How to Prevent Gang Activity

Help kids avoid gangs.

Street gangs are a problem in cities around the world. Gang activity has spread from its urban origins out to the suburbs and rural regions. Incidences such as vandalism, auto theft, burglary, drug sales and homicide are all signs of gang activity. This activity puts the safety of community residents at risk, lowers property values and damages the economic prosperity of community businesses. Preventing gang activity is no easy task. It requires a steadfast commitment and the mutual dedication of citizens and law enforcement.

Instructions

1. Raise awareness by educating the public. Preventing gang activity is also about preventing gang involvement. Implement programs at the elementary and junior high schools that educate the students and parents about the dangers of becoming involved with gangs.

2. Establish community relations through outreach programs. Kids turn to gangs because they often feel like they are outcasts in society. By reaching out to gangs and at-risk youth, a support network can be built for these kids. Churches, schools and local businesses can participate in outreach programs. Invite the kids into church congregations. Teach the kids job skills and life skills so that they will be prepared to function in normal society. Hire at-risk youth to work in local business. All of these things will strengthen youth ties to a community and lessen the likelihood of them participating in gang activity.

3. Identify gang members and their affiliations. One of the best ways to prevent trouble is to intercept it long before it starts. Keep lists of known gang members and gang-affiliates. Learn to recognize gang clothing, colors and any identifying tattoos. Many gangs use hand and finger symbols to identity themselves as being members of a particular gang. Become familiar with known gang territory. This is where gang activity is most likely to take place.

4. Mediate gang interaction. Community leaders should work alongside reformed gang members, and police gang task forces, to avert clashes between rivals. Street politics aren't that different from global politics, just on a much smaller scale. As in the world of international politics, Intelligence tactics must be used when dealing with gangs. Their actions need to be monitored at all times. By working with respected former gang members, truces can be brokered.

5. Support harsh laws for gang members. Gang offenders must have consequences to their actions. Many cities, states and even the federal government have enacted laws specifically targeting gang offenders. Write to your lawmakers and support initiatives that help curb gang activity.

References

• U.S. Department of Justice: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; September 2000
• The Sand Diego Union-Tribune; Preventing gang violence in San Diego; Ami C. Carpenter and Anthony Ceja; September 14, 2010
• Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office: Gang Suppression