Gang Information

by Curtis High School

GANG INFORMATION HANDBOOK

A Resource Guide For Parents and Teachers

A Gang By Definition

Any group of people who engage in socially disruptive or criminal behavior. They are usually territorial, often but not always of the same gender, and operate by creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in a community. The gang may choose a name, logo, specific color, or, method of dress used for purposes of identification for their own members and their counterparts. They will have some form of leadership and a method of operation and recruitment. Schools have become a breeding ground for gangs and this can have a tremendous negative impact on the learning environment. They should be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly.

Information Compiled by Ron Brock, Curtis Senior High Vice Principal, for the Parents and Educational Staff of University Place School District 1995

Understanding Gangs: Facts and Information

Gangs and How They Work:

Gangs first emerged in the United States in the late 1960's. The West Coast gang movement started in Compton, California, between two rival high schools, which sported school colors of blue and red. These groups adopted the names "Crips" and "Bloods." The Bloods wore the color red to denote their gang affiliation and the Crips wore the color blue. They operated on the premise of threats, intimidation, and extortion. Their criminal activity began by taking lunch money from other students. As these gangs grew in size, they began competing for the same sources of revenue and territory, and it wasn't long before violence erupted. Guns soon became the weapon of choice because fights were not always fair and evenly matched. Curtis High School has had members of both the "Bloods" (Eastside Bloods) and the "Crips" (26th Street Crips, Rolling 40s Crips, and 206 West Side Crips) in attendance over the past few years but a Zero Tolerance Gang Policy has virtually eliminated their active participation on campus. This Zero Tolerance Gang Policy has allowed the school to eliminate undesirable gang behaviors from the campus and insure the safety of the staff and student body. While it is not against the law to be a gang member it is against school district policy to express intimidating gang behaviors on school district grounds. Students who profess to be gang members or those who are identified by school authorities through their behaviors as gang members are asked to sign a gang contract, which specifies acceptable and unacceptable school behavior. Those found to be in violation of this contract are placed on a long-term suspension for their contract violations.

Other gangs also emerged with their roots grounded in the prison system. Most noteworthy of these where Black Gangster Disciples, which started in the Chicago prison systems and competed for the drug market. They have now moved out of the penal system and have spread rapidly to all factions of society. Locally we recognize these as B.G.D.'s or G.D.N.'s. G.D.N. stands for Gangster Disciple Nation, and they dropped the word black from their name so that they could recruit membership from all races. They believe in a system of hierarchy under their self appointed leader, King David, or David Barksdale, a prisoner who founded the group. They operate on some very strict principles that have been included in this resource guide. G.D.N. symbols are often a six-pointed star (the star of David) after their leader, King David. They are very active in the community and the schools. The High School has cracked down on their activities so they have tended to recruit at the lower grade levels in the community.

Hispanic gangs are also located in this area and should be taken just as seriously as other gangs. "M.P". is a gang which is showing activity in the area and stands for Mexican Posse. At Curtis High School we have seen signs of their graffiti on our cam pus and on students book covers. Graffiti may be words like VATOS LOCOS (Crazy Mexican), Serenos XIII and Nortenos XIV. This stands for North and South neighbo rhoods in California. These gangs are very territorial and usually are actively involved with narcotics and drug trafficking.

Asian cultures are not immune to gang activity either but are much more difficult to track. They are usually more sophisticated and very secretive. They have very strict codes of honor and silence and operate on strong profit motives. Often language an d cultural differences pose a problem when trying to understand and identify these gangs and their members.

The white race is also involved in gang activities and has locally recognized groups such as "Skin Heads" and "Bad Boy Club." These gangs also participate in illegal activities and crimes against people; usually of other races. White supremacy is the basis for their beli ef. They roam in groups intimidating people of different ethnic origins. This group is very violent and responsible for hate crimes against other races. They often shave their heads and can be distinguished by their dress which is predominately para-mili tary with heavy black boots and often white tee-shirts.

