GANGS

Gang Threats

Gang and gang-related threats are an area of great concern for many parents. Very often in today’s society both parents are working outside of the home. When their children come home to an empty house, who will help keep them from falling into the trap of joining a gang?

Reasons for joining a gang

• A search for acceptance, structure, and discipline

• A sense of belonging and commitment

• The need for recognition and power

• Companionship, training, excitement and activities

• A sense of self-worth and status

• A place of acceptance

• The need for physical safety and protection

• A family tradition

Gangs in Arizona

Bloods, Crips, Brown Mexican Pride, Gangster Disciples, Latin Kings, Mau Mau, Mara Salvatrucha, Nazi Low Riders, Norteños, Wetback Power

Prison Gangs - African American Council, Arizona Aryan Brotherhood, Arizona’s New Mexican Mafia, Arizona’s Old Mexican Mafia, Border Brothers, Grandel, La Raza, Mau Mau, Sureños, Warrior Society

Prevention

Youth gang involvement is not a new phenomenon in the United States. Gangs have been known to exist in our country since the 18th-century. Parents play a leading role in keeping kids out of gangs and in bringing back those who are already flirting with a neighborhood gang. The gang problem is not likely to go away soon or to be eliminated easily.

Here are a few gang-prevention strategies:

• The family and the community are essential to the development of the child’s social, emotional, and physical needs. If the family is the source of love, guidance, and protection that youth seek, they are not forced to search for these basic needs from a gang.

• Strong education and training are directly related to a youth’s positive development. Young people who successfully participate in and complete education have greater opportunities to develop into reasonable adults.

• Graffiti removal reduces the chance that crimes will be committed. Since gangs use graffiti to mark their turf, advertise themselves, and claim credit for a crime, quick removal is essential.

• Recreational programs such as sports, music, drama, and community activities help build a sense of self-worth and self-respect in young people. Youth involved in such activities are less likely to seek membership in a gang.

(Resource: http://www.focusas.com/Gang.html)

If you would like to learn more about the identifying signs of gang membership to help prevent your son or daughter from becoming involved in one, click here for more information.

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