RESOURCES

What is a gang?
Gangs are associations of three or more individuals who adopt a group identity in order to create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation. Gangs are typically organized upon racial, ethnic, or political lines and employ common names, slogans, aliases, symbols, tattoos, style of clothing, hairstyles, hand signs or graffiti. The association's primary purpose is to engage in criminal activity and the use of violence or intimidation to further its criminal objectives and enhance or preserve the association's power, reputation, or economic resources. Gangs are also organized to provide common defense of its members and interests from rival criminal organizations or to exercise control over a particular location or region. (National Institute of Justice)

Why do people join gangs?
People join gangs for numerous reasons. Usual reasons include: fun, excitement, a sense of belonging, a need for attention or status, companionship, intimidation, peer pressure, financial gain, protection and a failure to understand what being in a gang really means.

How old are gang members?
Age's range from 14-26; however gang members have been seen as young as 8 years of age and as old as 40 or 50. The older members may have gained status as an OG (original gangster).

What are the consequences of living the gangster lifestyle?
Just to name a few: Increased possibility of becoming injured or killed, enhanced risk of drug and alcohol addition, gang related crimes result in enhanced penalties and sentencing, and risk putting family and friend in harms way.

Do gangs consist of all racial backgrounds and genders?
YES. All racial backgrounds and both male and female genders belong to gangs. Many gangs that pose as cultural organizations reveal their true tendencies only after you are accepted into the gang?

Are there any consequences if you belong to a gang and try to get out?
Consequences can range from beat outs / jump outs that inflicts serious harm to the person trying to leave, harm to one's family or friends, and even death. ALTHOUGH CONSEQUENCES SEEM HARSH MANY GANG MEMBERS HAVE LEFT THEIR GANG UNHARMED. REMEMBER THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY OUT IF YOU ARE INVOLVED.

Is it true that most of these gang members are just WANNA BE's?
The wanna be's become gonna be's. The wanna be's have the most to prove and sometimes are more violent than the established gang member.

GANG INVESTIGATOR ASSOCIATIONS

LAW ENFOCERMENT PARTNERS

Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network (MAGLOCLEN)
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
National Gang Center
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Drug Enforcement Administration

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