” is the most common form of initiation, there are
several other ways to be initiated into a gang. Some other forms of initiation include:
Walk in - You walk in and “put in work” by yourself.
Sponsored - Another gang member sponsors you in (usually an O.G.)
Heredity - Family is involved in gang (automatic in)
Sexed-in - This form applies to females and is defined as having sex with
a number of the O.G.’s. (Please refer to the "Female Gangs" section on
pg. 56 for more information)
o Crime in- A crime is committed to prove loyalty to the gang
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ATTIRE
In the early 1930’s and 1940’s the fashionable Zoot Suits were inherited from a man
named Mickey Garcia. The Zoot Suit or the Pachuco look is composed of a felt hat with
a long feather in it called a “tapa” or “tanda”. The shirt was creased and called a “lisa”.
A “carlango” or long, loose fitting coat was used. The shoes, known as “calcos”, were
French toe style or Stacey Adams brand and were constantly shined. To perfect the style
a long chain was attached to a belt loop that hung past the knees and into the side pocket
of the pants (Valdez, 2000).
Typical zoot suit worn
during the 1930s and
1940s
Notice the long chain
hanging from the belt loop
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In the early 1960’s and 1970’s the gang style adapted many changes. The typical outfit
for a gang member consisted of khaki pants, usually two sizes bigger, a Pendleton shirt
and a cotton undershirt. The reason gang members began to dress differently is twofold.
The first is this style came from the prison system. Secondly, it is economical. The
khaki pants (Dickies™) could be washed and ironed repeatedly and still look perfect to
wear. The khaki material was also more durable and lasted longer. Therefore, buying the
pants larger gave the gang member an opportunity to grow into them without the need of
buying more. The Pendleton was used as a coat and a shirt, which avoided spending
money on both. On hot days the Pendleton shirt could be removed allowing the gang
member to wear his white t-shirt. The shirt was often folded neatly and draped over the
arm. As the day wore on and the weather grew cooler, the Pendleton was put back on.
The black leather shoes continued to be shined and were part of the outfit. Another piece
of clothing that Hispanic/Latino gang members included was a bandana, commonly
known as a “moco rag” (a handkerchief used for blowing/wiping the nose). The bandanas
were usually tied around the forehead and of the color that the gang associated with.
Pendleton shirt
Khaki pants
In the early 1980’s gang members continued wearing their khaki pants and Pendleton
shirts. A few changes were made to their style, one being their shoes. No longer were
they wearing Stacey Adams shoes as they did in the 1940’s. Nike™ tennis shoes became
very popular, specifically the black and white style known as “Cortez” shoes. Another
change in the attire included bandanas. In the 1980’s bandanas were no longer used on
the forehead. Bandanas were folded and ironed, then tucked into a pocket to display
one’s gang affiliation. They were now used for purposes of intimidation and
confrontation. Also, black sunglasses were introduced, commonly known as “shades” or
“loks”. The shades were used to represent a hard look and to not let others know in which
direction the gang member was looking, or if he/she was under the influence of drugs
and/or alcohol.
Sunglasses known as “loks”
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Nike™ “Cortez” shoes
During the late 1990’s and early 2000, gang members' attire changed dramatically. Today
young gang members do not limit themselves to a particular style of clothing. They now
wear denim and khaki pants. They wear button shirts, t-shirts and sweaters. All types of
tennis shoes are worn instead of leather shoes (Filas™, Reebok™, Sketchers™, etc).
Many continue to wear the bandanas placing them in the back pants pocket, leaving a
piece sticking out so that others can notice the color. This continues to be a simple way
to represent a gang. Sports jerseys are especially popular among many gang members as
well.
The style of dress worn by Hispanic/Latino gang members has changed throughout the
years. They have created new dress styles and altered some that have been around for
several years. What has not changed are the heavily ironed clothes, creased pants,
oversized shirts, spotless shoes, clean haircuts and the pride they take in their “cholo”
look.
TERMINOLOGY
Hispanic/Latino gang members have created a language of their own known as “Calo.”
This term was first heard among Pachucos. “Calo” is a combination of the English and
Spanish languages often referred to as “Spanglish.” Although the term “Calo” has faded
out among the youth of today, they have adopted a similar way of speaking, which only
they understand. Common words used by Hispanic/Latino gang members include:
TERM
SAMPLE SENTENCE
Barrio - Neighborhood
Califas - California
Carnal - Brother
Chavala - Derogatory term used for males (Bitch)
Checked - Hit up, intimidated
Chiva - Heroin
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This is my barrio ese.
South Califas only.
This is my little carnal.
That fool is a chavala.
He got checked.
That fool does chiva.
Clavo - Stash (referring to drugs, money, weapons)
I have a clavo of weed.
Controlando - Controling
Sureños are controlando this area.
Cuete - Gun
I will hold the cuete.
Dime - Quantity of drug worth $10.00
Give me a dime of Crystal.
Dispensa - Excuse me
Dispensa homes, what’s up?
Eme - "M" Mexican Mafia
We represent la Eme.
Ene - "N" Nuestra Familia, North
Ene rules.
Ese - Homie
What's up ese, how have you been?
Faded - Under influence of alcohol/marijuana
Man, I got faded last night.
Feria - Money,change
Who has feria for a 12 of beer?
Filero - Knife
Clean the filero.
Firme - Good, fine, straight person
That homie is firme.
Green Light - Permission to assault, disrespect
We got green light on him.
Hard-Core - Tough guy
Huero's hard-core, he just got out of the pin.
Hit Up - Asking were a gang member is from
I hit up that fool yesterday.
Hood - Neighborhood, Gang
He don't live in the hood.
Hood Hopper - Gang member who claims different gangs
He's a hood hopper.
Hood Rat - Female who hangs around with different gangs/ Bitch
She's a hood rat.
Hood's Hot- Police roaming the hood
Man, the hood's hot.
Horale - Alright, acknowledgement
Horale, homes see you later.
Hura- Slang term for police officer
Huras are all over the place.
Leva - Silent treatment (one ostracizes by the group/gang)
He's a leva.
Leva List - List of gang members to hit on
That fool's on the leva list.
Mad Dogging - Negative stare
We were mad dogging them.
Missions/Putting in Work - Criminal activities
We were on a mission yesterday.
Mota - Marijuana
We smoked some good mota.
Nickel - Quantity of drug worth $5.00
I got a nickel of weed.
Norteño - Northeners
Only Norteños here.
O.G. - Original Gangster, Veterano
That fool's been around, he's an O.G.
Orale - Okay, stop fooling around
Orale, ese stop it.
Pinta - Prison, penitentiary
Homeboy was sent to the pinta.
Pistiar - To drink (refers to drinking alcohol)
He likes to pistiar in the alley.
Pisto - Booze, alcohol
They jacked some pisto.
Placa - Police
Here comes la placa.
Placaso – Moniker, nickname
My placaso is Lil Man.
Polvo - Dust heroin
You want some polvo?
Ranfla - Car
That ranfla is clean.
Rata - Rat, snitch, informer
They put rata on us.
Rifa – To rule an area
My gang rifa, ese.
Rola - Music, Song
This rola is tight.
Ruca - Girl
This is my ruca.
Shot Caller - Gang member who directs others
Jr. is the shot caller,
Simon - Yes
Simon, homeboy.
Sparked - Under influence of meth
We got sparked at Tury's Party.
Strap - Gun
He's cleaning the strap.
Strapped - Possession of a gun
He was strapped at the party.
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Stripes - Respect
Strolling - Walking the neighborhood
Sur- South
Sureños - Southerners
Talco - Powder cocaine
Tecato/a - Heroin user
Torcido - Locked up
Trece - Thirteen (Sur, South)
Trucha - Watch out, be careful
Vato - Male, individual
Vida Loca - Crazy life, street life
Yesca - Marijuna
Y-Que - So what (challenge)
Zacate - Marijuana, grass
That fool's got stripes.
We are strolling the hood today.
This is el Sur.
We are Sureños.
I bought good talco.
His uncle is a tecato.
Pato is torcido with Lalo and Shorty.
Trece only.
Trucha, fool.
Who is that vato?
This is my Vida Loca.
I have baggies of yesca.
Y-que, what you gonna do?
I am growing zacate in the back yard.
GRAFFITI
Graffiti is referred to as the newspaper of the street. It can identify gang boundaries and
is used to communicate challenges to rival gangs. Graffiti can also indicate whether or
not a gang member is on the “outs” with the gang, meaning if he/she has problems.
Graffiti tells of gang exploits or crimes. Most of all, graffiti intimidates and disrespects
other gangs as well as the community where it is written.
Gang members use the alphabet to translate numbers into letters and vise versa. For
example, the numbers 13 and 14 have been used primarily by Hispanic/Latino gangs to
identify themselves with either the north or south part of the state. The number 13
originated from the Mexican Mafia. The 13th letter in the alphabet is M, which in Spanish
is pronounced “EME.” EME refers to the the Mexican Mafia. The 14th letter in the
alphabet is N, pronounced “ENE” in Spanish, which refers to Nuestra Familia. Today,
many non-Hispanic/Latino gangs also use the numbers 13 and 14 in their graffiti as a way
of associating with Northern or Southern California.
Graffiti includes the use of monikers or nicknames. Nicknames tend to be based on
characteristics of an individual (i.e. Shorty, Biggy, etc.) or a shortened version of his/her
name (i.e. Francisco - Franky). Some gang members take on names of animated
characters such as Sleepy or Popeye. Hispanic/Latino gang members often use
nicknames in Spanish (i.e. Flaco, Huero, and Largo).
GRAFFITI SYMBOLS
MEANING
XIII
XIV
Sureños
Norteños
RIP
Thirteen (Mexican Mafia)
Fourteen (Nuestra Familia)
Southerners
Northerners
Rest In Peace
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187
Area Codes
C/S
-RP/V
X (cross out over a rival’s moniker)
CA Penal code for homicide
i.e. 510- Oakland, 313- L.A.
Con Safos (Back to you)
Rifa (Rules)
Por Vida/For Life
Shows disrespect to rival
gang members
The following are some examples of graffiti and its meaning.
“vPH LOKOS”(at right) translates to:
“V” translates into varrio
“PH” translates into Paradise Hills (name of
community)
“Lokos” translates into “crazy”
Example is from a traditional Hispanic
criminal street gang in San Diego.
“XVXX” translates into 1520
(15=”O” 20=”T”, which stand for Old Town, a
gang in San Diego County).
X3= 13 (“M”- Market)
X9- 19 (“S”- Street)
Combined this translates into Market Street
Raskal is the name of the gang member who
wrote the graffiti
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TATTOOS
Tattoos are used by gang members as a form of expression and intimidation. Tattoos may
be able to tell a gang member's life story, and at what stage of his life he was in when he
got the tattoo.
Hispanic/Latino gang members share many of the same tattoos although there are
differences with prison tattoos (for more on prison tattoos refer to pg. 54). Street gang
members have tattoos that are usually one ink color, blue or green, although other colors
are also used. The blue or green tinge in color occurs when makeshift ink is used. In
prison, ink is made from pencil lead, carbon paper, burnt ash, and ink pens. Normally
gang members have their own homeboys place or draw the tattoos. A current trend is
that some gang members are visiting tattoo shops to set tattoos with colored ink.
Common tattoos used by gang members include:
TYPE OF TATTOO
MEANING
Name of gang
Initials of gang
Objects representing the gang
Numbers representing the gang
Three dots in shape of pyramid
Theatre masks
My Crazy Life/Mi Vida Loca
“Smile now, cry later”
(describes the gangster life)
Signifies respect for a dead
homeboy
R.I.P “Homie's Name”
Religious Images (Virgen de Guadalupe, Jesus Christ)
“Smile Now, Cry Later” faces depict the
life of a gang member
SFV= San Fernando Valley
17
Three dots represent “Mi Vida Loca/
My Crazy Life”
213= Area code for Los Angeles
There are several meanings for
a tear drop tattoo. Some
meanings include having killed
someone as well as serving
time in prison.
Many Hispanic/Latino gang members use
religious symbols/figures in their tattoos
18
OVERVIEW
When most people think of African-American gangs, the terms Crips and Bloods come to
mind. However, the history of African-American gangs actually dates back to the
1920’s. African-American gangs were first officially documented in East Los Angeles
during the late 1940’s. The first known gang was in the Aliso Village Housing projects
named “Purple Hearts”. From 1950 through 1965 other African-American gangs began
to rise in the South Central area of Los Angeles such as Slausons, Gladiators, Farmers
and Businessmen.
In 1968 the Crips began to emerge and would remain as one of the most dominant
African-American gangs in history. Even though most of the credit is given to Raymond
Washington for founding the gang, there are other individuals who made significant
contributions to the gang’s development, such as Michael Conception and Stanley
“Tookie” Williams III. It is not very clear as to how the Crips got their name, but there
are three different stories. The first story is that the name, Crips, emerged from Raymond
Washington's confinement to a wheel chair. The nickname “crip” was later applied to the
gang. The second and less credible story is that the name came from the movie “Tales of
the Crypt.” The third and most accurate one is that the “Crip” gang is really an off-shoot
of the Slauson Street gang. (Alvarez, 2003).
The Blood/Piru gang was formed in defense of the Crips by Sylvester Scott and Vincent
Williams in the Compton area. Both Scott and Williams lived on a street named “Piru”
which was used to name their gang. In the middle of the latter part of 1992, the Crips
outnumbered all the other African-American street gangs three to one.
Today the main focus of most African-American gangs is traditional criminal activity
such as street robberies, car jacking, kidnapping, rapes, drug sales, and murders. The
Blood/Crip feud still continues between these gangs. The reason for this is that no gang
wants to be over powered by another gang. During the mid-1970’s drug sales began to
flourish. Today, many African-American gangs concentrate their efforts on drug
trafficking.
HISTORY OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN GANGS
1948 - 1952
1952
1958 - 1965
1965 - 1968
1969
1969 - 1970
Aliso Housing Projects - “Purple Heart Gang”
Korean Conflict - lull in gang activity
Slausons, Huns, Gladiators, Businessmen, Pueblos
Vietnam Conflict - lull in gang activity
Pre Crip Era - Al Capone’s, Smacks, Charlie Browns
Avenue gang fought Raymond Washington, Lonnie Keeler, Michael
Conception
Birth of the Crips
19
1972
1970 - 1975
Birth of the Blood Gangs
Gang membership increases significantly. Eastside, West Side, Compton
factions emerge.
Early leaders include Bennie Simpson, Mack Thomas, Melvin Hardy,
Mike Conception, James Compton, Raymond Cook and Angelo White.
Raymond Washington goes to jail. Stanley “Tookie” Williams III
assumes leadership.
Gang membership explodes - schools transfer gang members to other
areas, only extending boundaries and gang sets.
Blood gang sets begin to emerge as a form of protection from Crips.
(Bell, 2000)
STRUCTURE
Traditionally there is not one member who is in charge of everyone in African-American
gangs. There are gang members who have more influence over others, but the term
“leader” or “shot caller” is not commonly used. Over the years the structure of AfricanAmerican gangs has changed slightly. The gangs have minimized the stages within the
structure, lessening the importance of certain stages. The most recent structure contains
the following stages:
Double Original Gangsters
Originally this stage was categorized as “Original Gangsters.” These members were
promoted to the classification of Double Original Gangsters. The Double O.G.’s are the
members who have been with the gang since it started, currently in their mid-30’s to mid40’s. These members will usually only be seen at gang-related funerals to show their
loyalty to the gang and pay respect to a specific homeboy.
Original Gangster
The Original Gangsters are not as visible today as they were in the past but they are still
respected in the gang. These individuals may have families and hold a job so it is
considered all right for them to not be as active in the neighborhood.
Young Gangster
These individuals are between the ages of 19 to 26. This particular group of members are
considered the most dangerous and violent in the gang. These members strive to maintain
the on going feud between rival gangs. The goal is to be considered as “crazy, true
soldiers” by their peers and rival gang members (Lane, 2000).
20
Double Original
Gangster’s
Original Gangster
Young Gangster
ATTIRE
The African-American gang member attire has been more difficult to track compared to
that of Hispanic/Latino gangs. Traditionally, Crips wear the color blue and Bloods wear
the color red. The African-American gang attire has taken on major changes over the
years and has been heavily influenced by Hispanic/Latino gang trends. The clothing style
has changed from the denim overalls worn in the 1980’s to sports wear in the 1990’s, to
a combination of everything including name brand clothing that is worn today.
Currently, many African-American gang members wear name brand clothing such as
Fubu™ and Fat Albert™. Some gang members will wear Calvin Klein clothing because
the letters “CK” represent “Crip Killer.” Other gang members will also wear British
Knights™ sneakers because the letters “BK” represent “Blood Killer.”
The adoption of Hispanic/Latino gang clothing is
evident in African-American gangs. Notice the
Pendleton-style shirt depicted in the above
drawing.
21
Crips are known for wearing British Knights ™
sneakers since the letters BK on the shoe represent
Blood Killer in the gang culture.
Bloods will often wear Calvin Klein clothing because
the letters CK represent Crip Killer.
Sporting attire is also commonly used by gang members. Letter and numbers on jerseys,
hats, etc. carry a completely different meaning for gangs.
Crips will sometimes where Cowboys
jerseys because Cowboys translates
into Crips On Westside Bangin’ On
Your Side.
Sport jerseys from the Colorado
Rockies baseball team are often
worn by Crips because the letters
“CR” translate to Crips Rule
22
TERMINOLOGY
The terminology or slang used by African-American gang members has much to do with
what gang they identify themselves with. If the individual is a Crip he/she will avoid
using the a word beginning with the letter “B” because this letter represents Blood. If the
individual is a Blood he/she will avoid using the a word beginning with the letter “C”
because this letter represent Crip (i.e. The party was crazy- the party was brazy).
Common words used by African-American gang members:
TERM
SAMPLE SENTENCE
Babylon - police
Watch out, babylons are here.
Blunt - marijuana cigarette
We got some blunts rolled up.
Mashed Out - leaving a location
They mashed out the house.
Bow Down - show respect to my hood
Bow down bitch!
Bud - marijuana
I got a bud plant growing.
Buster - fake gang member
He's a buster.
Cap - to shoot
We capped those nigga's.
Cheddar - money
I got cheddar on me.
Chin Checked - striking someone in the facial area (Crip term)
He got chin checked.
Crabs - derogatory name for Crips
Forget that crab.
Cuzz - friendly term for a Crip
What's up cuzz?
D.O.G. - Double Original Gangster
My homie is a d.o.g.
Damu Rida - Blood gangster
Damu rida's in here.
Dead Rag - red rag or red handkerchief
He's got a dead rag on.
Double Deuce - .22 caliber handgun
CC got a double deuce.
Durag - handkerchief wrapped around head
My durag is dirty.
Esseys - Mexicans
Them esseys are crazy.
Flaming - wearing a lot of red clothing
I went to the party flaming.
Foe Seegee - for sure, yes
Are you coming? Foe Seegee
Four Five - .45 caliber handgun
We used the four five last night.
Ho - prostitute
I saw the ho walking the alley.
Hustler - a person who is out in the gang to make money
I want to be a hustler.
O.G. - Original Gangster
Tre five is an O.G.
Quad Five - .45 caliber gun
I let Chy borrow the quad five.
Quad Seven - AK47 rifle
The quad seven is clean.
Rag - handkerchief (blue-Crip, red-Blood)
Sport the blue rag.
Rida - gangster
Home boy is a rida.
Ru - short for Piru or Blood gang member
Home boy is a ru.
Slobs - derogatory name for Bloods
Who is that slob?
Strapped - gang member who is carrying a gun
Franky is strapped.
True Down - wearing a lot of blue clothing
I was true down at the hood.
True Rida - Crip gangster
We are true ridas.
Y.G. - Young Gangster
I am a y.g.
24/7 - Making money 24 hours/7 days
We are clocking 24/7.
23
GRAFFITI
African-American gang graffiti is not as uniform as traditional graffiti, but several
general rules do apply. Generally, African-American graffiti is read from left to right, top
to bottom. African-American gangs often use the slash symbol (/) as a spacer between
words. The numbers 1, 2, and 3 are often replaced with the terms ace, duce and trey
respectively. For example, 52nd street becomes five duce, 43rd street becomes four trey,
and so on.
In graffiti, Bloods and Pirus will cross out the letter “C” or simply omit it because the
letter “C” represents Crip. Crips cross out or omit “B's” and “P's” because the letters
translate to Blood or Piru. Often times African-American gangs will include rival gang
names along with the slash sign and use the letter "K" to send the message of killing to
the opposite gang.
Graffiti Symbols
Letter “B” crossed out
Letter “C” crossed out
Letter “P” crossed out
A “K” over the letters “B”, “C”, “P”
Money Sign ($)
CK (Calvin Klein)
BK (British Knights)
CK (Canadian Knights)
187
Meaning
Crip wrote graffiti
Blood wrote graffiti
Crip wrote graffiti
Killer
Drug dealers, pimps
Crip Killer
Blood Killer
Crip Killer
Penal Code for homicide
“Slobs” is a derogatory term for
Blood gang members. Notice the
letter “B” is crossed out.
The letters “ck” cannot be used in
the above word as they represent
“crip killer.” For this reason, Crips
will purposely misspell words.
24
TATTOOS
Tattoos for African-American gangs were not always common, but today having tattoos
is part of their gang culture. Similar to Hispanic/Latino gangs, tattoos are used to
represent their neighborhood and to intimidate and challenge other gang members.
Tattoos used by African-American gangsters might also be seen on other gang members
(i.e. city they live in, area code, etc.).
Common tattoos used by African-American gang members include:
TYPE OF TATTOO
Name of gang
Initials of gang
Objects representing the gang
Numbers representing the gang
MEANING
Street block they reside in
(i.e. 1940s, 1960s, etc.)
Sign of respect for a dead
homeboy
“R.I.P” and a name
Relative's nicknames
Tattoos will often depict the violence
associated in the gang lifestyle
25
OVERVIEW
In the 1800s, Irish, Italian, and Jewish gangs formed in the Five Points area of New York,
marking the beginning of gangs in this country. Five Points was the neighborhood
named for the points created by the intersection of Park, Worth, and Baxter streets.
Unemployment, little money, and even fewer prospects led many men to turn to a life of
crime. Gangs quickly erupted and controlled the area.
Today, these groups are watched closely by law enforcement and anti-hate organizations.
Law enforcement uses three categories to define hate groups. The first category is that of
Skinheads, also known as “Skins”. The second is a more organized set of groups
classified under the Aryan Resistance Movement (ARM). The third type of group is
categorized under the White supremacy movement such as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). It
is important to note that not all law enforcement jurisdictions classify these groups as
gangs but rather as hate groups. Often, police departments will monitor these groups
with their Intelligence Unit and not the Gang Unit.
SKINHEADS
The Skinhead movement originated in 1967 in England's working class neighborhoods.
Later, supported by a racist offshoot of a music genre called Oi!, Skinheads began
physically attacking members of minority groups in the streets. Although Skinheads
typically model themselves after more “established” extremist groups, in recent years
they have developed their own hierarchy. In the early 1990’s, the Skinhead movement
developed into three distinct groups: SHARPS (Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice); neoNazi Skinheads; and Trads (Traditional Skinheads). The common denominator of all
three groups is the love of violence.
According to the Anti-Defamation League active Skinhead groups include:
Hammerskins - U.S. branches include Confederate, Northern, Western,
and Eastern Hammerskins.
International branches include British
Hammerskins, Charlemagne Hammerskins in France and the Southern
Cross Hammerskins from Australia.
American Front - Founded in San Francisco but moved its headquarters
to Portland, Oregon, and currently has members throughout the Northwest
and California.
Army of Israel - Based in St. George, Utah, the Army of Israel has
followers in Nevada and Southern California.
Resistance Records - Formed by Canadian Skinhead George Hawthorne,
(a.k.a. Burdi). This company produces and sells the majority of racist
music available today. Hawthorne uses the Internet to sell thousands of
CD's and also to recruit followers.
War Skins - Formed in 1983 as an independent group. In 1986 the group
was recruited by Tom Metzger, leader of White Aryan Resistance (WAR).
Although they are primarily based in California, branches have surfaced in
New Jersey and Florida.
26
The number of Skinheads is currently estimated at less than 5,000 although concrete
figures are difficult to obtain. Skinhead groups continue to grow in California, Florida,
Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, Pennsylvania, Washington and other states.
NAZI
Today the term Nazi is used to refer to a wide variety of groups in Germany and
throughout the world that support their established hatred towards Jews and other
minorities. Historically, “Nazi” refers to the members of the National Socialist German
Workers Party, the core of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. Coexisting Nazis, also known as
neo-Nazis, consider themselves the heirs to Hitler's racial and political agenda.
Neo-Nazi groups in the United States:
NSDAP-OA (National Socialist German Workers Party-Foreign Branch) - Based
in Lincoln, Nebraska. The NSDAP has strong links to neo-Nazi groups in Europe.
National Socialist Vanguard - Based in The Dalles, Oregon, this group focuses
its efforts on trying to recruit high school students.
American Nazi Party (ANP) - The American Nazi Party is one of two
organizations claming to descend from the original American Nazi Party headed
by George Lincoln Rockwell. Based in Chicago, the ANP also claims affiliation
in California and Texas.
Adolf Hitler Free Corps - Closely associated with the Keystone Knights in
Pennsylvania, members of this organization have been active in a variety of local
Klan gatherings.
National Socialist White People's Party (NSWPP) - Formed by longtime racial
activist Harold Covington, a.k.a. Winston Smith, the NSWPP has become one of
the most active groups on the Internet, which has led to new activity in a number
of other states.
WHITE SUPREMACY
The White Supremacist movement promotes the view that Whites, especially Northern
Europeans and their descendants, are intellectually and morally superior to other races.
The usual targets for White supremacists have been African-Americans and Jews.
Recently their focus has included other minority groups including mainly Hispanics,
Asians, and gays. While all Klan, neo-Nazi, and “Identity” groups are white
supremacists by their nature, not all White supremacists are members of these groups.
Prominent white supremacist groups include:
National Alliance - Based in West Virginia, former physics professor William
Pierce founded this organization. Under the pseudonym Andrew MacDonald,
Pierce authored The Turner Diaries, a novel about a genocidal white supremacist
takeover of the United States. The Turner Diaries served as a blue print for the
terrorist activities of The Order in the 1980’s and the 1995 Oklahoma City
Federal Building bombing.
27
White Aryan Resistance (WAR) - Formed in the 1980’s by former California
Klan leader Tom Metzger and his son John. Many Skinheads follow this group.
Metzger pioneered the use of cable access television by racist organizations
through his program “Race and Reason.”
The New Order - A shadow group of ex-Klansmen and White supremacists
formed in 1997 with intentions of bombing human rights organizations and killing
prominent activists. The Turner Diaries provide an outline for such operations to
take place.
KU KLUX KLAN
The Ku Klux Klan was founded in 1865 in Pulaski, Tennessee by a small group of
Confederate veterans. Members of the Klan were individuals who were unable to
understand the new position of African-Americans in society after slavery. In the 1920’s
the Klan estimated a membership of several million. Today’s Klan has lost much of its
appeal and its membership has dropped to less than 15,000. The Klan still attracts
supporters in many areas of the United States beyond its traditional strong holdings in the
South.
Current active Klan groups include:
American Klan Knights of the KU KLUX KLAN - Based in Modesto,
California, with affiliates in Oregon and Washington state.
America's Invisible Empire Knights - Based in Hartselle, Alabama, with
affiliates in Florida and Georgia.
Aryan Christian Knights - Based in Brown's Summit, North Carolina, with
affiliates in Virginia. Leader Clyde Jones, operates a "Christian" bookstore and
has been involved in the Christian Identity movement.
Christian Knights of the Ku Klux Klan - Based in Mount Holly, North
Carolina, with affiliates in South Carolina and other southern states
Confederate Knights of the Ku Klux Klan - Based in Henderson, North
Carolina, with affiliates in Kentucky and Virginia.
Federation of Klans - Based in Chicago, Illinois, and known to be active in
Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Keystone Knights of the Ku Klux Klan - Based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania,
with affiliates in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Georgia, New Jersey,
Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia.
Knights of the Ku Klux Klan - An offshoot of the Arkansas Knights, which
began as a result of a falling-out with leader Thom Robb. Based in Indiana, the
knights have built substantial membership in Ohio, Michigan and California.
Templar Knights Of The Ku Klux Klan - Based in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with
an affiliate in Kentucky.
28
STRUCTURE
The structure of most White gangs differs depending on the individual group. Some
groups, such as the Skinheads, require a formal membership application and dues.
Members are forced to follow rules and abide by certain regulations. Other groups may
be loosely structured and not follow any specific rules or a hierarchy.
FOCUS
The focus of White gangs varies from one group to another. The one common
characteristic of White gangs is that they all share the belief they are superior because of
their race. Due to their beliefs and thoughts, racial crimes are committed against people
who are believed to be part of minority groups. Racial and derogatory slurs along with
violent acts are directed towards people who are perceived to be different. Many White
gang members join the gang because they believe that it is their duty to maintain the
existence of a pure White race.
ATTIRE
The only White gangs that emphasize a manner of dress are the Skinheads. They are
easily recognizable because of their shaved heads, Doc Marten™ boots and tattoos. The
boots are known as “Docs,” short for “Doctor Marten.” Although these boots come in a
variety of colors, the color black is usually preferred. They may have 10, 12, or 14 holes
referring to the number of eyelets that the boots have. Some Skinheads will color
coordinate their shoelaces with the color of their suspenders, which is another way for
members to represent their beliefs. The color red typically represents a Neo-Nazi
Skinhead. White suspenders and shoelaces usually signify White power and or White
pride (Aguirre, 2003).
The reason why Skinheads have a shaved head or very closely cropped hair is that it will
prevent them from getting their hair pulled during a confrontation. A recent trend is for
Skinheads to grow their hair out so that law enforcement will not detect them.
Air Force flight jackets, normally green or black, are another part of their attire. These
jackets are called “flights” to resemble a military style. The jackets contribute to their
thoughts that they are at war for survival from all other races.
Dark color Dickies™ brand pants or jeans are worn. The brand Dickies™ is preferred to
Levi's Strauss Company because it is believed this company is part of a Jewish
conspiracy to control the United States and the world. A Polo shirt, preferably a Fred
Perry™ brand is used. The brand Fred Perry is English and difficult to find in the United
States.
29
Flight jacket
Skinheads
commonly
worn
by
Typical Doc Marten™ boot worn by White
gang members
GRAFFITI/ SYMBOLS
Like many other gangs, White gangs use graffiti to intimidate, challenge and let others
know what they stand for. Typically White gangs use graffiti as a means of glorifying
and advertising the beliefs they espouse. Letters will often translate into numbers and
vice versa. The following is a reference in deciphering White gang graffiti and symbols.
A=1 B=2 C or K=3 D=4 F=6 G=7 H=8 I=9
88
18
39
93
19
83
HH
AH
CI
IC
AI
HK/HC
14
311
KKK
33
KKK
Heil Hitler. Used as a greeting by nearly all racists.
Adolf Hitler
Christian Identity
Identity Christianity
Aryan Identity
Haken Kreuz, German for "Swastika"
Heil Christ
14 Words “We Must Secure The Existence Of Our
People And A Future For White Children”. This is
used as a greeting by most avowed racists, a phrase
coined by David Lane, member of The Order.
The eleventh letter in the alphabet is “K”.
Therefore combining three “K’s” translates into Ku
Klux Klan.
Thirty-three is three times eleven which also
translates into KKK
30
Other hate related symbols include:
4/19
April 19th
4/20
666
April 20th
Refers to the day of Waco incident as well as the
Oklahoma City bombing
Reference to Adolf Hitler’s birthday
Refers to the biblical sign of the beast
The following are graphics of hate related symbols used by White gangs and supremacy
groups.
Known as “White Power
First.” Used by White
Supremacists
“Odin’s Cross” meaning
international White pride
Emblem of various
neo-Nazi groups
Racist/extremist group
symbol used by Aryan
Nations
Confederate flag used
by White supremacists
to represent White
Southern pride
Used by Skinhead
groups to represent
violence
31
Formal symbol of Adolph
Hitler’s Third Reich used
by Neo-Nazis
The Iron Cross represents a
belief in National Socialism
Two crossed hammers,
used by Hammerskins
or Hammerskin Nation
This cross in a circle
with a blood drop in
the center is used by
the KKK
SS Bolts used by NeoNazis and racist
Skinheads
Also known as “Yggdrasil” (a
symbol in Norse Mythology). This
symbol is used by the National
Alliance
Known as Norse Rune
meaning Aryan heritage
and cultural pride
Hungarian Arrow-Cross;
Victory Flag; Battle Flag is
used by the Nationalist
Movement
Represent Skinhead
Aggression. Used by
many Skinheads
It is important to be aware of different acronyms used by White gangs and hate related
groups. The following are a sampling of some of the acronyms associated with these
groups.
AKIA
BOOT PARTY
CIS
COTC
RAHOWA
SCHOOLING
SKIN
SWP
WAR
WIGGER
WOOD
ZOG
A Klansman I Am
When a group of skinheads commits a violent assault
Christian Identity Skinhead
Church Of The Creator
RAcial HOly WAr
When older skinheads attack younger skinheads to “teach them a
lesson”
SKINhead
Supreme White Power
White Aryan Resistance
WhitenIGGER, a white drug addict
PeckerWOOD
Zionist Occupational Government
32
TATTOOS
Swastikas are
commonly used as
tattoos
This tattoo is usually seen on
prison inmates and is earned by
killing a minority
SS Bolts and swastikas are
commonly used as tattoos
There are several dates which are important to hate groups and are important to know
about. The following information was obtained from the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s
“The New Lexicon of Hate” third edition, 1998.
January 16th
Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Birth date of Robert J.
Mathews, leader of The Order.
April 19th
Known as “Waco Day” when the FBI forcibly ended the
Branch Davidian standoff. Also the anniversary of the
Oklahoma City bombing.
33
April 20th
Adolf Hitler’s birthday. Date of Columbine High School
shooting.
June 30th
‘Night of the Long Knives’, when Hitler consolidated
power by murdering rivals within his own party in 1934
August 17th
Death of Rudolf Hess, Hitler's Deputy Fuhrer who was the
longest imprisoned Nazi criminal convicted at the
International Military Tribunal at Nuremburg in 1946
November 9th and 10th
Anniversary of Kristallnacht (“Night of Broken Glass”), the
1938 pogrom when Nazi Germany ordered gangs to burn
down hundreds of synagogues, destroy property and attack
Jewish civilians
November 25th
Members of The Order signed A “Declaration of War”
against the government of the United States in 1984
December 8th
Known as ‘Martyrs Day’ - the date when Robert Mathews,
leader of The Order was killed in a shoot-out with the FBI
in 1984
February
Black History Month
June
Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
Memorial Day Weekend
Large Skinhead gatherings and contests
Labor Day Weekend
Skinhead concerts and the ‘Stone Mountain’ Klan
gathering in Georgia
Several hate-related organizations also utilize the Internet as a way to spread their
messages. Chat rooms and personal web sites provide a forum for the recruitment of
members.
34
OVERVIEW
Midwest street gangs have been in existence for over 70 years. Initially, in the 1920’s
prison gangs formed inside the Illinois state prison system. As the gang member
prisoners were released from prison they were introduced into the streets of Chicago.
During the 1950’s and 1960’s new prison gangs were formed. The largest gang to rise
during this period was known as the Blackstone Rangers. In the 1980’s there was a
significant growth in prison gang membership, which resulted in rivalries between prison
gangs.
The Blackstone Rangers were one of two dominant prison gangs to gain attention during
the 1980’s. This gang claimed to represent oppressed and disadvantaged people. The
Blackstone Rangers later became known as the People Nation. A second group known as
the Gangster Disciples wanted to build a nation for all people. This group later became
part of the Folk Nation street gang.
The Folk and People names are used to show alliances between hundreds of street and
prison gangs that operate in the Midwest, South, and in parts of the West. These two
groups developed rivalry towards one another in and out of prison. The Folk and People
gangs developed unique characteristics that made them easy to identify.
Folk and People nation members are involved in different types of criminal activities,
ranging from car thefts to drug sales. The drug sales network can be large and complex,
using extortion, intimidation and retaliation in the process. Some gang members work in
teams in order to commit daytime home burglary crimes without being caught (Valdez,
2000).
Folk and People have numerous factions nationwide, each having their own type of
management structure. Some of the titles are different, however the roles are the same.
Sub-groups who identify with the Folk Nation include:
•
Black Gangster Disciples
•
Black Disciples
•
Gangster Disciples
•
Imperial Gangsters
•
La Raza
•
Spanish Cobras
•
Latin Eagles
•
Latin Disciples
•
Maniac Latin Disciples
35
•
Simon City Royals
•
Spanish Gangster Disciples
•
Two Sixers
•
International Posse
Sub-groups who associate with the People Nation include:
•
Latin Kings
•
Vicelords
•
Spanish Lords
•
El Rukns
•
Bishops
•
Gaylords
•
Latin Counts
•
Kents
STRUCTURE
The leadership structure of the gang generally consists of the original founder and core
members who started the gang. Membership commitment can be measured in levels or
ranks within the gang. Hard-core members are considered to be faithful in their loyalty to
the gang. The associate members believe in unity and loyalty to the gang unless their
self-preservation becomes an issue. Marginal or fringe members show their loyalty to the
gang depending on the outside activities. These members have their loyalty tested often
by gang members (Valdez, 2000).
ATTIRE
Many gang members of the Folk nation “dress right,” which means everything is
emphasized on the right side of the body. Gang members will roll up their right pant leg,
tilt their hats to the right side, wear earrings in the right ear, etc. People Nation members
“dress left,” emphasizing everything on the left side of their bodies.
36
TERMINOLOGY
Gang members use specific terminology as a way to prevent outsiders from
understanding what is being said. Although the terminology is created by the gang
members, Folk and People Nation members share similar slang.
Common terminology used by Folk and People Nation gangs:
TERM
SAMPLE SENTENCE
Banging - gang fight
We were banging last night at the park.
Bogus - An untrue statement
That fool's story was bogus.
Caine - Cocaine in powder form
We got some caine to sell.
Chillin - Kicking back
We were chillin at the park yesterday.
Count - Number of bags with narcotics to sell
I got 20 count.
Dis - To disrespect another person
Shorty dissed them girls.
Drop a dime - To inform/snitch on someone
Raskal droped a dime on Manny.
Family Council - Gang meeting
The family council is at 5:00 p.m.
Flagging - Wearing gang clothing
We were flagging at the party.
Flying - Under influence of drugs
Homie was flying with that bud.
Heat - Police in an area
The park was heated last night.
Kite - A letter or note
He got a kite from the penitentiary.
Mouth Piece - Lawyer
His mouth piece got him bail.
Nickel - Five hundred dollars
We got a nickel on the drug sell.
Package - A large amount of narcotics
He has the package stored.
Pee wee - A young gang member
Smokey is just a pee wee.
People - The gang associated with a five pointed star
'Am with people gang.
Played out - No longer the current trend, over used
That song is played out.
Skirt - A female
That skirt is a drug user.
Smokin - To kill
That fool got smoked.
Straight - One who can be trusted
That homeboy is straight.
Take the weight - To take the rap for someone else
Homie took the weight for me.
To ride - Drive by shooting of a rival gang member
We went to ride on them.
Trophies - Articles taken from rival gang members
This chain is a troph .
Six is high - Five will die - Six refers to a six pointed star, which represents the gangs
that align themselves with the Folk Nation. This phrase means that the Folk Nation has
the power to kill their rivals, the People Nation, who use the five pointed star.
GRAFFITI
Similar to other gangs, graffiti is used by Folk and People Nations for representation,
intimidation, and challenging rivals. Many Folks and People gang members use alphabet
letters and numbers as a code. Like other gangs, names of gang members are written in a
row or “roll call” style.
37
Along with graffiti, Folk and People members use symbols to identify involvement in
their respective gangs.
Folk Nation
The number 6
Six-pointed star (Star of David) - Folk gangs use it to refer to David Barksdale, known as
“King David,” who helped in creating the Folk Nation
Pitchfork pointing up
Devil’s horn and tail
Heart with flames on wings on both sides
Playboy bunny with a cocked ear
People Nation
The number five
Five-pointed star
Five or three-pointed crown
Pyramid with crescent moon
Top hat with cane and gloves
Pair of dice
Playboy bunny (usually have both ears straight up)
The following are some examples of the graffiti and symbols used by Folk and People
Nation gangs:
Six pointed star used by
Folk Nation gangs
Cane and top hat used by People
Nation affiliated gangs. The top hat
signifies shelter while the cane signifies
strength.
38
Pyramid and moon are symbols
used by the People Nation
Six-pointed star used by Black Gangster
Disciples of the Folk Nation
39
OVERVIEW
Since the late 1970’s Asian gangs have long been stereotyped as being present in the
“Chinatown” of larger cities. Most Americans believed Asian gangs operated similar to
tongs or triads of an earlier period. However, there are now several Asian groups that
have immigrated to the United States. There are several Vietnamese, VietnameseChinese, Laotian, Cambodian and Hmong gangs that are active in communities
throughout this country (Kodluboy, 1996). Their migration is usually an escape in order
to survive the problems in their native land. Once they arrive in the United States they
experience severe culture shock as refugees.
