Gang Awareness
Gangs exist in urban areas, and more recently in rural areas as well.
Gangs often form along ethnic and racial lines, although there is an
increasing trend of youth joining gangs for economic motives. Violence is
inherent in gang activity, which leads to innocent bystanders being killed
or injured. Per the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-105.8, a criminal
street gang is an ongoing formal or information association of persons
in which members or associates individually or collectively engage in the
commission, attempted commission, facilitation or solicitation of any felony
act and that has at least one individual who is a criminal street gang
member. However, a simpler definition is that a gang is a group of
people who form an allegiance for a common purpose and engage in violent and
criminal activity.
Mesa Police Department
Gang Unit
Hotline:
480-644-GANG
480-644-4264
Graffiti Hotline:
480-644-3083
Literature: