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Some signs of gang problems in schools:
A rise in truancy
An increasing number of social groups with unusual names
Young people wearing tattoos, beads, and colors
Graffiti --- especially if crossed-out
A rising incidence of confrontations, "stare-downs" and racial tensions
"Show-by" displays of weapons and "drive-by" shootings
There are many kinds of gangs. The kinds of gangs most commonly found in Texas are:
Delinquent Youth Gangs — groups of young people (mostly juveniles) who "hang out" together. They have a name, a leader
or leaders, and they have developed some identifying signs such as similar clothing style, colors, and/or hand signs. They have engaged in delinquent or undesirable behavior (truancy, minor vandalism,
status offenses) often enough to attract negative attention from law enforcement and/or neighborhood residents and/or school officials; but they have not yet committed serious crimes.
Traditional Turf-Based Gangs — are groups of young people (juveniles and/or adults) with a name, a leader or leaders, and
identifying signs such as clothing style, colors, or hand signs. The group is associated with a territory which it defends against rival gangs. Offenses include vandalism (graffiti) and assault. Offenses
may include shootings and homicides. Turf and gang rivalry are key identifying characteristics.
Gain-Oriented Gangs — groups of young people (juveniles and/or adults) with a name and a leader or leaders, who repeatedly engage
in criminal activities as a group and individually, for economic gain. Offenses may include robbery, theft, and distribution and sale of controlled substances.
Violent/Hate Gangs — groups of young people (juveniles and/or adults) with a name and a leader or leaders, who collectively engage
in acts of violence toward groups or individuals. Geographical turf and material gain appear to be of secondary importance, if present at all. Offenses may include serious assaults and homicide.
Who are the young people in gangs?
Gang members are normally between the ages of 14 and 24. Most have not performed well at school, and many have dropped out. Very often,
they have brothers or fathers or uncles who have been in gangs. Typically, the most deeply involved gang members have histories of being without adult supervision for extended periods of time, on a daily
basis, from an early age. These young people turn to gangs in search of acceptance, companionship, recognition, and a feeling of belonging.
Note! Not every child who experiments with gang styles is a gang member. DonŐt jump to conclusions. If you suspect gang involvement,
talk to the childŃand above all, listen.
What can we do about gangs?
Acknowledge the problem. In some communities, residents and officials are afraid to admit that there is a gang problem. They may be
concerned about their community's image, or about the negative effects of "labeling" young people as gang members. Some people are even afraid that by giving the problem any attention, they
will be encouraging gangs, by giving them the notoriety they seek. All of these concerns should be addressed, and all can be met. Denial is never beneficial. You cannot solve a problem until you admit
that it exists.
Assess the problem. Every locality has its own version of the gang problem. Before you can begin to find solutions to your own
situation, you must understand it. How many gangs and gang members are there? What kinds of gangs are present? Do you have an emerging or a chronic gang problem? What sorts of local conditions are
contributing to gang activity? To gather this information you must establish cooperative relations between schools, police, and community organizations.
Act on the problem. Send a clear message to the gangs in your community that gang activity will not go unanswered. Call neighborhood
meetings for citizens concerned about gangs. Involve the media. Clean up graffiti — and keep it cleaned up. Arrange to hear about new graffiti promptly. Always photograph the marks for
documentation. Graffiti is the newsletter of the gangs: read it, then paint it over. Involve parents and neighbors. Graffiti removal is a crucial initial step to reclaiming neighborhoods and reducing
citizens' fear of crime.
What kinds of programs work to reduce gang activity?
Where gangs are violent or where they are driving up local crimes rates, special police tactics may be needed. But gangs are not
primarily a law enforcement problem. Programs are needed to address some of the causes of gang behavior.
Opportunities. Gang activity often occurs when young people do not have access to socially acceptable forms of success. Children who are
poorly prepared for school and receive little support for their efforts may turn to gangs for a chance to "be somebody" important. Schools must recognize the potential and value of each child.
Academic support is essential for at-risk and gang-involved youth.
Alternatives. Gangs are the only form of recreation and companionship available to some young people. To compete successfully with
gangs, recreational programs must offer excitement and close, supportive relationships. Mentoring programs may be combined with after school and summer activities.
Supervision. Too many children are unsupervised for extended periods of time. Latchkey and after school programs can help, by providing
safe places for children to learn and play when they would otherwise be left alone. These programs can also help by providing nutritious meals, tutoring, and mentoring.
Social development opportunities. Some children need help with interpersonal and decision-making skills. Young people can be taught to
visualize the consequences of their actions, and to understand that they can choose what to make of their lives. Children and parents can benefit from learning new ways of communicating with each other
and positive ways of resolving interpersonal conflicts.
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