Signs of Gang Involvement
Gang involvement can begin as early as elementary school. Children as
young as 7- or 8-years-of-age have been recruited to work in criminal street
gangs. Young people join gangs for recognition, fellowship and protection.
Parents and educators should watch for signs that their children and
students might be involved with gang activity. There may be noticeable
changes in the young person's behavior and/or activities.
Early warning
signs can include:
- Experimental drug use
- Decline in school grades
- Truancy
- Unwillingness to attend family gatherings or share
regular meals
- Change of friends
- Rebellious behavior at school and/or home
- Poor family bonding
- Keeping late hours
- Possessing large sums of money or new expensive items
which cannot be explained
Telltale signs of gang involvement are:
- Gang graffiti in their bedroom on items such as books,
posters and bedroom walls
- Wearing gang clothing or gang colors
- Excessive swearing or cursing
- Using hand signals to communicate with "friends," other
gang members
- Having photos showing gang names, gang slogans, gang
insignia or gang activities
- Disclosure of gang membership
- Witness connecting the young person to gang activity
- Initiation activities / "rites of passage"
- Contact with law enforcement and/or probation officers
- Carrying hidden weapons
Mesa Police Department
Gang Unit
Hotline:
480-644-GANG
480-644-4264
Graffiti Hotline:
480-644-3083
Literature: