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• Warning Signs For Parents
• Gangs in Carson?
• Gang Myths

WHAT IS A GANG?

A “Gang” is defined as any combination of persons organized formally or informally, that has a common name or symbol, engage in a pattern of delinquent behavior or criminal activity, and associate together on a regular basis or claim affiliation with a known gang.

CHARACTERISTIC IDENTIFIERS OF GANG MEMBERS

• Self Admission
• Moniker or nickname
• Tattoos, style/color of dress or accessories, hand signs
• Possession of drawings, letters, graffiti
• Identification by law enforcement personnel, reports, court records
• Photographs of individual or group members
• Associates at the time of contact, known gang affiliation

HAND SIGNS

Each gang has their own hand signs that they use to show their allegiance to their gang and to identify their enemies. “Throwing signs” are hand signals made by forming letters or numbers with the hands and fingers depicting the gang symbol or initials. Confrontations frequently begin with gang signs issued as a challenge and flashed between rival gangs.

GRAFFITI

Graffiti is the defacing or destruction of property by a gang member in order to mark its territory, advertise the gang’s perceived power or status, serves as a warning or challenge to other gangs. MAKE NO MISTAKE, GRAFFITI IS A CRIME, IS VIGOROUSLY PROSECUTED BY THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND PUNISHABLE BY INCARCERATION.

PARENTS CAN BE CIVILLY LIABLE FOR RESTITUTION UP TO $10,000.00 FOR GRAFFITI DAMAGES. (NRS 41.470)

TATTOOS

Tattoos may be viewed as an extension of graffiti, used to identify the wearer as a member of a particular gang. Like graffiti, tattoos usually include the initials, name or symbols of a gang. Tattoos have long been associated with gang membership and the permanence of gang affiliation.

CLOTHING

Gang members dress for strategic reasons. Their clothing color, hats, shoes, jewelry and other accessories all play a part in their identity. Baseball caps and jackets with logos of popular professional sports teams have become a common item worn by gang members.