What do gangs have to offer that is currently not provided by society? That is the million dollar question and one worth understanding. When you sit down and really talk to gang members, they invariably answer "RESPECT"; in fact if you "DIS" someone (sh ow disrespect) in their mind, it could be enough of a reason to kill you. It must be understood that these are not all bad kids; they have just acquired a different set of societal values than we a re used to, often without much forethought or understanding. They do not realize that RESPECT must be earned and not taken through violence and intimidation. Earned respect lasts forever and respect taken by intimidation and harassment can be lost in a s econd, with a single bullet. Gangs offer their members a sense of family often missing in a "wana-be" gang members life. They tend to provide a sense of belonging and security for those youth who are feeling disenfranchised by blood relatives, schools, p eer groups, and society. Youth who join gangs often do not realize that some day there will come a time to pay for what the gang has provided them. The pay-back almost always involves some form of criminal activity.

Gangs operate in secrecy with codes of honor and pledges. They often involve initiations which are usually in the form of a severe beating. This is often called being "put on" or "jumping in." They recruit new membership in our schools and neighborhood s and attract members by offerings of comradeship, security, wealth, power and respect. Potential members are courted in and often have no idea what they are getting in to. Once "jumped in" they are often required to participate in criminal activities and soon it is a regular part of gang li fe. Gangs do not allow dissension in the ranks, and there is no easy way to get out once you're in. Gang members have related that "you get out when you get dead." You can also get "put out" just like you get "put on" which again usually entails a sever e beating- not a favorable option. Gang membership is often a lifetime commitment.

Gangster Disciple Nation's 17 concepts: ( Taken from a known gang member)

Silence and Secrecy

No member shall give any information or discuss any matters that concern another member or the function of the organization to any individual that is not a standing member of our nation.

Drugs

No member shall consume or inject any drug that is addictive, crack, cocaine, ect. Anyone caught violating must be reported.

Stealing

No member shall steal from any person, business, or residence in the community.

Respect

No member shall be disrespectful to any member or anyone. Being disrespectful to others entices others to be disrespectful to you which leads to silly and unnecessary confrontations. Always be respectful, honorable, dignified, loyal, and thoughtful.

Breaking and Entering

No member shall break in or enter any building, business, or residence in the community. Making moves that will bring undue pressure to others is prohibited.

Gambling

No members shall gamble in any game or make any bets unless all parties have their money up front.

Police

No member shall engage in any unnecessary confrontations with any officers or anyone in the community.

Sportsmanship

No member shall engage in any heated arguments or fights while participating in any sport or game, good sportsmanship is to be used at all times.

Personal Hygiene

All members must look presentable at all times and living quarters must be kept clean.

Littering

No member shall litter at any building, streets, or parks in the community. Trash receptacles must be used at all times.

Incidents

All incidents, minor or major, that concerns the health and well being of any member of the community must be reported to your superior.

Aid and Assist

All members shall aid and assist one another in all righteous endeavors.

Exploiting

No member shall use higher membership, staff, or office to exploit funds or favors from any member or anyone in the community.

Bill of Rights

All members are required to read and become familiar with chapter 38, criminal law and procedure, the Illinois Constitution and the United States Constitution.

Rape

No member shall use threat or force to make anyone engage in any sex acts, nor participate in or condone acts of rape in the community.

Schools

All members who are in school are required to attend on a regular basis and sufficient grades must be maintained at all times.

Literacy

All members are required to be able to read and write at least on an eighth grade level. Those who do not have their G.E.D. are encouraged to obtain them and seek higher levels of education.

ERIC DIGEST

| ERIC| CLEARINGHOUSE ON EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT UNIVERSTY OF OREGON

GANGS

By Joan Gaustad

Although youth gangs have existed in the cities ot the United States almost as long as the nation itself. trends dunng the last two decades have alarmed school and community officials. Gangs, now more viole nt than ever, are spreading to new locations. Warns Clarence Terhune, director of the California Youth Authority, "the problem can erupt anywhere at almost any time" (Kay McKinney 1988).

What Is a Gang? Gangs vary tremendously in composition and activities. Irving Spergel (1989) suggests the following working definition: "juvenile and young adults associating together for serious, especially violent, criminal behavior with special concerns for 'turf'." Turf can signify the control of a physical territory, a criminal enterprise, or both.

