Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Gang?
2. What is a Gang Related Crime?
3. What is a Gang Member?
4. How do you Know if Someone is in a Gang?
5. Why do Young people Join Gangs?
6. What do gangs do?
7. What is Mad-dogging?
8. What are Hand Signs?
9. Are there other signs of gang involvment?
10. How Can I Help?

1. Q: What is a Gang? [back to top]

A: While there is no standard tool used to identify or certify gangs in the United States, each state has its own unique guideline with California being the most liberal of all states. The following is a definition as adopted by the State of California anti-gang coordinating committee.

DEFINITION OF " criminal street gang"

A criminal street gang is defined as any organization, association or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which (1) has continuity of purpose; (2) seeks a group identify; and (3) has members who individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal activity. (References Section 186.22(f) of the California Penal Code)

2. Q: What is a Gang Related Crime? [back to top]

A: A crime is considered to be “gang related” if the suspect or the victim of the incident is a known member of a gang, or there is reliable information indicating that the offense was committed by a gang member.

3. Q: What is a Gang Member? [back to top]

A: A gang member is defined as anyone who" (1) actively participates in a criminal street gang; (2) has knowledge that its members engage in , or have engaged in, a pattern of criminal gang activity, and criminal conduct by members of the gang (References Section 186.22 of the California Penal Code)

4. Q: How do you Know if Someone is in a Gang? [back to top]

A: An individual is identified as a gang member based on the following criteria:

1. Admits gang membership or association
2. Is observed to associate on a regular basis with known gang members
3. Has tattoos indicating gang membership
4. Wears gang clothing, symbols, etc., to identify with a specific gang
5. Is in a photograph with known gang members and/or using gang-related hand signs
6. Name is on a gang document, hit list, or gang-related graffiti
7. Is identified as a gang member by a reliable source
8. Arrested in the company of identified gang members or associates
9. Corresponds with known gang members or writes and/or receives correspondence about gang activities
10. Writes about gang (graffiti) on walls, books, paper, etc.

5. Q: Why do Young people Join Gangs? [back to top]

A: There are a variety of reasons including the excitement of gang activity, peer pressure, attention, financial benefit (e.g., from selling drugs or stolen property), family tradition, and a lack of realization of the hazards involved. In many cases, young people are not actively discouraged from gang activity by their parents. In fact, more than not, parents don’t realize that their children are engaged in gang activity and assume it’s always someone else’s child.

6. Q: What do gangs do? [back to top]

A: It is not practical to examine everything a gang does. In fact, many gang activities are frequently shared by a large portion of society. But when a gang is involved in a weekend party, or family event such as a Quinceañera (traditional Mexican celebration for young ladies coming of age) or attends a public event such as visiting an amusement park, the potential for violence and criminal activity is far greater than for any other group of people. Gang members seek confrontation with rivals. The resulting violence often claims innocent victims. While gang violence often makes headlines, it creates even more damage on a regular basis to local property and business. Vandalism, in the form of graffiti and the wanton destruction of public and private property, is often done in furtherance of the gang’s reputation. Abandoned houses are favorite targets for vandalism but even occupied homes do not escape. Local businesses suffer not only from the property damage and graffiti, but also from loss of customers and employees. Businesses facing decreasing revenue and rising insurance costs. This leads to closing their doors leaving yet another abandoned building for the gang or to create blight. The majority of residents in a gang area who are unable to move away live in fear.

7. Q: What is Mad-dogging? [back to top]

A: Another common non-verbal signs in “mad-dogging” which uses staring or glaring at another person with the intent to intimidate. Some can recognize this as in giving someone the evil eye or a hard stare. Mad-dogging is used to instill fear and frequently results in violent confrontation.

8. Q: What are Hand Signs? [back to top]

A: Rapid movement of hands and fingers to form letters or numbers, (similar, but not the same as American Sign Language), it identifies gang affiliation. The signals are usually initials of a gang, posing a challenge to other gang members and intimidating other youth.

9. Q: Are there other signs of gang involvment? [back to top]

A: Other signs are crude or elaborate tattoos, fingernails painted a certain color, certain undergarments, specific hairstyles (such as the skinheads shaving their head bald), Norteños wearing a hairstyle known as the Mongolian look, a little patch of hair on the back of the head. If a school has a dress code, youths will become very creative and do things such as wear one ring on one hand and three or four rings on the other to signify their affiliation.

10. Q: How Can I Help? [back to top]

A: Everyone wants a gang free community. When gangs become active in your neighborhoods, everyone loses – children, parents and the community as a whole. If gangs take charge of your neighborhood, there are ways to take back control. Here is a partial list of methods to help keep gangs out of your communities.

First, develop positive alternatives for kids. What are some after-school and weekend activities kids can enjoy? Can the school offer its’ facilities? Can parents organize clubs or sports? Can older kids tutor or mentor younger ones? Can kids themselves contribute their ideas?

Second, talk with other parents. For one, you’ll find out what other parents know about gangs. You can also support each other and share knowledge that may help prevent problems. You’ll do better as a team than on your own.

Third, work with police and other agencies. Report suspicious activity, especially gang graffiti. Set up a Neighborhood Watch or other community patrol program with police support. Work with other agencies, like 2nd Chance to help combat gangs in your area.

Fourth, organize community resources. Put together a roster of resources available in your own community that you can turn to for help. In addition to the police, try any of the following individuals or groups:

• priest or minister
• family counselor
• community association
• school counselor or principal
• athletic coach
• Boys & Girls Clubs
• YMCA or YWCA
• Boy or Girl Scouts
• Police Activities League
• 2nd Chance Youth Program or other community centers