The American way of life is a culture barrier for many Asian immigrants due to language,
traditions and customs. Therefore, many newcomers reside in communities with people
from similar backgrounds. Some Asian teenagers tend to band together for protection
from other gangs. Asians gangs are unique in the sense that they adopt traditions from
other dominant gangs, regardless of ethnicity. For example, if an Asian gang forms in a
predominantly Hispanic/Latino neighborhood, the gang will inherit many of the trends
that the Hispanic gangs use such as clothing style and graffiti.
Organized Asian gangs tend to focus on home invasion robberies, auto-theft rings, high
tech crimes, burglary, and extortion and sale of weapons. Money, profit, and status are
the main focuses of Asian street gangs. Due to the fact that most Asian gang members do
not feel any ties to their neighborhood they tend to be more mobile by moving to
different locations when compared to Hispanic and African-American gangs.
Asian gangs are known to be ruthless and cunning due to their beliefs. Some Asians
believe that certain religious items will protect them from danger. Many enter a
confrontation with the mindset that they will not be hurt in any way because they are
protected.
STRUCTURE
The structure of Asian gangs may be highly or loosely organized. Similar to other gangs,
the individual who is considered the “toughest,” usually makes the majority of the
decisions. Asian gangs may often be unrecognizable in a community. It is not
uncommon for these gang members to live a double life. Gang members will attend
school or college during the day and at night will be participate in gang related crimes.
40
ATTIRE
As stated earlier, many Asian gangs will adopt styles of clothing and characteristics from
African-American and Latino gangs. Typically, Asian gang members will dress
extremely well and will be well groomed.
TATTOOS
Scarring is very common among Asian gangs and is used as a form of tattoo. Asian gang
members regularly use cigarette burn marks to demonstrate a willingness to commit a
crime for the gang. Although these marks may be placed anywhere on the body, burn
marks are typically found on the forearms, upper arms and back of the hands. Females
place the marks on their ankles or feet. Scars can also be seen between fingers.
Some Asian gang members believe that certain tattoos give them power, good luck or
protection from harm. One of the most recognized Asian tattoos consists of five dots.
The five dots can be made with cigarette burns. Typically this tattoo is seen on
Vietnamese gang members. Even though this tattoo is generically gang related, it displays
the willingness of the wearer to commit criminal activities. The five dots usually mean,
“A group of good friends”. It is also believed that the center dot symbolizes the same
phrase while the additional four dots represent the four corners of the world. Basically
symbolizing, “Me against the world” or “All alone and the world against me”.
41
Tu - meaning for
Giai - meaning group
De - meaning brothers
Hyunh - meaning friends
Hai - meaning all directions
A tattoo that displays four or five T’s is believed to have originated from Vietnam
prisons. These tattoos are typically seen among individuals who have been incarcerated
in Vietnam. This type of tattoo symbolizes the following:
T - meaning Tinh (Love)
T - meaning Tien (Money)
T - meaning Tu (Prison)
T - meaning Toi (Crime)
T - Thu or Tra (Revenge)
Another tattoo that is seen is the three-dot mark. This symbol is regularly seen on other
individuals. The three dots mean “my crazy life” or “mi vida loca” in Spanish. In
Vietnamese it translates into “Toi o can gi ca.”
Other tattoos such as dragons, country maps and religious symbols are also seen on Asian
gang members. A recent trend for Asian gang members is to not have tattoos done. This
prevents them from being documented by law enforcement (Aguirre, 2003).
42
OVERVIEW
Motorcycle gangs have been in existence for many years. These gangs are present
throughout the United States and several other countries. Several of these gangs began as
Motorcycle Clubs. Quickly, members earned the reputation for being ruthless. The
American Motorcycle Association once said that 99% of the individuals in motorcycle
clubs were law-abiding citizens. Outlaw motorcycle gangs therefore identify themselves
as being the remaining one percent.
HELL’S ANGELS
The Hell’s Angels are the largest motorcycle gang in the United States. This gang is
represented by more than 200 chapters in 13 countries throughout the world. As chapters
form and grow, more opportunities arise for criminal activity on an international level. In
the United States the Hell’s Angels oversee chapters throughout the West, Midwest,
Northeast, and East Coast. Law Enforcement defines the Hell’s Angels as an organized
group rather than a street gang.
Typically motorcycle gangs control a specific area but do not claim it as a turf. Some of
the businesses managed by the Hell’s Angels are real estate, bars, clubs, tattoo parlors,
motorcycle shops, restaurants and transportation of contraband. They are constantly at
war with other motorcycle gang. Due to the level of sophistication of the group, the
Hell’s Angels are known as one of the toughest motorcycle gangs and to this day are
extremely active and continue to battle other motorcycle gangs.
OUTLAWS
The Outlaws are the second largest motorcycle gang. Since 1974 the Hell’s Angels and
the Outlaws have been at war. Outlaws have been known to kill Hell’s Angels upon
sight. The Outlaws were established in Chicago during the late 1950’s. This group is
also known as the American Outlaw Association. The Outlaws consist of 34 chapters in
the United States with representation in Wisconsin, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York,
Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Oklahoma and Arizona. International
chapters are active in Canada and Australia. The Outlaws focus on prostitution and drug
sales as forms of obtaining income. There are approximately 900 members of the
Outlaws.
The Outlaws are known for having women participate in prostitution rings. Outlaw
women show love for their men by prostituting themselves and giving them their
earnings. Females who engage in prostitution usually are 16 to 20 years of age and are
also used as sex toys for the gang members. Females have no status within the gang and
are only allowed to wear a “Property of Outlaws” jacket. Many females are addicted to
drugs and remain with the group out of fear.
The Outlaws also have a “hit squad” named the “SS”. Outlaw members are mandated to
own a gun and work in pairs. There are three main goals for the Outlaws - money,
power, and territory. Among motorcycle gangs the Outlaws are considered exceptionally
violent.
43
PAGANS
The third largest motorcycle gang is known as the Pagans. Unlike other motorcycle
gangs the Pagans do not have any international charters. Most of their 44 chartered
chapters are located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Florida and
Louisiana. Total membership is estimated around 900. Instead of meeting at a
“clubhouse,” Pagans will meet at the home of one of the members.
The Mother of a certain chapter is responsible for assisting presidents of local charters.
The gang’s principal source of income is the sale of narcotics and prostitution. At one
time, the Pagans produced and delivered the majority of Methamphetamine and PCP that
was sold in the north of the Untied States. It is believed that their profit is around 15
million dollars per year. Chemists and individual distributors of cocaine, marijuana and
PCP are involved with Pagan groups.
The Pagans’ sophistication of their drug business operations is also related to their
greediness of profit. They also have access to weapons and use businesses as fronts.
Like other clubs the Pagans have a “hit squad” which identifies with the number “13”.
They wear a black t-shirt with the number 13 to represent themselves. Like any other
motorcycle gang, a mistake or embarrassment to the gang will be paid back with death.
BANDIDOS
The Bandidos are considered the fourth largest motorcycle gang. They are also known as
the “Bandido Nation”. In the United States there are an estimated 30 chapters with
approximately 500 members. The Bandidos are known to carry tape recorders in case
they are stopped by the police. The purpose is to record any inappropriate statements by
law enforcement that can later be used in trial.
Bandidos meet at designated members’ houses and are also known to have unofficial
clubhouses. This group has a security squad, known as the Nomads. Nomads are
members who have been in the Bandidos' club for at least five years. Their main purpose
is to handle security, do intelligence work, and handle disciplinary actions for other
members. Nomads move from place to place trying to gather information on other
motorcycle gangs as well as law enforcement.
The Outlaws sell cocaine to the Bandidos, creating an alliance between the two groups.
Other criminal activities include welfare fraud, prostitution, gunrunning, bank fraud, and
contracted murder (Valdez, 2000).
MONGOLS
The Mongols is the newest club to the division of the 1% motorcycle clubs. The group
was founded in 1970 in the Los Angeles area. They currently have 45 chapters in
California and several in Oklahoma, Colorado, Nevada and Mexico. Besides the fact that
this club is fairly new, the monitoring of this club has been difficult. Mongols do not
have a stable location to hold their meetings and therefore hold sessions at different
member’s homes. Also since the Mongols have a chapter in Mexico, they are also known
44
to hold their sessions across the border, making it difficult to trace their activities. The
Mongols’ membership is created from Latino, Hispanic or Chicano backgrounds. Club
members will often recruit young men from street gangs, specifically from East Los
Angeles. The membership of this group is quickly growing in numbers. Mongols are
similar to other motorcycle gangs in that they are involved in drug sales, extortion and
illegal activities. Along with their criminal activities, they have also been involved in
confrontations with the Hell’s Angels.
STRUCTURE
The structure of most motorcycle gangs is similar. Names of the individuals in charge
may be referred to differently depending on the gang. Usually the formation and line up
during a run is as follows:
President
Road Captain
Full Color Wearing
Members (including Vice
President, Secretary, and
Treasurer
Sergeant At Arms
Probationary Members
Associate Members or
Honorary Members
45
Assistant Road Captain
(depending on number of
members participating)
Enforcer (if club is large
enough to have this position
Crash Truck- usually
1 1/2 to 2 miles ahead
or behind the pack,
sometimes both
Source: Detective Felix Aguirre
When the gang is out on a run such as a parade or march, usually the order of riding their
motorcycles is similar to the structure of the gang. At the head of the group is the
President of the club, to his side there may be a Road Captain, followed by the VicePresident, Secretary, Treasurer and so forth. If the gangs are large enough they will have
an Enforcer and a Crash Truck as part of the line up.
FEMALES
Females are considered associates or property of the gang but never members. There are
three classifications for females in motorcycle gangs:
Mama - A woman who is available to any and all members of the gang for whatever
purpose they desire.
Old Ladies - Belong to a certain member of the club. Old Ladies can be the wives or
girlfriends of members.
Mother – Usually an Ex-Mama, who supplies false identification and stolen credit cards
and provides alibis or hide-out places.
Outlaw motorcycle gang members will often sexually and physically abuse females.
Most females do not report any abuse to the police for fear of being killed.
ATTIRE
Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG) members usually distinguish themselves by wearing
black leather vests with the name of their group and chapter on the back.
46
Hell’s Angel patented skull and
letters “MC” which stand for
Motorcycle Club
Bottom “rocker” indicates the
state where the member is from
Motorcycle gangs use certain symbols and figures in their clothing to represent the gang
they are from. The following are some examples:
Symbol used by Bandidos
Symbol used by the Outlaws
Symbol used by Pagans
47
TERMINOLOGY
Motorcycle gangs use terminology as a means of communicating with one another. The
following provides a sampling of the vocabulary used by these gangs.
TERM
SAMPLE SENTENCE
Ape Hangers - Motorcycle Handlebars
I shined the ape hangers.
AFFA - Angel forever, forever Angel
I am an AFFA.
Bible - The Harley Davidson Repair Manual
Take care of the Bible.
Back Pack - Full colors tattooed on your back
I got a back pack in the joint.
BFFB - Bandido forever, forever Bandido
Am a BFFB.
Bottom Rocker - Patch worn on bottom of jacket
His bottom rocker says Cali.
Cat Walk - To drive with one wheel on the ground
That brother is cat walking.
Church Key - Motorcycle Key
The church key is on.
Heat - Police
The heat is on us.
Hole - A female, also known as bitch
She's my hole.
Mama - Female who is available for club members
I slept at mama's house.
Mother - Ex-mama who helps club members
Mother gave me some money.
Old Lady - Girlfriend or wife
That's my old lady.
Patch - Any type of emblem worn on the jacket
This is my new patch.
Pull a Train - Several members have sex w/ a female
We pulled a train last night.
Run - Going someplace or to a rally
We are going on a run to California.
Seraphim - Highest order of Hell's Angels
He is the next seraphim.
Snow man - Someone who kills (ices) people
He is a snowman for the Hell's Angels.
Stars - LSD
They bought the stars.
Static - Trouble from police or other gangs
Last night we had static at the club.
Trike - Three wheel motorcycle
He bought a new trike.
Turnout - Gang rape
There was a turnout party yesterday.
Wire - Telephone
Who wired the club members?
Sissy bar - Bar attached to back of motorcycle
His sissy bar broke.
Originals - Members’ first jacket, never to be washed He's getting his originals tonight.
Radio - To be quiet, shut up
Tell him to radio his hole.
Top rocker - Patch worn on top of jacket, club affiliation
He got his top rocker.
Scoop - Not believing a lie
Don't scoop him.
48
OVERVIEW
There are four main prison gangs in the California prison system, the Mexican Mafia
(EME, M), Nuestra Familia (NF), Aryan Brotherhood (AB), and The Black Guerilla
Family (BGF). Prison gangs have a long history of influencing local street gangs.
Prison gangs can influence the sale of drugs on the streets, order hits on rival gang
members and tax local street gangs a portion of their income in exchange for protection.
Within the prisons the majority of inmates unite with a prison gang according to their
ethnicity, so street gang rivalries usually do not exist.
MEXICAN MAFIA, EME, MM
Mid 1950’s, 13 wards from the California Youth Authority (CYA) were sent to the Duel
Vocational Institute in Tracy, California. The 13 juveniles were from different street
gangs in Los Angeles. These wards were considered the most terrible among inmates.
They developed a gang known as the Mexican Mafia or EME (“eme” means “M” in
Spanish). Members came to call themselves Sureños (Southerners). The original 13
Mexican Mafia members were transferred to San Quentin due to behavior problems.
Early 1960’s - The EME gains a notorious reputation, leading street gang
members to idolize the gang. Street gang members strive to prove themselves as
“tough guys” to be part of the Mexican Mafia.