Defense of turf can lead to extreme violence. As Captain Raymond Gott of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office says, simply "wearing the wrong color in a certain neighborhood can get you killed" (McKinney). Turf lines are normally drawn in the neighborhoods, bu t gang rivalries also have a devastating impact on schools. Often, even nongang members begin bringing weapons to school for "protection" from robberies and gang violence (Cindy Tursman 1989).

Asian, black, Hispanic, white and interracial gangs exist, ranging in size from a few members to thousands. Ages range from preteen to adult, but the average age is dropping from 15 in 1984, to 13 1/2 in 1987 (McKinney). The vast majority of gang members are male (Spergel)

Most gang members advertise their membership bv distinctive dress and behaviors, including handkerchiets and shoelaces of specific colors, jewelry, tattoos, jargon, and hand gestures. They mark their territory and challenge other gangs with spray_painted graffiti or gang symbols. The Na tional School Safety Center (NSSC 1988) provides an excellent summary of the characteristics of different types of gangs.

Why Do Gangs Form?

According to Larry Rawles, deputy director of Philadelphia's Crisis Intervention Network, gang membership offers kids status, acceptance, and self_ esteem they haven't found elsewhere (Del Stover 1986). In poorer communities, a breakdown of family and community structures may leave kids more receptive to gang recruitment. However, gangs c an also form in affluent areas among kids who feel alienated from friends and families (Stover).

Financial gain is a powerful motive for gang involvement, especially for impoverished youths with poor educa tion and lack of access to decent jobs (McKinney). The vast sums of money available through the drug trade have increased the size of gangs, both by recruitment and by longer retention of members. Usually only a few adult gang members make large sums of money. Aware that courts treat juveniles far more leniently than adults, they shield themselves by using juvenile gang members as everything

from lookouts to gang hitmen (NSSC). Drug trafficking makes traditional turr battles bloodier by providing the money for sophisticated weaponry, and it creates new l sources of conflict as rival gangs fight over lucrative drug territories (McKinney).

Where Are Gangs a Problem and How Do They Spread?

Gangs continue to be active in large cities where they have been long established. and they are spreading to suburbs a nd smaller cities. Pressure by police and nvals and the lure of higher drug profits push gangs to seek new territories (Dan Bryant 1989). Meanwhile, in many midsize communities factory closings and business failures create unem ployment and poverty, "conditions conducive to gang activity" (Tursman).

In some cities, like Chicago and Philadelphia, gang activity is actually stabilizing or declining as their gangs move into other cities like Detroit and Milwaukee (Turs man). Gangs flourish in Los Angeles, the current "gang capital of the U.S.," in spite of increased community and police efforts, and have spread like cancer to surrounding communities (Stover). The Drug Enforcement Agency has confirmed the presence of members of Los Angeles gangs in forty_ nine o ther cities across the nation. Chris Baca, director of Albuquerque's Youth Development, Inc., warns other midsize cities to react quickly; by the time Albuquerque acknowledged it had a problem, gangs with Los Angeles origins were firmly established (McKinn ey).

School officials in Eugene, Oregon7 aware of the dramatic increase in gang activity in nearby Portland, recently made a unique attempt to block its spread to their own community. On October 2, 1989, eighteen_year_ old Robbie Robinson, accompanied by two friends wearing gang colors, enrolled at South Eugene High School. Admin istrators contacted Jefferson High School in Portland, Robinson's previous high school, and learned he had ant extensive record of gang activity and had been barred frorn finishing high school there. On Robinson's first day of attendance, a group of seven additional teens dressed in gang fashion entered and walked through the halls. One of them announced that he, too, planned to enroll.

Principal Don Jackson suspended Robinson. A week later, in the first such action in the nation, the school board sought an injuction in Lane County Circuit Court to bar the student permanently from the city's schools, not on the basis of any specific actio ns, but because "his mere presence at the school in clothing associated with gang membership constitutes a danger to the health and safety of students" (Jeff Wnght 1989). On November 8, the injunction was granted.

