How to Interpret and Analyze Gang Graffiti
Gang graffiti is used to enforce a gang's power or status. It serves to delineate a gang's territory as well as broadcast a gang's intentions. It warns outsiders, such as law enforcement and other trespassers, that they are entering a forbidden area. It may also notify potential clients of available drugs or sex, or it may simply be homage to a dead gang member. Although gangs have their own symbols, they follow certain rules in terms of display and can remain unchanged for decades.
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Instructions
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Study the letters and design. Note that if the graffiti consists of bubble script and uses more than a single color of paint, it is most likely not gang-related. Consider strikingly angular letters, which are painted in one color and often combined with satanic or religious images, as probably gang-related.
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Search for numbers in the graffiti. Consider that two-digit numbers, such as 13 or 14, typically signify the presence of a Hispanic gang. Note that M is the 13th letter in the alphabet, and stands for either Mexico or "La Eme," the Mexican Mafia. The number 14 represents the letter N, or the 14th letter in the alphabet, and means "North" or "Norteno." Know that "North" signifies that the Hispanic gang is likely from Northern California. Note that the three-digit numbers, 031 or 021, are common identifiers for the Bloods, a notorious Los Angeles-based gang.
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Note that two numbers preceded by N, S, E or W (north, south, east or west), represent directions or the gang's territorial orientation. Consider that an "S" that follows N, S, E or W typically means "side." Translate the tag, "WS18," as an identifier for the West Side 18th Street gang, which is based in California.
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Interpret graffiti with crossed out letters or a series of numbers followed by a "K," which stands for kill, as a threat from a rival gang towards the gang specified in the graffiti.
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Assume that an "A" at the beginning of a series of letters or numbers means "Almighty," and "N" at the end of a particular gang's symbols translates to "Nation." The A and N are ubiquitous and used by almost every gang regardless of status and power. Focus on the script between the A and N in order to identify the exact gang. For example, the important information in graffiti reading "A.C.V.L.N." on a wall are the letters, C, V and L. Note that "V.L." is an abbreviation for the Vice Lords gang. Regard the extra letter C tacked onto "V.L." as reference to a set, or the local branch of the larger gang.
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Learn the abbreviations for gangs in the U.S., such as "LK" for Latin Kings, "LQ" for Latin Queens and "GD" for Gangster Disciples, that frequently appear in gang graffiti.
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References
Resources
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