Mid 1960’s - The Mexican Mafia emphasizes to the street gangs that there should
be no interracial mixing of gang members (only Mexicans could be part of
Mexican street gangs).
1966 - A member of the Mexican Mafia, Rudy “Cheyenne” Cadena, tries to unite
the Mexican Mafia (Sureños) with northern California Hispanic inmates.
(Norteños). The goal of unification was to have more gang members gain control
of drug trafficking and prostitution and to establish control of the prison system.
However a rivalry formed between the Mexican Mafia and Nuestra Familia due to
the famous incident which started the Shoe Wars.
1968 - The Shoe Wars incident involved three inmates at San Quentin State
Prison. Two of these inmates shared the same cell, Robert “Robot” Salas, a
member of an East Los Angeles gang called Big Hazard and respected member of
The Mexican Mafia, and Hector Padilla, a Norteño (Northerner).
The prized possession of Hector Padilla was an old pair of Florisheim shoes.
During a period away from their cell, another inmate named Carlos “Pieface”
Ortega, a member of the street gang Geralthy Lomas, walked into the open and
unoccupied cell of Robert “Robot” Salas and Hector Padilla. Ortega stole Hector
Padilla’s Florsheim shoes.
Carlos “Pieface” Ortega took the stolen shoes to his own cell and discovered they
did not fit him. As a sign of respect, Ortega gave the stolen shoes to Robert
49
“Robot” Salas. Salas tried the shoes on, found they fit him, and accepted them.
When Salas returned to his cell, Padilla realizes his shoes had been stolen. This
was the lowest form of insult within the prison setting. A physical confrontation
erupted which led to Salas stabbing Padilla numerous times.
The northern Hispanics in prison formally organize themselves as Nuestra
Familia. Their archenemy becomes La Eme.
Early 1970’s - Members of the Mexican Mafia added an oath to their gang,
“Blood in, Blood out”. “Blood in” meaning you are asked to kill someone as part
of an initiation. “Blood out” meaning you get killed when trying to leave the
gang. When asked to do something by the gang, neither questions nor comments
should be made; the job should just get done.
Joe “Pegleg” Morgan is recruited to join the Mexican Mafia. Joe Morgan is
known for his violent and ruthless actions as an inmate and a street gang member.
Morgan continues to accumulate connections with street gangs, the Italian Mafia
and with drug traffickers from Mexico.
1972 - Morgan gains the status of leader of the Mexican Mafia. In addition
Morgan allies the EME with the Aryan Brotherhood. This alliance intensifies the
EME in numbers and strength.
Late 1970’s - The EME decreased its activities because several EME members
became informants. Many informants assisted police and federal agents in
criminal investigations against the prison gangs.
In 1978 - Joe Morgan is sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading
guilty to felony charges.
1980 - Mexican Mafia continues with their criminal activities. Inside the prison
they expand their reputation and control of drug trafficking, prostitution and
extortion. Outside of prison they increase their influence over drug trafficking in
southern California, funneling much of the profits back to prison. The southernnorthern division line moves north of San Jose, giving the Mexican Mafia more
territory to work in.
1987 - Morgan’s leadership skills with the Mexican Mafia help organize the
“Folsom Truce” between the Mexican Mafia and the Aryan Brotherhood. This
gives the Mexican Mafia one less rival within the prison system and strengthens
their influence.
1990’s - The Mexican Mafia has a major influence over southern California street
gangs. The street gangs are ordered to hold mandatory meetings and are used to
inform the gang members of the “EME Edict”. The Mexican Mafia taxes a
percentage of the gang’s drug dealing profits and each gang member is taxed as
50
well. This taxation assures the protection of gang members inside prison or on
the streets. Gangs who refuse to pay are placed on “green light” (this means they
are open targets).
1993 - The godfather of the Mexican Mafia, Joe “Pegleg” Morgan, dies of liver
cancer. He set a standard of leadership, structure and style among the Mexican
Mafia that is believed to hold true after his death even though it is unclear who
will become the new leader.
1999 - Two Federal Racketeering Influence and Corrupt Organization (R.I.C.O.)
Acts cause the Mexican Mafia to slow down with criminal activities. The EME
continues to collect taxes from street gangs but experiences several embarrassing
incidents, such as tax money that was collected and then stolen, wrong target
houses being shot at and vehicles being stolen by Hispanic street gang members.
(Valdez, 2000)
Through its history, the Mexican Mafia has gone through its ups and down’s but it is still
a powerful and feared gang, influencing street gang members. Although the EME is
unorganized, the sophistication it lacks has questioned the group’s power on several
occasions. Over their 43 year history, it is estimated that the EME has been responsible
for more than 1,000 deaths. Currently the Mexican Mafia is active in 13 states nation
wide, with an estimated 300 to 1,000 Sureño associates and members involved.
NUESTRA FAMILIA, NF, N
In 1968 Nuestra Familia formed as a means of protection from the Mexican Mafia in
prison.
Gang members from Northern California became known as Norteños
(Northerners). Competition emerged between the EME and Nuestra Familia when trying
to control criminal activities inside the prisons.
Nuestra Familia had an organized form of command. It had generals, lieutenants,
sergeants, and soldiers. From 1982 through 1984 Nuestra Familia was prosecuted under
the R.I.C.O. Act. The gang’s clear structure made the activities easier to trail. Later the
organizational structure was changed to include three simple categories.
The Nuestra Familia allied themselves with the Black Guerilla Family. This alliance
gave them larger numbers against the Mexican Mafia and the Aryan Brotherhood. The
alliances between Nuestra Familia and the Black Guerilla Family or the Mexican Mafia
and Aryan Brotherhood sometimes continue outside the prison system to assist each other
with criminal activities.
BLACK GUERILLA FAMILY, BGF
George Lester Jackson established the Black Guerilla Family (BFG) at San Quentin State
Prison in 1966. Jackson was a former member of the Black Panther Party, a politically
motivated and radical group. The formation for the BGF was due to Jackson's belief that
the Black Panther Party was not responding to the needs of African-American inmates.
51
The first organization of African-American inmates became known as The Black Family.
Soon after, Jackson changed the name to The Black Vanguards.
The perception of recruitment was to believe that African-American inmates were
victims of an abusive society and their acts were done to survive under a White force.
The philosophy that Jackson followed was similar to the one of Marx, Lenin, and Mao.
The disciplinary method by the BGF was based on the teachings of Mao Tse-tung.
On August 21, 1971 George Jackson was killed in an escape attempt from San Quentin
prison. Several inmates tried to escape along with Jackson. Along with Jackson two
other inmates were killed in the process. Three prison guards were kidnapped and
eventually killed as well. Six other inmates who participated in the escape attempt along
with Jackson were tried for murder and escape charges in what was known as, “The San
Quentin Six”. Three of the inmates were acquitted and the other three were convicted.
After Jackson's death, another inmate, James “Doc” Holiday, took the leadership position
of the Black Vanguards. Holiday was known to be a member of the central committee of
the Symbionese Liberation Army. Soon after assuming leadership of the Black
Vanguards, Holiday changed the name of the group to the Black Guerilla Family
The Black Guerilla Family unites their members for protection against other inmates.
The BGF has a “blood oath” similar to that of the Mexican Mafia. The Black Guerilla
Family also has a translucent alliance with Nuestra Familia, a Hispanic prison gang that
claims the northern part of California as its turf. This alliance sometimes influences gang
activities outside of prison such as drug trafficking, contract killings, and other criminal
activities that benefit the gangs.
ARYAN BROTHERHOOD, AB
The Aryan Brotherhood (AB) is a White prison gang that was established in San Quentin
prison in 1967. The AB gang was formed to protect White inmates from existing
Hispanics and African-American prison gangs. Certain AB members brought White
supremacist philosophies with them into prison. This gang went through several name
changes before it was recognized solely as Aryan Brotherhood. Some of the members of
the AB were members of a 1950’s gang named Bluebirds.
Like other prison gangs, membership consists of a “blood oath”. This proves loyalty and
dedication to the gang. As an initiation rite, an inmate might be asked to kill an
individual who is targeted for death by the gang. Unanimous acceptance is required by
existing members of the gang to be initiated. Members who leave the prison are expected
to continue their involvement to demonstrate alliance with the AB.
The AB is active across the United States. Although the gang originated in California,
AB members are represented in Federal prisons as well. As mentioned before the AB’s
philosophy and membership consists of White supremacy ideology. This philosophy is
believed to be inherited from a paramilitary hate group called the Aryan Nations.
52
Members of the Aryan Brotherhood are easily recognized by their tattoos. The original
tattoo for the AB is a shamrock, the letters AB and three sixes. This combination is
known as “the brand”. Although other organizations use the three sixes, it is prohibited
to wear “the brand” without proper permission by the gang. If done so, murder is the
punishment. Members may attempt to hide this tattoo from authorities by disguising
them or placing them along the hairline and under the arms.
The Aryan Brotherhood is aligned with the Mexican Mafia, the Hell’s Angels and
traditional organized crime families (i.e. Mason Family). They support each other with
“contracts” or “hits” within the prison system along with drug trafficking on the streets.
Although the AB is rivals with Nuestra Familia and the Black Guerilla Family, it is not
uncommon for the AB to associate with African-Americans when necessary for drug
deals and extortion.
Members of this gang are known to use American Sign Language to communicate with
each other in a nonverbal manner. This is used for privacy purposes from the prison
guards and inmates.
TERMINOLOGY
To hold a conversation, inmates use prison terminology or slang. When using this type
of language guards are sometimes unable to comprehend what is being said or planned.
Many times the word may have two different meanings, inmates use this to their
advantage.
TERM
AB
A Wake UP
Academy
Alice/Alice Baker
Annette Brooks
Ape
Babe Raper
Bag
BGF
Blades
Bulls
Catch Cold
Dust
Downed by Emily
Diamond Tooth
Dancing
Dancing w/Emily
EFE
ORIGIN
DEFINITION
Aryan Brotherhood
Aryan Brotherhood
Federal Prison
Inmate's release date
Prison
Jail
Prison Gang
Aryan Brotherhood
Black Guerilla Family
Aryan Brotherhood
Prison
Derogatory name for African-American male
Prison
Child Molester
Prison
A large quantity of drugs
Black Guerilla Family
Black Guerilla Family
Prison
Sharpened materials, knives, screwdrivers
Federal Prison
Homosexuals
Prison
Got killed
Prison
Kill
Prison
Killed by Mexican Mafia
Aryan Brotherhood
Older member of AB
Prison
Fighting
Prison
Fighting with Mexican Mafia
Nuestra Familia
Stands for Nuestra Familia
53
EME
Emily
Ever worked at McDonalds?
Fairy
Fish Cop
Fish
Hack
Isolation
Jacket
Jungle
Joint
Keister Stash
Kite
Locker Nocker
Main Street
Marty Mitchell
Mesa
Nelson & Franklin
NF
Nutsack
Open the line
Paula
Pruno
Punk
Quarantine
Queen
Rap Partner
Rat
Mexican Mafia
Stands for Mexican Mafia
Aryan Brotherhood
Mexican Mafia
Prison
Ever worked for Mexican Mafia?
Prison
Sexual pervert
Prison
New Correctional Officer
Prison
New Inmate, never been in prison
Prison
Correctional Officer
Prison
Housed apart form inmates
Prison
Inmates’ reputation
Prison
Recreational yard
Prison
Jail, cell
Prison
Drugs hidden in the anus
State Prison
A letter or a note
Prison
Inmate who steals from others
Prison
General Public
Black Guerilla Family
Mexican Mafia
Nuestra Familia
Governing Board of Nuestra Familia
Black Guerilla Family
Nuestra Familia
Nuestra Familia
Nuestra Familia
Prison
Manliness or courage
Prison
Start writing, communication
Black Guerilla Family
Pig or officer
Prison
Prison made alcohol drink
Prison
Inexperienced criminal
Prison
Segregation
Prison
A transvestite
Prison
Accomplice in criminal activity
Prison
Informant, snitch
TATTOOS
Tattoos are read from left to right. A prison tattoo often relates to what a convict has gone
through and often explains his criminal behavior. For example, if a gun is pictured from
the side this means the inmate used to carry a gun. If the weapon is pointed outward, this
means he was a shooter. Tattoos are also souvenirs from different prisons an inmate has
been through, such as walls, gun towers, windows and barbed wires (Ken Whitley, 2003).
The ink on a prison tattoo is only one color, usually blue. Sometimes the ink changes
color to black or dark green due to the person’s skin color or exposure to the sun.
54
TYPES OF TATTOOS
MEANING
Cell window with sun or bird showing
Clock faces without hands
Face of female crying
Granite block walls
Norte/Norteño
Drama Faces
Prison block wall with bricks falling outward
Spider or cob webs on elbows or shoulders
Sur/Sureño
Tombstones with numbers and RIP
Tombstones with numbers on them
Waiting to get out
Doing time
Has someone on the outside waiting
Time in old Folsom Prison
Northerner
Smile now, Cry later
Inside, wanting to get out
Doing time
Southerner
Mourning the death of a friend
The years they were inside
EME= Mexican Mafia
Tattoo of an Aryan Brotherhood member
Numbers “90-94” represent the years that
the inmate has been behind bars
55
OVERVIEW
Female gangs have been traced as far back as the 1800’s and are predominantly counter
parts of male dominant gangs. Females were seen as inferior to males, which is one of
the reasons why they have historically played a minimal role in gangs. Traditionally,
females are not recognized as members of the gang but as someone’s girlfriend, sister or
relative. Females who associated with a gang were often used for holding weapons or
drugs, as alibis or sex toys. Today, many of the same generalizations still apply to
females although there have been some changes.
Female gang members emulate the behaviors of male gang members as a form of
integrating into the gang. Females will wear gang related clothing, participate in criminal
activities and coordinate some of the crimes. Recently, females have tried to form their
own gangs, taking characteristics from male dominant gangs and applying them to their
own. Females apply characteristics such as jump-ins, graffiti, tattoos, weapons and
violence, as a way for them to gain a good reputation and recognition from male gang
members.
When females decide to be a part of a gang, they must be initiated by other members.
Generally, females are initiated by being jumped-in or sexed-in. Being sexed-in to a gang
entails having sex with a number of hard-core gang members. Females will often choose
to be jumped-in because it is a way to gain respect from their fellow homeboys. Being
jumped-in also gives females the tough image and reputation they seek. Females who
choose to be sexed-in will not enter the gang with as much respect and are often used as
sex toys for the gang.
Although females commit the same violent crimes that the male gang members do, they
are often overlooked by law enforcement. Females will carry razor blades in their
mouths, knives in their hair, and are able to conceal weapons and drugs with their bodies.
It is critical to remember that female gang members can be just as dangerous as males
and should not be underestimated because of their sex.
It is important to know that females seek gang membership for the same reasons that
males do, for protection, love, money, recognition, etc. Whereas males can be active in a
gang for several years, females tend to phase out of this lifestyle at a much younger age.
Several factors contribute to this, such as pregnancy, infection of sexually transmitted
diseases and the need for employment.
56
© Gabriel Morales
STATISTICS
Female involvement in gangs and criminal activities is still minimal when compared to
males. It has been estimated that between one-fourth and one-third of all youth gang
members are female (Maxson and Whitlock, 2002).
GRAFFITI
Females will use graffiti as a method of representing their gang. Here are some examples:
“La Drowsy” indicates that a
female wrote this graffiti
57
OVERVIEW
Tagger crews gained recognition in the 1980’s when communities were vandalized with
“tags.” Initially “tags” were the focus of taggers. In the 1980’s taggers were concerned
with having their “art” be noticed. Taggers, began to use numbers to identify themselves.
Taggers use the phone pad numbers instead of the alphabet as well as local area codes as
a form of communication.
Tagger groups are also known as crews. Usually a crew will have three letters ending
with the letter “K” which stands for crew or kills.
STRUCTURE
Tagger crews do not necessarily have a named leader instead they notice and recognize
the most talented individual in the crew. Once recognized, that individual is given the
respect deserved for his talent by the other members. Unofficially this member is
recognized as the leader.
FOCUS
The main focus of tagger crews is to be known for their “artistic” talent. Besides the
talent, taggers also focus on whose tag is up the longest, which is in the highest place and
who is able to “free throw”. “Free throw” refers to when taggers spontaneously “write”
or tag their graffiti. Taggers also “battle.” This is a competition between crews to see who
is able to display more tags. Emphasis is placed on the colors used, the uniqueness in
style and quickness of the tag.
Taggers not only use spray cans and markers, but also etching utensils to scratch
windows of schools, businesses and buses. Etching vandalism costs more to repair than
graffiti made by using spray paint or markers. Taggers do not etch windows to
necessarily cause more damage, the goal is to have a tag that will be visible for a longer
period of time.
Over the recent years we have seen a change in tagger crews. This began when tags were
being left in gang “territory”. Gang members began to harass and beat up taggers. Soon,
taggers began to act as gang members by assaulting rivals and carrying weapons. These
taggers were later known as “tag-bangers.” Taggers were not only acting like gang
members but some crews were joining street gangs. For many taggers, joining a tagger
crew is simply a stepping stone into the gang lifestyle.
58
STATISTICS
Reports indicate that approximately 90% of graffiti is done by taggers. Many law
enforcement agencies are beginning to document “tag-banger” groups as gangs because
they are mimicking gang behaviors.
TERMINOLOGY
As with any other gang, taggers have their own lingo. This unique way of speech serves
them for privacy. Even though some tagger crews affiliate with gangs their lingo is still
different.
Common words used by taggers are:
TERM
MEANING
Arrowheads Glass drill bits shaped like an arrowhead.
Back Up
A secondary tagger name only known to the crewmembers. It will
be used if the authorities know the primary “tag”
Battle
A contest between taggers or crews to see who can write their tag
the fastest and in a unique style
Bombing
When crewmembers come together to put there tags up together
Bubble Letter Large, rounded letters filled in or only outlined
Buff
To remove graffiti from an object
Burn
To beat a rival tagger or crew
Buster
Someone who claims he’s “down,” but isn't
Crew
A group of taggers who use one group name
Cross Out
To erase or run a line through the tag of a rival writer
Dis
To show disrespect, such as writing over or crossing out another tag.
Down
To be a dedicated tagger
Fade
To blend colors
Gecko
A brand of marker containing paint
Mob
Many members of a crew covering an object with graffiti at the same time
Piece
An elaborate graffiti mural pen filled with paint
Piece Book The personal art diary where taggers practice their work or new ideas
Slipping
Being caught by rival taggers without homies for backup
Streaks
A special brand of marker called “Meanstreak”
Tag
The nickname or moniker of a tagger, the act of writing graffiti
Tag-banging To defend a tag with violence or assist gangs in confrontation
Tagger
Male or female who uses a tag and then places it all over
Testors
Spray paint tip that sprays a thin line
Throw Ups To write large style bubble letters
Toy
Taggers with bad artwork, derogatory name
Wild Style
A unique style of tagging that uses overlapping letters
Write
To tag, to do graffiti
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TAGGER GRAFFITI
Tagger graffiti is recognizably different than graffiti by gang members. Here are some
examples of tagger graffiti.
60
WEAPONS
Gangs will use a variety of weapons in criminal activities, including sophisticated
weapons such as military-style weapons and bombs. Homemade weapons are also
created and used. Typically these types of weapons are found in prisons and jails. Gang
members also use weapons that are easy to conceal. Such weapons may include shanks
made from plastic (i.e. forks, toothbrushes, combs, etc.) Other weapons that gang
members are known to use include metal chains, locks, security car clubs, and crowbars.
The following are a few samples of weapons that have been confiscated from gang
members.
Lipsticks and pens are often overlooked as weapons
Knives can easily be concealed as key chains
Several weapons are disguised as
common items
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SCHOOLWIDE STRATEGIES
There are several prevention and intervention strategies that can be implemented on
school campuses that address gangs. The following are a few suggestions that may
help. For more specific information to address your individual situation, please consider
contacting your local police department or the Safe Schools Unit of your local County
Office of Education.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Develop policies and rules specific to gang issues
Complete a campus gang assessment (refer to page 71 for Gang Assessment Tool)
Develop a consistent coding and reporting process for gang related activities
(document ALL gang related criminal activity)
Establish a parent notification program with law enforcement
Provide in-service and updates to ALL staff members
Provide adequate supervision on campus
Provide gang prevention and intervention curricula
o Consider implementing the Gang Resistance Education And Training
(GREAT) curriculum. This is a life-skills competency program, instructed
by uniform law enforcement officers, designed to provide students the
skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. This is a 13
week program developed specifically for middle school students.
Develop student assistance programs
Promote student empowerment projects such as peer educators or community
service projects
Provide ongoing classroom presentations for students
Photograph and remove graffiti within 24 hours
PARENT PARTICIPATION
•
•
•
•
Offer parenting classes
Encourage parents to volunteer on campus
Solicit parents to provide supervision before and after school
Encourage parents to participate in Patrol Programs
LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTICIPATION
•
•
•
Establish effective communication with School Resource Officers and your local
police department
Encourage officers to visit campus for unofficial business (coffee, use of restrooms,
etc.)
Work with the Police Activities League
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GANG INTERVENTION COURSE OUTLINE
WEEK ONE:
Introduction to program and basic gang awareness
Objective:
• Establish a safe environment
• Involve students in open discussions
• Students will understand the definition of a gang
• Students will begin to understand the consequences of gang membership
Activities:
• Facilitator will discuss the goal of the program and describe the responsibilities of
the students, facilitator, and guest speakers
• The facilitator will set down and enforce the ground rules of the program
• The facilitator will lead discussion with the students about the definition of gangs,
why people join gangs, and the general consequences of gangs
WEEK TWO
Introduce students to specific consequences of gang membership and parallel the
importance of education
Objectives:
• Students will be able to name the consequences of gang involvement
• Students will understand that decision making skills are important
• Students will list reasons why education is important
Activities:
• Students will view the video “Gangs: A Matter of Choice”
• Facilitator will lead a discussion on the negative aspects of gang membership
• Facilitator will discuss the importance of making correct choices in friends and
activities
• Facilitator will address employment trends and statistics
• Facilitator will discuss the Ontario police department chart
WEEK THREE
Students will be introduced to the criminal justice system
Objectives:
• Students will identify the legal aspects of gang membership including specific
gang laws, asset forfeiture, and vandalism
• Students will gain understanding of juvenile incarceration, juvenile probation,
discuss and analyze the cycle of the prison system and how it relates to gang
membership
Activities:
• Guest speaker from the district attorneys office, law enforcement, and probation
will be asked to present material
63
•
Speakers from juvenile justice setting will assist in question and answer period to
provide closure
WEEK FOUR
Students will begin to examine the consequences of being incarcerated
Objectives:
• Students will examine the penal system
• Students will discuss the loss of freedom
• Student will begin to examine decision making
Activities:
• Students will view the video tape “Life Behind Bars: Letters From Within:
Gangs”
• Facilitator will lead discussion on the video and the stories from each section
• Students will discuss what would affect them most if they lost their freedom
• Juvenile hall/prison rules will be discussed
WEEK FIVE
Students will see and learn about the effects of making the wrong choices through
testimonials from ex-convicts
Objectives:
• Students will examine the effects of life-long consequences of breaking the law
• Students will name benefits of the importance of a good education
• Students will process the importance of making good choices
• Students will gain an awareness of prison and its reality
Activities:
• Ex-convicts will give some personal history and describe how their decisions
affected their lives
• Facilitator will lead a question and answer period or students will break into
smaller groups for a more personal discussion group
• Facilitator will provide closure.
WEEK SIX
Students will become aware of victims feelings and rights
Objectives:
• Students will begin to express feelings associated with the impact of gangs and
related violence to other gang members and to those families which have lost
sons/daughters to gang violence
Activities:
• Parents of gang members and ex-gang members will provide personal testimony
on various aspects of gang violence
• Facilitator will lead a question and answer period
• Students and speakers will break into small groups to discuss:
64
o
o
o
How it really feels to be shot or stabbed
How the student would feel to lose a parent or sibling to a drive-by
shooting caused by their involvement
How it feels to carry guilt after harming others
WEEK SEVEN
Students will learn basic concepts of conflict resolution and anger management.
Objectives:
• Students will give examples showing the sequential nature of violent
confrontations.
• Students will be able to identify at least 2 physiological cues associated with
anger.
Activities:
• Presenter will lead a discussion and brainstorm the word “conflict”
• Presenter provides examples of situations, which could escalate a conflict into
violence.
• Discuss anger as a natural emotion and explore the positive and negative ways of
expressing anger.
• Facilitator will describe physiological cues of anger.
• Students will discuss personal physiological cues associated with anger.
WEEK EIGHT
Students will practice the process of conflict mediation
Objectives:
• Students will be able to demonstrate 2 communication skills.
• Students will demonstrate the steps involved in the conflict mediation process. (2
conflict mediators and 2 disputants to each group)
Activities:
• Facilitator will describe and demonstrate communication skills to include; active
listening and I-messages
• Facilitator will give an overview of the conflict mediation process
• Facilitator will coach students through the conflict mediation process
WEEK NINE
Students will begin a life skills/decision making exercise designed to stress the
importance of education and correct choices
Objectives:
•
•
•
Students will engage in a hands on exercise regarding future benefits of having an
education
Students will understand the monetary benefits of continued education
Students will practice steps in managing money
65
Activities:
• Students will be separated according to the following educational preferences:
some high school, high school graduation, some college, college graduation,
graduate school
• Students will begin to identify areas of employment interest and qualifications for
employment based on projected level of education
• Students will create a personal budget based on housing, other costs of living and
projected income
• Students will study a graph regarding the monetary benefits of continued
education
WEEK TEN (optional)
Students will hear testimony from currently incarcerated individuals
Objectives:
• To reinforce previous learning by having students discuss consequences,
incarceration, decision-making, and substance abuse
• Students will analyze the continuum of lifestyle change processes
Activities:
• Inmates will give personal testimony
• Facilitator will lead question and answer period
• Students and inmates will break into small groups to discuss personal issues
WEEK ELEVEN
Students will speak with positive role models and identify positive alternatives to gang
and drug use
Objectives:
• Students will be able to discuss and express their confidence in making sound
decisions
• Students will be able to identify positive activities they can engage in
Activities:
• Positive motivational and culturally appropriate individuals will be recruited to
give personal testimonials
• The facilitator will lead a discussion on positive activities that the students are
interested in
• Students will break into small groups to develop a gang/substance abuse
prevention program
• Facilitator will close program
POINTS TO NOTE:
•
The program is based on one session at one hour per week. This may be expanded
to twice per week or more to fully discuss each topic area.
66
•
•
•
•
Whenever ex-gang members are used they will be asked to briefly share how and
why they got out of a gang
Caution must be used when screening ex-gang members. We do not want speakers
who glorify gang and /or drug involvement. (Donovan prison and the Youth Center
in Chino have trained and experienced speakers).
The Life Skills and Conflict Resolution components can be an ongoing part of a
program operating at a school already in existence
Some County Coroner’s Offices have violence reduction programs that would be
beneficial to gang and drug involved students
TEACHERS
As with any other individual, teachers have the power to impact youth in a positive or
negative manner. Attached you will find tips that are provided for teachers to assist in
making their teaching a little easier.
SOME DO’s AND DON’Ts
•
Do treat gang involved students with the same respect and value shown to other
students
•
Do set definite rules and consequences. Suspend, file charges, etc., if needed.