Some citizens expressed concern about the constitutionality of the ruling, but members of the local chapter of the NAACP and of the Community Coalition for the Prevention of Gangs applauded the action. Said Jackson, "You don't un_gang a community. We may not be able to keep it out, but at least we have to try" (personal interview. May 7, 1 990).

How Can School Officials Fight Gang Activity ?

Experts agree the schools must be established as neutral ground. Anything related to gang membership should be banned: weapons, violence, illegal activity, gang_identified clothing, insignia, and gestures. Staff can expect to be tested constantly by the subtle and changing forms of gang symbols.

Administrators must communicate clear, consistent standards of discipline and enforce them. In a study of Ohio gang activity, Dr. Ronald Huff found that teac hers who backed down in confrontations were more likely to be assaulted than teachers who were fair but firm (Bryant).

The NSSC details a number of specific conflict prevention strategies. Graffiti should be painted over immediately. Not only does this signal that school property is not the Ganges, it also discourages rival gangs from responding with more graffiti, or worse, defacing their nval's symbols. which can lead to retaliation and violence, Anti_gang policies of the Portland school superintendent included searching students and lockers if there were indications of drugs or weapons, and expelling and referring to juvenile court any student found to possess weapons (McKinney). Some districts split up gangs by transfemng disruptive students. This may reduce friction, but Spergel warns new problems sometimes result: a gang member may be picked out if he is transferred to a school dominated by another gang (Stover). Schools may also offer alternative educa_ tional programs for gang members (Richard Arthur 1989). Districts unused to gang activity may be reluctant to acknowledge its appearance. Roberto Rivera, director of the Chicago Intervention Network, urges school boards to encourage administrators to be alert for signs of gang activity and assure them that reporting problems won't reflect adversely on them (Stover). Preventive efforts are also important. Chicago schools offer recreational alternatives to gang activity by staying open for evening extracurricular activities (Stover). The City of Paramount. Califomia, has developed an anti_gang curriculum entitled "Alternatives to Gang Membership" (Tursman). Experts stress the importance of starting pre vention programs in the early elementary grades in order to circumvent gang influence (Bryant). Spergel suggests specifically targeting "youth who give clear indication of gang involvement" as opposed to those identified as generally "at_risk." Some warning signs include evidence of child abuse, behavior and personality changes, gang identified dress, sudden unexplained wealth, and increased substance abuse (NSSC).

How Can Schools and Communities Jointly Fight Gangs? Information sharing is vital. Milwaukee School Security chief Jerry Mourning urges schools to keep abreast of gang rivalries: "You need to know what's happening in the community. What happens over the weekend, we handle on Monday mornings" (Stover). In Chicago, the school board receives monthly reports on student assaults

from each school to give them an overview of citywide trends (Stover). Police expertise can benefit schools. In Chicago, police have trained 6,000 teachers to identify gang behaviors. Milwaukee school administrators and police meet periodically to exchange infommation on gang activities. Police can also train school staff to handle armed or violent youths (Stover). In many communities. schools have joined law entorcement, judicial, and civil authonties to create coordinated anti_gang programs, such as the Philadelphia Cnsis Intervention Network and the Chicago Intervention Network. School boards in Pasadena and Compton, Califomia, have invited the Los Angeles Community Youth Gang Services 'to conduct weekly seminars for fourth, fifth. and sixth graders on the dangers of beco ming involved with a street gang" (Stover). The NSSC lists a number of successful school and community programs, some preventive m nature. Sometimes anti_gang efforts go beyond the community. In 1985, Illinois passed legislation increasing penalties for di stribution or sale of weapons and drugs within 1,000 feet of school property. New Jersey recently established similar safe_ school zones (Tursman). Even comprehensive efforts may be unable to eliminate gangs. But school officials can take steps to control gang activity within their sphere, and they can make valuable contributions to reducing the problem in their communities.

RESOURCES Arthur, Richard F. "How to Help Gangs Win the Self_Esteem Battle." SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR 46,5 (May 1989):18_20. EJ 388 730. Bryant. Dan. "Communitywide Responses Crucial for Dealing With Youth Gangs." JUVENILE JUSTICE BULLETIN (September 1989): 1_6. (U.S. Departmentoflustice). McKinney, Kay C. "Juvenile Gangs: Cnme and Drug Traffick ing." JUVENILE JUSTICE BULLETIN (September 1988): 1_8. (U.S. DepartmentofJustice). National School Safety Center . GANGS IN SCHOOLS: BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO. Malibu, Califomia: National School Safety Center, Pepperdine University, 1988.49 pages. ED 312 171. Spergel. Irving A . YOUTH GANGS: PROBLEM AND RE SPONSE, A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Execu tive Summary. Draft. Chicago: School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, January 1989. 24 pages. Stover, Del. "A New Breed of Youth Gang Is on the Prowl and a Bigger Threat Than Ever." AMERICAN SCHOOL BOARD JOURNAL 173,8 (August 1986):19_24,35. EJ 338 808. Turner, Brenda. "A Groundswell Response to Recent Cnme Wave." SCHOOL SAFETY (Spring 1989): 15_ 17. EJ 398 973 . Tursman, Cindy. "Safeguarding Schools Against Gang Warfare." SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR 46,5 (May 1989):8_9,13 15. EJ 388 729. Wnght. Jeff , "Court Ban of Student Requested." lTl'E RE(SIS TER_ GUARD, November 4, 1989, Eugene, Oregon.

A Product of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Educational Management College of Education, University of Oregon Eugene. Oregon 97403

This publication was prepared with funding from the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. U.S. Department of Education, under contract No. OERI R 188062004. The ideas and opinions expre ssed in this Digest do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of OERI. ED, or the Clearinghouse. This Digest is in the public domain and may be freely reproduced.

EA 022 104

GANG: 'IT'S LIKE YOUR FAMILY' Drugs, Violence, Rituals, paves

By Sally Ann Stewart and Laurel Adams

Getting in: Every gang has its rituals for "jumping in." Usually it's a fist fight. A recruit has made the grade if he's still standing after up to a 10_ minute bout with as many as 10 gang members. In several West Los Angeles Hispanic gangs, recruits have to steal three car stereos in a night. Some south_central L.A. gangs have required applicants to commit murder, but experts say that's losing ground.

Getting out: It's easiest to retire from Hispanic gangs since membership is considered a rite of passage for males 13 to 20. Older gang members are called veteranos, and most maintain direct ties to the gangs.

In Black gangs, this generational tradition doesn't exist yet. If a gang member survives into his late 20s and is re spected because of his ability to sell drugs, then he's called an O.C;., original gangster. Some original gangsters become major drug distributors or rule the gang's interests in burglary and prostitution.

Drugs: In Black gangs, senior members act as wholesalers Gangs buy cocaine or crack in bulk and sell it in half grams or full grams. Some gangs still sell the animal tranquilizer PCP, which was the drug of choice before crack. Kool cigarettes dipped in PCP are so ld as "Superkools."

Other gangs are not primarily drug dealers.

Language: To understand gang members, you've got to speak the language: To "8_ball" is to drink Old English 800 Malt Liquor. Wine drinkers prefer "the bird," Thunderbird, a cheap brand. Cocaine customers are "clucks." Members are "dirty" if they are carrying drugs or illegal weapons. "Flagging" colors, waving red or blue bandanna, or proclaiming gang affiliation on enemy turf, can mean war. A spray_ painted " 187," the police code for murder, is a death treat. "Police don't arrest a gang member, they "gaffle him up." Within hours, members are often "sailing" after bail is paid.

Names: After joining, a gang member gets a new name. It's often a literal description of a member's personality or appearance. "One_ Shot" has a reputation for sharp shooting; "Wimpy," killed in gang gunfire, liked the Popeye cartoon character of same name. Sometimes, a gang member takes a version of his mentor's name. "Baby Snoop's" name shows his great respect for elder "Snoop."

Clothes: Gang members follow strict dress codes. Hispanic gangs painstakingly iron khaki pants to a sharp crease down each leg. Their white cotton T_ shirts are heavily starched and worn under plaid flannel shirts buttoned only at the collar. Headgear: bandanna or black hairnets.

