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Four men arrested in a Sioux Falls drug raid have connections to a Chicago
street gang called the “Gangster Disciples”. (November 2005)
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A Chicago member of the
Gangster Disciple gang and his Sioux Falls girlfriend were arrested at a motel
on drug charges. The 28-year old man was charged with felony crack cocaine
possession, crack possession with intent to distribute and maintaining a place
where drugs are stored. He was on parole for crack distribution in Illinois at
the time of his Sioux Falls arrest. (July 2005)
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An argument over a gang led to the violent death of a
homeless man in Sioux Falls. The victim was beaten and stabbed to death after
an argument with the suspect over the War Lords. (June 2005)
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A South Dakota member of the Bandidos, who served as the
gang’s national secretary, was picked up by federal agents on a warrant for
conspiracy to tamper with a witness. His arrest was part of a three-state bust
of the club’s alleged crime ring.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms reported it had seized evidence that
tied the Bandidos to a host of crimes including theft, weapons possession,
narcotics and intimidation. (June 2005)
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Three people with ties to the Black Gangster Disciple Nation and Gangster
Disciples were arrested in a drug raid. Officers found several rocks of crack
cocaine and $2,6000 in cash. (April 2005)
Many people in South Dakota have a hard time believing there could be ‘real
gangs’ in the area. After all, this isn’t Omaha, or Chicago, or any one of a
number of urban centers known for gang activity. But the reality is gang
recruiting and activity is happening, and it’s not limited to adults. High
schools and middle schools, as well as the corrections system, are prime
recruiting territory for new members. Whether a youngster becomes a ‘wanna-be’
or a full-fledged member, there are real risks in the gang life.
This is a basic look at gangs and what adults
need to know about them. If you have specific concerns or questions, please
email us or
contact the Prairie View Prevention Services counselor at your child’s school.
What is a “gang”?
Are there different types of
gangs?
What are some of the more
common gangs?
How does someone become
a member of the gang?
How does someone get out of a
gang?
Why do young people join gangs?
Who seems to be at
highest risk for joining a gang?
What do members get
out of belonging to a gang?
Are gang members all the same?
What are
some signs that someone may be involved in a gang?
Do girls get involved in gangs?
What is gang
graffiti and what should you do about it?
What do
the numbers sometimes found in gang graffiti mean?
Are there any tips for parents to help their children avoid getting into gangs?
Resources
What is a “gang”?
Gang is defined as three or more people who associate for the same common
purpose. The behavior of the members, either individually or collectively, may
be disruptive, anti-social or criminal.
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Are there different types of gangs?
While gang members may claim that theirs is unique, gangs fall into one of three
categories:
1.Traditional. These are the gangs that have multi-generational
members. They are steeped in traditions and are often referred to as “turf
gangs”.
2. Non-traditional. These are the gangs that have mainly first time
members in them. Gang members may have different reasons for belonging to the
gang (power, structure, protection, etc). They are more loosely organized than
the traditional gangs.
3. Entrepreneur. These are the gangs and/or gang members who are
largely in it for the money. They engage in illegal activities such as selling
drugs, stealing cars or car parts for fencing operations, etc.
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What are some of the more
common gangs?
Probably the most common gangs are the
CRIPS
and the
BLOODS. Both are Los
Angeles street gangs that grew to prominence in the 1960s. Initially, both
gangs were predominantly made up of black males, but now include both male and
female members of all races and social classes in every state of the nation.
The Crips and Bloods are rival gangs.
Also in the ‘60s, three street gangs emerged from Chicago. These gangs can now
be found in various parts of the country. They are the
BLACK GANGSTER DISCIPLE NATION (Black Gangsters or Black Gangster Disciples), the VICE LORDS
and the
LATIN KINGS.
Hispanic gangs from California have also migrated to the Midwest. They are
generally divided into two groups: the
SURENOS and the
NORTENOS.
An entirely different category of gangs is the White Supremacists. These white
gangs are not motivated by greed. Their motivation comes from a strong belief
system based on hate and an ultra-right wing political ideology. They adhere to
violence, intimidation, vandalism and anything that will insure the survival of
the white race. They routinely terrorize people of color, Jews, Catholics,
immigrants, people who have married interracially and homosexuals. Such gangs
include neo-Nazi groups and skinheads. They believe that minorities are taking
over the country and therefore believe they are justified in ‘preserving’ their
culture by preaching and demonstrating violence against minorities.