Gang members respect and expect discipline and structure
•
Do provide more cooperative and hands-on learning experiences
•
Do expect gang involved students to submit assignments
•
Do have high expectations for academic achievement.
•
Do be consistent with consequences for ALL students
•
Do actively involve gang members in the learning process.
•
Do talk to individual students about gang involvement
•
Do keep up with current words or activities that are gang-related; dress, rap music,
hair net, etc.
•
Do enlist gang-involved students to work with other students on school projects
and other extra curricular activities
•
Do know students by street name or nicknames
67
•
Don’t humiliate or embarrass gang-involved students (especially in front of peers).
•
Don’t publicly praise gang members for academic achievement before checking
with student
•
Don’t change your mind about enforcing rules. Gang-involved kids see
inconsistency as a weakness and will exploit it
•
Don’t allow gang members from the same set to work together
•
Don’t allow students to write gang symbols or turn in assignments with gang style
writing
•
Don’t challenge or try to intimidate gang involved youth especially in front of their
peers
•
Don’t allow gang involved students to “disappear” in the classroom
•
Don’t make exceptions for favorite students
•
Don’t allow students to overly-group or clique together and exclude other groups
•
Don’t allow your classroom to be used as a gang forum
•
Don’t allow students to use words or activities that are gang-related
CLASSROOM STRATEGIES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Have school rules and classroom rules posted and clearly visible
Continuously discuss the rules and your expectations
Invite student participation in rule development and during discussion of the rules
Be aware of gang rivalries
Know the school policies and be aware of enforcement procedures
Be culturally sensitive
Have more hands on or cooperative learning situations
Invite positive role models to speak to your class
Refer students to school counselor, peer counseling, or appropriate student
assistance programs
Work with parents and communicate with them often
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STRATEGIES FOR CAMPUS SECURITY
Campus supervision is a tremendous challenge. This section has been developed as a
model for schools that employ campus supervisors or resource officers in their everyday
monitoring of students. These recommendations serve as guides to help ensure a safe
campus environment while directing students toward positive social attitudes.
BE PROMPT
Always begin work on time. Students and staff will recognize your consistence.
BE PLEASANT
Let students know you are able to connect with both students and staff effectively.
Maintain a friendly position of authority. You should never be called by your first name.
Be pleasant, but never let students forget you are the person in charge.
DRESS FOR THE JOB
Uniforms and identification badges should be issued to all campus supervisors. Wear
your uniform at all times. You may be the first contact an outsider has with your schoolset the tone!
KNOW THE RULES
Familiarize yourself with the school rules. Make sure to enforce rules in a fair and
impartial manner.
KNOW THE COMMUNITY
Attend activities in the community. Be aware of things that are happening that may affect
the school. This is very helpful in enabling you to become acquainted with the parents of
your students and allows them to see you as a member of their community. It is also a
good idea to become familiar with certain areas where students may hang out after school
or on the weekends.
LOOK AND LISTEN
Learn to listen. Walk around the campus when on duty- talk to students and listen to
them. Students are always aware of what is going on campus and can be extremely
helpful to staff.
LISTEN TO RUMORS AND FOLLOW UP ON THEM
Most problems begin with rumors and many rumors come true.
REPRIMAND IN PRIVATE
It is important that students be disciplined in private, not in front of their peers. Students
who are reprimanded in an open setting may not be as trusting of you in the future.
BE FAMILIAR WITH CAMPUS CLIMATE
This means knowing who hangs out where and with whom. If you can't remember names,
do remember faces and dress.
69
BE AWARE OF STUDENT SUB-GROUPS
It is important to be aware of the different groups on campus such as jocks, surfers, gang
related students, and so on. It is equally important that all groups are treated with the
same amount of respect.
BE AWARE OF FIGHTS BREWING
•
Fights should be handled with care. Be most concerned with your own safety-get
help when needed.
•
Keep the combatants separated when taking them to the office and then while in
the office. Never run to a fight. It draws a crowd.
•
Learn the names of potential problem students. In a fight, students will stop
fighting sooner if you call them by their names
BE ALERT FOR STUDENT DRUG DEALERS
Watch for “loners” going back from group to group. They may often carry a book bag,
folder, or other “non-conspicuous” items in which to hide drugs and are always holding
these items in a suspiciously protective manner.
BE ALERT FOR STUDENTS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCE
A person under the influence can easily be detected by:
•
Smell - marijuana, alcohol
•
Appearance - sleepy, nervous, dry-mouthed, red eyes, dilated pupils
•
Speech - slurred, overly friendly
•
Suspicious behavior - different or opposite from his/her normal behavior; passing
something to another person in a secretive manner
•
Do not antagonize a student under the influence of a controlled substance
•
Do not leave students alone - call for assistance. Be sure they do not get rid of
evidence
•
Remain calm. Be reassuring and talk to the student about something unrelated as
you walk him/her to the office.
•
Get a second or even a third opinion whenever possible
OTHER HELPFUL IDEAS FOR CAMPUS SECURITY PERSONNEL
•
Always carry a small pad and pencil. Documentation is very important for future
reference. It is also a good deterrent for potential behavior problems.
•
Keep moving in your assigned area. It is good mental health for you and it keeps
students guessing.
70
•
Direct all visitors in a professional manner to the administrative office. Do not let
them wander through the campus.
•
Maintain good relationships with the law enforcement agency in your city. Help
keep them informed of school activities and always speak positively about the
school.
•
Discourage students from standing in front of the school by the street. This creates
bad public relations. You don't want the community to perceive your students as
“loiters.”
•
Alert the administration when you observe teachers violate basic school rules such
as dismissing students early or not issuing hall passes
•
Avoid instigating confrontations with students. You should be the solution, not the
problem.
•
Report all potential conflicts to your supervisor
•
Win the trust of the group leaders so they will help you. You may need to rely on
them in the future.
•
Investigate all threats
•
Check the restroom often. Restrooms are not only a good place for smoking but for
gang initiations as well.
GANG ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Complete and discuss your school's assessment of the gang problem. Give yourself the
points in parenthesis if the following exist:
•
Do you have graffiti on or near your campus? (5)
•
Do you have crossed out graffiti on or near your campus? (10)
•
Do your students wear colors, jewelry, clothing, flash hand signals or display
other behavior which may be gang related? (10)
•
Are drugs available on or near your school? (5)
•
Has there been a significant increase in the number of physical
confrontations/stare downs within the past twelve months in or near your school?
(5)
•
Is there an increasing presence of weapons in your community? (10)
•
Is there an increasing presence of weapons in your school? (10)
•
Do your students use beepers, pagers, or cellular phones? (10)
71
•
Have you had a drive-by shooting at or around your school? (15)
•
Have you had a display of weapons at or around your school? (10)
•
Is your truancy rate increasing? (5)
•
Is there an increasing number of racial incidents in our community or school? (5)
•
Is there a history of gangs in your community? (10)
•
Is there an increasing presence of “Informal Social Groups” with unusual names
like Pimpin’ Hoes Daily, 18th Street Crew or Sexy Brown Hynas? (15)
A score of 50 points or more indicates a need to develop a Gang Prevention and
Intervention Plan.
Source: National Safe School Center
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Children spend at least 15 hours a week in front of a television, not counting the amount
they spend playing video games. We need to understand the difference between
“speaking at a child” and “speaking with a child” or the amount of time spent with a child
vs. the quality of time spent with a child. Parents are the foundation, they are the key for
children to stay focused on the right path of life (Aguirre, 2003). Raising children is not
an easy task and even if children where born with an instruction booklet we would still
have questions. For this reason we have provided several tips for parents on how to build
a positive relationship with their children.
SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILD / PROVIDE POSITIVE ATTENTION
• Plan activities that the whole family can enjoy
• Also, spend time alone with your child
• Have a genuine interest and concern in the things that are important to your child
• Expose them to different places outside of your neighborhood, parks, museums, the
beach, mountains, camping trips, etc.
• Remember to praise your child daily
PROMOTE POSITIVE COMMUNICATION
• Don't just talk “at” your child, but talk “with” them
• Listen and value what they have to say
• Encourage them to discuss all problems with you, large and small
• Do not trivialize or put them down when they discuss problems or concerns
• Set aside a given time each day to have a conversation with your child and discuss
how their day went, etc.
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SHOW AND SPEAK YOUR LOVE
• Many children seek out gangs to fulfill their need for love and family support, so let
your child know that you care for and love them
• Give frequent hugs, especially after bad days
• Show your child that you are genuinely interested in their life
• Remember to “speak” your love for them, in addition to showing it by actions
BUILD HEALTHY SELF - ESTEEM
Kids who have the proper self-image don't need to rely on gangs for recognition or
status.
• Take time to let your child know that they are special
• Teach them to feel good about themselves
• Find the positive in your child and recognize it
• Be aware of the absolute power of your words - minimize the negative comments and
maximize the positive comments
• Give them hope for a bright future
PROMOTE POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND VALUES
A positive attitude towards self and others and a strong sense of ethical and moral values
will enable children to make correct decisions in avoiding gangs and drugs.
• At an early age, teach your children to care for and respect themselves and others
• Teach them about what is right and wrong
• Allow them to believe in themselves
• Let them have hope for a positive future
• Stress a positive outlook on life and the future
• Stress good work habits in academics and employment
• Teach them that through hard work and effort, they can become anything that they
want
• Be a good role model (we all know actions speak louder than words, and kids do
watch what their parents do and say)
KNOW YOUR CHILD'S FRIENDS
Peers play an important role in your child's development. If your child hangs around
gang members, then he/she has a strong chance of becoming a gang member, as well.
• Meet and get to know your children’s friends
• Know how your child and his/her friends spend their free time and what type of
influence they have over your child
• Become familiar with the families of your child's friends and learn how they feel
about gangs and drugs
• Do not allow your child to hang around gang members or wannabes
• Do not allow your child to go to houses that have gang members living in them
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PROVIDE GOOD SUPERVISION / OCCUPY YOUR CHILD'S FREE TIME
Children are more apt to become involved in gangs and other delinquent behaviors when
they are left alone.
• Give them responsibilities at home
• Keep your children active in positive alternatives
• Get them involved in supervised activities, such as after school programs, sports,
clubs, scouting, church activities, or as community service volunteers
• Do not allow them to stay out late
• Always know where they are, where they are going, and with whom
• Check up on them periodically
DISCIPLINE IS NECESSARY / SET LIMITS
Discipline and structure in the household will allow your child to develop self-limits.
• Discuss the house rules with your children
• Set realistic limits
• Teach them what acceptable and unacceptable behaviors are
• Write out the consequences of unacceptable behaviors
• Monitor their behavior and enforce the rules
• Be fair / Be firm / Be consistent!!
ENCOURAGE A GOOD EDUCATION / BECOME INVOLVED IN YOUR
CHILD'S SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
• Take an active interest in your child’s education
• Help them with homework assignments or studying for tests
• Read books with your child
• Visit educational places such as museums or the library
• Stress the importance of a good education and remind them of the opportunities that
an education can give them
• Set high standards for your children
• Become active in your child’s school (especially the middle school) - get to know the
staff, become a PTA member, attend school events/activities
BECOME MORE INFORMED AND AWARE OF GANGS
You can't fight what you don't see or change what you don't know.
• Organize or attend meetings that give a local perspective on what types of gang
activities are occurring in your area
• Learn the names of local gangs and what their graffiti looks like
• Learn how gang members dress and act
• Always keep your weapons locked up in the house
TALK WITH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT GANGS
Let them know why you think gangs are so dangerous:
• Constant threat of violence, either to gang members or to innocent bystanders
• Hatred of other groups for no reason
• Drug use, which leads to its own problems
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•
•
Greatly increased chance of being arrested
Ruins young lives and futures
CREATE A ZERO TOLERANCE FOR GANGS
• Let your child know that anything associated with gangs is negative and selfdestructive
• Let your child and their friends know that your house is an anti-gang home
• Do not allow anyone to bring gang paraphernalia into your home
• Do not allow your child to write gang names, initials or other gang-related graffiti
• Do not allow them to take a gang type nickname
• Do not allow them to flash gang hand signs
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY
A strong, united community will force gangs to move or disperse.
• Get to know your neighbors
• Form support groups and/or join neighborhood watch groups
• Discourage gangs from “kickin’it” in your neighborhoods
• Have graffiti removed as soon as possible
• Teach your children civic pride
• Attend community functions
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OVERVIEW
Law enforcement plays a vital role in the fight against gangs. Gang members tend to
view police officers in a negative light. Controversial incidents such as the 1940’s
Sleepy Lagoon case in which it was discovered that law enforcement planted evidence to
convict a group of Mexican individuals of a murder, helped to lay the foundation of
distrust between community members and the police.
Law enforcement activities continue to be publicized through the media. The beating of
Rodney King lead to riots in South Central Los Angeles in 1991; and Donovan Jackson, a
16-year old, was videotaped being restrained with extreme force by Inglewood police
officers. Although events such as these are not the norm in police departments across the
nation, the public scrutinizes these cases. The public’s perception of law enforcement
officers is clearly affected by the way they are portrayed through the eye of a camera
lens.
Police officers must remember that although their main job is to protect citizens, they are
also part of the community in which they work. The following are some tips to aid law
enforcement in fostering positive relationships with community members that can help in
more efficient suppression of criminal activity.
It is very important and sometimes difficult to remember that police officers are human
beings and they make mistakes just like everyone else. Having a positive relationship
with law enforcement will aid citizens in fostering a nurturing community where children
and adults are safe.
TIPS FOR POLICE OFFICERS
Respect and interact with gang members - It is imperative that police officers be
familiar with the area they work in. Officers should know the history of gangs that are
dominant in certain neighborhoods.
