WARNING SIGNS OF GANG ACTIVITY

Most gang members are proud of their gang and freely admit their membership. Many dress in a particular style or color identifying their particular gang. Their personal belongings are frequently covered with graffiti and bear the gang symbols or logos and member’s street name.  Look for and don’t ignore these warning signs:

• Changes in clothing patterns with a preference towards a particular color, sports or team logos.
• Cap tilted to one side or the other, earring in left/right ear, belt buckle to left/right of center.
• Use of hand signs and signals - usually as an alternate form of communication.
• Tattoos or branding of the body with distinctive designs, logos or names.
• Withdrawal from family involvement; an unusual desire for privacy.
• Associates with troublemakers and secretive peers.
• Frequently out late, breaks curfew rules or laws.
• Gangster influenced music, videos, books and movies. Imitation of gangster lifestyle.
• Unexplained cash, material items, wearing a lot of jewelry or medallions.
• Drug/alcohol use.
• Abrupt changes in personality and behavior.
• Prefers use of nickname or street name.