WARNING SIGNS

You should be concerned if your child:

• Admits to gang involvement;is obsessed with one particular color of clothing or shows a desire for a particular logo over and over;
• Wears sagging pants (this in and of itself is not indicative of gang activity);
• Wears excessive jewelry with distinctive designs and may wear it only on either the right or left side of the body;
• Is obsessed with gangster-influenced music, videos and movies to the point of imitation;
• Withdraws from family with an accompanying change in demeanor;
• Associates with undesirable and breaks parental rules consistently;
• Develops an unusual desire for privacy and secrecy and may completely rearrange living quarters to create privacy;
• Uses hand signs while with friends and practices them at home;

• Physical injury (such as being beaten) and then child lies about the events surrounding the injury;
• Peculiar drawings or language on school books (may appear later as tattoos or brands);
• Unexplained cash or goods, i.e., clothing or jewelry;
• Possible use of alcohol and drugs with attitude change.
  

ADVISE YOUR CHILDREN THEY SHOULD NOT:

Associate with any gang members or “wannabe/gonnabe” gang members;identify or communicate with gangs;hang out near or where gangs congregate;approach strangers in cars who appear to want information or directions;wear gang related clothing where gangs are known to gather or traverse;wear initialed clothing such as BK – British Knights – a/k/a “Blood Killer” in high crime areas;use words like “crab” or “slob” (localized lingo may develop) anywhere gangs may be; i.e. malls, sporting events, etc.;attend any party or social event sponsored by gangs or their associates;take part in any graffiti activity or hang around where graffiti is present; oruse any kind of finger or sign language in a public place.

If you have additional questions or concerns about your child being involved in gang activity, please contact your local law enforcement agency.