The gangs most prominent in the Sioux Falls, Sioux City and southwestern
Minnesota region are Bloods and Crips (several sets of each), Vice Lords, Latin
Kings, Black Gangster Disciple Nation, Surenos and Nortenos. In South
Dakota prisons, according to the research done by USA Gangs the most common
gangs are Aryan Brotherhood, Black Gangster Disciples, Black P Stones, Bloods,
Crips, Gangster Disciples, Ku Klux Klan, Latin Kings, Nortenos 14, Skinheads,
Surenos 13, and Vice Lords.
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How does someone become a
member of the gang?
Generally,
a person must be “jumped into” a gang. Jumping in consists of having to fight
multiple gang members at the same time. Potential members demonstrate courage
and commitment by the manner in which they fight back. Prior to the actual
jumping in, the potential gang member may be put through other tests, such as
being asked to commit a specific crime – theft, beating someone up, etc.
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How does someone get out of a gang?
It is
often very difficult to get out of a gang. Gang membership is looked upon as a
“for life” commitment, particularly in traditional gangs. It is sometimes
possible to be “jumped out” of a gang in the same manner that members are taken
in to the gang in the first place.
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Why do young people join gangs?
There are nearly as many reasons as there are gang members. These are some of
the most common:
|
Pride
& respect |
Power |
Protection |
|
Sense
of belonging |
Drugs
|
Loyalty |
|
Money
|
Recognition |
Structure, rules, codes |
|
Sense
of direction |
Sense
of purpose |
Glamour of the gangster image |
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Who seems to be at
highest risk for joining a gang?
The
following are marks of high risk for gang involvement:
Ineffective parental
skills
History of family gang involvement
Evidence of parental abuse or neglect
Poor
progress or achievement in school
Low self esteem
Truancy from school
Lack of hobbies or something to do with leisure time
Resentful of authority
Frequent negative contact with police
Perception of little caring/acceptance
Drawing of gang insignias or graffiti
Problems at home
Excessive or gang-style tattoos, burns or scars
Residence in a neighborhood where gangs exist
Alienation from school, teachers, peers, family, society
Gang members as friends – seldom alone, often in groups
Liberal or favorable attitude toward gangs and drugs
Friends with gangs or people who use drugs
Early aggressive behavior
Chronic anger
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What do members get out
of belonging to a gang?
A sense
of belonging, being valued
A sense of competency, having a unique skill
A sense of usefulness, making a difference
A sense of personal power, being able to influence others
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Are gang members all the same?
There are
basically four types of gang members:
Hardcore. These are considered the O.G.s or Original
Gangsters. They are in it for life and have often been in and out of the
correction system for various crimes. They have done and will do anything for
the gang (“hope-to-die-for” gang member). Hardcore members make up about 5-15%
of the total gang membership.
Member. These are people who have gone through the initiation
process and have become part of the gang. They have passed all of the gang
requirements and tests and have become true gangbangers/homeboys/homegirls.
Associate. These are the people who are closely associated with
a certain gang. They may wear gang colors and may imitate members of a
particular gang, but they are not yet official members. They are the prospects
or “wanna be’s” who are trying to get into a gang and will do anything to be
accepted.
Peripheral. These are the people who hang out with or are
friends of gang members but do not claim any gang affiliation. They find the
idea of gang life romantic and exciting.
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What are
some signs that someone may be involved in a gang?
Gang
involvement does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process and if you are
alert you will see the signs.
1. Colors
– May show subtle or obvious choice of color in clothing or accessories.
2. Graffiti – Unusual signs, symbols, alphabets or nicknames on
notebooks, papers, clothing, hands/arms, books, etc.
3. Tattoos – Symbols or names tattooed on arms, chest or elsewhere on
body.
4. Language – Use of uncommon terms, words, names or phrases.
5. Hand signs – Unusual ways of signaling or greeting each other.
6. Initiations – Suspicious or otherwise unexplained bruises, wounds,
burns, or injuries may be a result of gang initiation ceremonies.
7. Behavior Change – Sudden mood or behavior changes, drop in grades,
secretiveness, change in friends, truancy.
8. Right/Left Rule – Apparel worn in a specific manner, either right or
left, to show gang affiliation. Examples: glove worn on one hand, pocket hanging
out on one side, pant leg cuffed or pulled up on one leg, bill of hat to one
side, etc.
9. Jewelry – Friendship beads in gang colors; pendants, rings and pins
that display gang symbols (like the Star of David); a lot of gold chains.