Know gang members by name and moniker - School Resource Officers should
connect with the department Gang Unit (if one exists) to learn about any documented
gang members who are enrolled in local schools.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Know the back ways, alleys short cuts of the area you are working in
Specify that you are doing your job
Try to explain the process, it will give you a better outcome
Never turn your back towards the street
Ask the same questions in different forms
Notice physical movements (nervous, sweaty, anxious)
Don’t jump to conclusions
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LAW ENFORCEMENT TIPS FOR THE COMMUNITY
It is important to share safety tips with community members if given the opportunity.
The following are a few strategies that law enforcement can share with the community
they work with.
Dial 911 for emergency situations ONLY - it is critical that telephone lines remain open
in order for dispatchers to take emergency calls.
Report a non-emergency situation to local police station - Make sure the telephone
number of your local police station is listed close to the telephone.
Participate in your Neighborhood Crime Watch Program - Participating in crime
prevention programs lets community members know that criminal activity will not be
tolerated.
Do not permit loitering next to your home, alley, bus stop - If you witness any of these
activities make sure to call the local police station’s non-emergency number to report any
such activities.
Paint over graffiti as soon as possible - Check your local city listings for graffiti
removal programs. Most programs will paint over graffiti, free of cost.
Use resources in and around neighborhood - Check local directories for information
regarding different resources available to community members.
Cooperate with law enforcement if needed - Law enforcement needs the participation
and help of citizens in the battle against crime. Remember, crime is a community
problem, therefore the community needs to be part of the solution.
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PROPOSITION 21
Proposition 21 was passed on March 8, 2000 with 62% of votes. Prop 21 changed laws
that relate to juveniles and adults who are gang related offenders, including those who
commit serious and violent crimes. Precisely, it:
•
Requires more juvenile offenders to be tried in adult court
•
Requires that certain juvenile offenders be held in local or state correctional facilities
•
Changes the types of probation available for juvenile felons
•
Reduces confidentiality protection for juvenile offenders
•
Increases penalties for gang related crimes and requires convicted gang members to
register with local law enforcement agencies
•
Increases criminal penalties for certain serious and violent felonies
THREE STRIKES (Affected by Prop21)
Under the Three Strikes Law, defendants with one prior ‘strike’ receives a double term
for ANY new felony conviction. Defendants with two prior ‘strikes’ receive a life term.
Before Prop 21, only offenses defined as serious or violent as of June 30, 1993, qualified
as prior strikes. Prop 21 created a host of new “Serious” and “Violent” felonies. It also
eliminated the provision that only offenses defined as serious or violent before June
30,1993 qualify as prior strikes.
Proposition 21 now makes ALL FELONIES defined as serious or violent on the date the
initiative became effective (March 8, 2000), count as strikes under the Three Strikes Law.
New “VIOLENT” Felonies
[Proposition 21]
•
ANY robbery not only armed robberies within a residence.
•
ANY kidnapping (without a show of unusual danger to the victim).
•
Assault with intent to commit mayhem, rape, sodomy or oral copulation.
New “SERIOUS” Felonies
[Proposition 21]
•
ANY gang-related felony (listed in PC 186.22 [e])
•
Assault with intent to commit mayhem, rape, sodomy, or oral copulation
•
Malicious throwing acid or flammable substance
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• Assault with deadly weapon, firearm, and assault weapon or semi-automatic weapon
•
Assault on a peace officer or fire fighter, prosecuted under PC 245
•
Assault with a deadly weapon against a public transit employee
•
Discharged of a firearm at an inhabited dwelling, vehicle or aircraft
•
Rape or penetration by foreign object in concert with another person
•
Continuous sexual abuse of a child
•
Drive-by shooting
•
Intimidation of victims/witnesses
•
Terrorists threats
•
Violations of 10-20-25L statue.
GANG SENTENCE ENHANCEMENTS
The California Penal Code Chapter 11. STREET TERRORISM ENFORCEMENT
AND PREVENTION ACT (STEP ACT) Section 186.22. Participation in criminal
street gang; states that any individual convicted of a felony in relationship to a street
gang can be punished by an additional term of two, three, or four years at the court's
discretion, except that if the felony is a serious felony, as defined in subdivision (c) of
Section 1192.7, the person shall be punished by an additional term of five years. If the
felony is a violent felony, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5, the person shall
be punished by an additional term of 10 years.
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GANG INJUNCTION PROCESS
- Officers document gang members
- Citizens give confidential declarations
D.A. FILES:
Civil Lawsuit
Request for
for Permanent
TRO*
Nuisance Injunction
Defendants
answer
complaint
(Day 30)
Civil
Trial
(Day 365)
Judge grants
TRO & OSC**
for Preliminary
Injunction
Defendants
do not
answer
complaint
(Day 30)
Judge grants
Preliminary
Injunction.
Default
Judgment
(Day 45)
In effect until
resolution of
civil lawsuit.
Permanent Injunction
(After trial or
default judgement)
VIOLATION OF ANY COURT ORDER
$1,000 FINE OR 6 MONTHS
JAIL
*TRO: Temporary Restraining Order
**OSC: Order to Show Cause
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RESOURCES
The following are resources on a variety of topics related to gangs.
ARTICLES
Chang, Jean. A Comparative Analysis of Female Gang and Non-Gang Members in Chicago.
National Gang Crime Research Center.
Decker, Scott H. (2001). A Decade of Gang Research: Results from the National Institute of
Justice Research Portfolio. Responding to Gangs: Evaluation and Research, Winnie Reed
and Scott H. Decker (editors).
Decker, Scott H., Bynum, Timothy S. & Weisel, Deborah. (1998). A Tale of Two Cities: Gang
Organization. Justice Quarterly, (15), 3, 395 – 425
Esbenses, Finn. (Spring, 2000). Preventing Adolescent Gang Involvement. Juvenile Justice
Bulletin.
Kirk-Duggan, Cheryl A. (1997). Kindred Spirits - Sister Mimetic Societies and Social
Responsibilities. Journal of Gang Research, 4, 23-36.
Miller, Jody & Decker, Scott H. (2001). Young Women and Gang Violence: Gender, Street
Offending, and Violent Victimization in Gangs. Justice Quarterly, 18, 115 – 140.
St. Cyr, Jenna & Decker, Scott H. (2003). Guys, Girls and Gangs: Convergence or Divergence in
the Gendered Construction of Gangs and Groups. Journal of Criminal Justice, 31, 423 – 423.
BOOKS/MANUALS
Bing, Leon. (1991). Do or Die. New York, NY : HarperCollins Publishers
Decker, Scott H. & Van Winkle, Barrick. (1996). Life in the Gang: Family, Friends and
Violence. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Howell, James C. (August, 2000). Youth Gang Programs and Strategies. National Youth Gang
Center.
Lavinge, Yves. (1997). Hell’s Angels: Into the Abyss. Harper Paperbacks.
Marshall Jr., Joseph E. (1996). Street Soldier: One Man's Struggle to Save A Generation, One
Life At A Time. Delacorte Press.
Murray, Yxta Maya. (1998). Locas. New York: Grove Press.
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Nuwere, Ejovi. (2002). Hacker cracker : a journey from the mean streets of Brooklyn to the
frontiers of cyberspace. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
Rodriguez, Luis. (1993). Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A. Willimantic, CT:
Curbstone Press.
Rosenbaum, Jill Lesile. (1999)..A Violent Few - Gang Girls in the California Youth Authority.
New York: ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education.
Joseph Rodriguez. (1996). East Side Stories: Gang Life in East L.A. New York: PowerHouse
Books.
Sanchez, Reymundo. (2000). My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King. Chicago: Chicago
Review Press.
Shaku, Sanyika. (1993). Monster- The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member. New York:
Penguin Books.
Sikes, Gini. (1998). Eight Ball Chicks. Doubleday.
Valdez, Al. (2000). Gangs: A Guide to Understanding Street Gangs. San Clemente, CA:
LawTech Publishing.
Valentine, Bill. Gang Intelligence Manual: Identifying And Understanding Modern-Day Violent
Gangs In The United States.
Vigil, Diego. (2002). A Rainbow Of Gangs: Street Cultures in the Mega-City. University of
Texas Press.
WEB SITES
General Gang Information
• Anti-Defamation League - provides information on extremist groups:
http://www.adl.org/adl.asp
•
California Gang Investigator’s Association - Information on training:
http://www.cgiaonline.org/
•
Community Oriented Policing Services - Provides information on successful
strategies to prevent graffiti, community policing information, funding resources:
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/
•
Convicts and Cops - Provides general information on gangs as well as on tattoos:
http://www.convictsandcops.com
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•
Eugene Police Department (Gangs 101) - Information on basic gang awareness:
http://www.ci.eugene.or.us/DPS/police/Comm_Policing/Crime_Prev/gangs101.htm
•
Gang Awareness Page for Parents/Educators/Law Enforcement - Maintained by
Steven L. Sachs, this Internet site contains commonly asked questions about gangs as
well as links to other resources: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/9341/
•
Gangwise - A resource guide for parents and professionals:
http://www.gangwise.com/
•
Gang Crime Prevention Center - Provides information on gangs, research, and
resources: http://www.gcpc.state.il.us/
•
Gang Investigators Association - provides a listing of all Gang Investigator
Associations throughout the United States:
www.tgia.net/Links/Law_Enforcement/Gang_Investigators/gang_investigators.htm
l
•
Gangs 101 - Gangs 101 is information is taken from the "Comprehensive Community
Reanimation Process" manual published by Urban Dynamics, Inc. about gang structure,
recruitment techniques, and gangs as a criminal enterprise:
http://www.lincolnnet.net/users/lrttrapp/block/gangs101.htm
•
Gangs or Us - Robert Walker provides identification and training information:
http://www.gangsorus.com/
•
Graffiti Related Links - Provides links to web pages that contain information on
graffiti: http://www.dougweb.com/grlinks.html
•
Into the Abyss: A Personal Journey Into the World of Street Gangs - This is an
online comprehensive resource book on street gangs in America by Mike Carlie:
http://courses.smsu.edu/mkc096f/gangbook/default.htm
•
Know Gangs - Internet site that contains history, identifiers, publications, and
resources about gangs and gang-related topics: http://www.knowgangs.com
•
National Drug Intelligence Center - an independent component of the Department of
Justice. This office produces strategic intelligence for the counter-drug community
focusing on drugs, gangs, and violence: www.usdoj.gov/ndic
•
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention - Provides information on
various studies undertaken by OJJDP concerning very young offenders and the causes
of offending: http://www.ncjrs.org/html/ojjdp/report_research_2000/index.html
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•
Orange County Sheriff’s Office - The Gang Intelligence Unit is constantly updating
this list of documented gangs in the United States:
http://www.orangecountysheriffs.org/gang/
•
Sergeant Ken Whitley’s page - www.convictsandcops.com
•
Street Gangs - Provides information on gangs in Los Angeles County:
http://www.streetgangs.com/
•
The Interagency Task Force on Gangs and Youth Violence c/o Community
Partnership of the Ozarks - This Internet site provides general information on gangs
and preventative measures to reduce gang activity and youth violence:
http://associations.smsu.edu/nogangs/
Statistics
• Bureau of Justice Statistics - provides statistical information on gang-related crimes.
Several publications are available: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs
•
National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) - Download a threat
assessment report developed by the NAGIA.
http://www.nagia.org/national_gang_threat_assessment.htm
•
National Gang Crime Research Center - a non-profit agency that carries out research
on gangs and gang members and disseminates information through publications and
reports: http://www.ngcrc.com/
•
National Youth Gang Center - provides gang information, statistics, journal articles
and more: www.iir.com/nygc
VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMS/ CURRICULUM
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America - Typically targets youth (aged 16 to 18) from single parent
homes. http://www.bbbsa.org
Life Skills Training (LST )- A primary intervention program that targets all middle/junior high
school students (initial intervention in grades 6 or 7, depending on the school structure, with
booster sessions in the two subsequent years). http://www.lifeskillstraining.com/
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) - Targets chronic, violent, or substance abusing male or female
juvenile offenders, ages 12 to 17, at high risk of out-of-home placement, and the offenders’
families.
For additional information on the programs listed above please visit the Blueprint Model
Programs web site at (http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/blueprints/index.html).
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Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.): This is a school-based, life-skills
competency program that is taught by uniformed police officers. The program consists of a
classroom curriculum of 13 lessons, a summer component and a family component for students
in 7th and eighth grade. A curriculum is also available for 3rd-6th grade students. A 5-year study
conducted by the National Institute of Justice and the University of Nebraska at Omaha
demonstrated that students who participated in the program experienced lower rates of
victimization, more negative views about gangs, more favorable attitudes towards law
enforcement, were more involved in pro-social activities, and had lower levels of involvement in
risk seeking behaviors. www.atf.treas.gov/great/great.htm
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REFERENCES CITED
Aguirre, Felix. (1997). Street Gangs and Law Enforcement.
Egley, A., Jr., Major, A.K., and Howell, J.C. (Forthcoming). National Youth Gang Survey:
1999- 2001. Tallahassee, Fl: National Youth Gang Center.
Huff, Ronald C. (October 1998). Comparing the Criminal Behavior of Youth Gangs and At-Risk
Youths. National Institute of Justice.
Kodluboy, Donald. (1996). Basic Issues for Educators. National Alliance of Gang Investigators
Associations.
Lane, Kevin. (2000). Black Street Gangs: Bloods and Crips. Lecture presented at California
Gang Investigator’s Association Conference.
Maxson, C.L., and Whitlock, M.L. (2002). Joining the Gang: Gender Differences in Risk Factors
for Gang Membership. In C.R. Huff (Ed.), Gangs in America III, (pp.19-35). Thousand Oaks,
CA: Sage Publications.
Simon Wiesenthal Center Report. (1998). The New Lexicon of Hate, third edition.
Valdez, Al. (2003). History of Mexican Street Gangs. Gang Lecture/Training, December 11,
2002.
Valdez, Al. (2000). A Guide to Understanding Gangs. San Clemente, CA: LawTech Publishing.
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