Gangs and Weapons

Gang members stick together and follow specific rules. They spend time only with members of their gang. They might use special signals and vocabulary to communicate with members of their gang. They follow rules set by the leaders of the gang. For example, the rules might require them to commit crimes. Gang members who break the rules face severe consequences from other gang members.

Gang members consider certain areas their territory. They defend their territory, or “turf”, by harming or killing other people who enter it. They draw logos, special symbols, and other graffiti on buildings to mark their turf. They also use this graffiti to send messages to other members of the gang.

Gang members identify themselves with nicknames, tattoos, clothing, and colors. Gang members use their nicknames when they are involved in illegal activities. They get tattoos to show that they plan to be in the gang for life. The tattoos might include the gang’s logo or other symbols.

Protect yourself from gang members by taking the following precautions. Be aware of and avoid gang territory. Stay away from gang members or people whom you suspect might be gang members. Know the colors of any gangs in your community, and avoid wearing those colors. Be home each night before it gets late. Do not listen to music that promotes gangs or gang activities. Do not draw graffiti. Do not use alcohol or other drugs. Obey laws and respect authority.

You might be pressured to join a gang if you live in a community where there are gangs. Joining a gang is a wrong decision. Use resistance skills if you are pressured to join gang. Resistance skills are skills that are used to say NO to an action or to leave a situation.

A weapon is an instrument or device used for fighting. Kinds of weapons include guns, knives, clubs, bombs, and other items.

Never purchase a weapon illegally. Do not carry a weapon. If you do, you increase your risk of being injured or killed. You increase your risk of injuring or killing someone else. You cannot undo an injury or death. For example, you might accidentally shoot someone because you did not know how to handle a gun. You might be showing off and shoot someone because you did not realize the gun was loaded. You might use a weapon to settle a fight. It is easy to think about using a weapon when you are angry and a weapon is available. Without the weapon, you would settle the fight differently. Also, someone might take the weapon and use it on you.

You might be tempted to use a weapon in a crime. If you do, you cannot undo any harm that results. Suppose you are depressed. You might think of committing suicide. Such thoughts usually pass. But if you have a weapon, you might use it. Suicide cannot be undone.

Do not pretend you have a weapon. For example, do not point your finger in your pockets as if you have a gun. Encourage others not to carry weapons.