10. Clothing – Jogging suits in gang colors; pro-team clothing items and
hats; hood of sweatshirt out over jacket to show colors; hats tilted to one
direction; a particular brand of clothing or shoes.
11. Hairstyles/fingernails – Designs cut into hair; colored
beads/barrettes; colored streaks on side of head; pony tail/braids with colored
rubber bands; picks or combs in bead or hair (front or back/left or right.
Nails – 2 nails with gang colors on left or right hand, nail on pinky finger
left long.
12. Gang look – Posture, walk, stance; dress in colors/styles/symbols.
13. Milling – gathering/hanging out, especially where there is an
audience.
Not all these signs show up in every gang member; and not everyone who adopts
some of these signs is in a gang. These are tip-offs, though, for a need to
find out more.
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Do girls get involved in gangs?
At one
time, girls assumed subservient roles in gangs. Frequently, they were used to
carry weapons, drugs and other contraband because they were less likely to be
searched by the police. Often, gang members used them for sex. Females could
not be full-fledged gang members. Times have changed, however. Females not only
have their own gangs, but also often enjoy full membership in what were once
exclusively male gangs. Female gangs and/or gang members are often very violent
– frequently even more so than male gang members.
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What is gang
graffiti and what should you do about it?
Gang
graffiti serves one of the following purposes:
1.
Establishes the presence of a gang or gangs.
2.
Establishes turf or territory
3.
Warns of impending danger or threats (fights, etc.)
4.
Puts down rival gangs and/or issues a challenge.
With any
kind of graffiti, you should follow the four 'Rs':
1.
Read it.
2.
Record (photograph or videotape) it.
3.
Report it to law enforcement.
4.
Remove it as soon as possible.
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What do
the numbers sometimes found in gang graffiti mean?
Part of the
language of gangs includes the use of numbers as symbols or numbers that
correspond to letters of the alphabet. It provides a kind of shorthand or code
for gangs. For example, the numbers 1-26 correspond with the letters of the
alphabet. 15-11-2 would mean OKB (Oriental Killer Boys). 2-11 would mean BK
(Blood Killer), a sign of the Crips.
The number 5 always refers to the People Nation (i.e., the 5 pointed star
symbol). The number 6 always refers to the Folk Nation (i.e., the 6 pointed
star symbol).
Frequently,
area codes are used to identify gangs:
209 – area code for Fresno
415 – area code for San Francisco
612 – area code for central Minnesota
Another
number you may frequently see is 187 – the police code for murder. You may also
see the use of dots by Hispanic and Asian gangs. Frequently, these identifiers
are found in the web of the hand, on the back of the hand or between the
fingers. They are often in groups of three and may mean one of the following:
Mi Vida Loco (My crazy life) or family/friends/gang.
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Are there any tips for parents to help their children avoid getting into gangs?
Know
your children’s friends – and their parents.
Encourage your children and their friends to spend supervised time at your home.
Occupy your children’s free time in positive ways.
Develop positive lines of communication with your children.
Learn to listen.
Spend time with your children.
Set limits for your children.
Ask questions – and expect answers.
Become informed about issues that may affect your children.
Talk to other parents.
Ask questions.
Become an active participant in the education of your children.
Participate in the community; teach your children civic pride and positive
community involvement.
Be a positive role model.
Be an active, not a passive, parent.
Hug your children.
Say “I love you”.
Organize or take part in neighborhood block parties.
Encourage your children to participate in family activities.
Encourage your children to become involved in sports, scouts, clubs, etc.
Establish and enforce home rules.
Spend quality time with your children.
Communicate openly with your children and their friends.
Communicate with parents of your children’s friends.
Know about who and
what influences your kids.
Know what your children are doing at all times.
Set the example for your kids–they will do what you do.
Believe in your young person.
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Resources
For local information or specific help if you feel your child is at risk of gang
activity, please contact the Prairie View Prevention Services prevention
counselor at your child's school;
email or
call the Prairie View Prevention Services main office at (605)331-5724.
Information for this article was obtained from:
Street Gang Awareness – A Resource Guide for Parents and Professionals
by Steven L. Sachs
Napa Valley (California) District Attorney
Positive Strategies for Parents,
Carla Middlen; Principal Sioux Falls Washington High School
Reclaiming Our Communities/Community Violence Prevention Mobilization Training
Gangsta411
Angelfire
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