Black gang members wear the same khaki pants, but so low their boxers show. Their plain flannel shirts are unbuttoned. Baseball caps are worn backwards, a fashion spawned because the brim gets in the way when firing a weapon. Footgear: Corduroy bedroom s lippers from Montgomery Ward or expensive leather athletic shoes.

Weapons: In the mid_1960s, gangs fought with fists, then graduated to switchblades and hunting knives. By the mid_ 1970s, guns became the weapon of choice. Uzi semiautomatic weapons are preferred because they are more easily concealed, but AK_47s are better for hitting targets.

Women: Female gang members are slaves. A female may often have group sex with male members but is never considered a girlfriend. Gang members can spend her money, but won't buy her anything. A non_gang woman is treated as a lady, her cigarettes are lighted, her doors opened.

Types of gangs

Black gangs: L.A.'s deadliest and fastest_moving, they are divided between the Crips and the Bloods. Starting in south_ central Los Angeles, they've spread across the L.A. basin in the past decade. Crips are moving faster, apparently because new recruits prefer the Crips' color, blue.

Crips and Bloods have no central authority. Individual Crips gangs fight among each other, as do rival Bloods. Murder is mainly over drugs.

Hispanic gangs: The traditional Hispanic gangs were first organized at the turn of the century in East L.A. The big concern of Hispanic gangs is territory__ "controlling dirt." When they kill it's usually for that reason.

Leadership is handed down from fathers to sons__ they even have a rite of passage, an annual football game. Veteranos sometimes act as ambassadors for peace, working with the authorities. As a result, the homicide rate is substantially lower. Until this year, East L.A. went a decade without a gang murder.

White gangs: The majority of white gangs are Stoners, driven mostly by love of rock music. Long hair, wild shirts and earrings are characteristic. They tend to take drugs rather than sell them.

Initially non_ violent, Stoners are moving into drug sales, and homicides have picked up. Gangrelated crime in the Stoners' hotbed, the San Fernando Valley, was up 157 percent through the first six months of this year.

Immigrant gangs: With no established leadership and no regard for territory, these nomadic gangs are the most difficult for authorities to deal with.

They've heavy drug dealers and extremely aggressive. As many as three members at a time will hawk their products at cars driven through their territory. Salvadorans, Filipinos and Samoans are concentrated downtown. In southwest L.A. Cubans, Nicaraguans, Pu erto Ricans and Caribbean nationalities dominate.

Asian gangs: Cambodians, Vietnamese, Chinese, Koreans, Japanese are the most secretive of the gangs and don't care about territory. As a result, they work all over the city, but are prevalent in areas with heavy Asian populations, such as Chinatown.

Asian gangs are interested only in money. To make it they dabble in drugs, extortion and prostitution. They deal exclusively with their own kind: Vietnamese gangs work the Vietnamese community, Koreans with Koreans. Hybrid gangs: Integrated gangs, pushed together by immigration and the profits to be made from drugs, are called "Hybrids." Whites tend t o be the least concerned about race when choosing gangs. In Alhambra, there now are gangs comprising of Blacks, traditional Hispanics and secondgeneration Asians; near Farmer's Market in West L.A., there's a gang of Blacks, Hispanics and Jews. One gang's n ame: Second Reich__Sally Ann Stewart

For drug dealing PBGs, gang is 'better than family.'

Los Angeles__By 10 a.m., the Playboy Gangster Crips are hanging down on Corning Street, calling each other "Cuz," sipping quarts of Old English 800 Malt Liquor.

The graffiti on the building behind them is theirs. So is the broken beer_bottle glass on the piece _ofdirt front yard.

They're listening to rap tunes blaring out of an enormous boom_box radio. They punch each other in the shoulder and laugh at jokes only they understand.

The PBGs are open for business. If you've got $100, drive by and they'll sell you a gram of cocaine. Count on it; they're never out. That's why they're festooned with gold chains as thick as ship's rope.

It's always this way on Corning Street. It's this way on lots of streets in Los Angeles.

This city has 750 gangs, and there are distinctions among them, but the similarities outnumber the differences. They're powerful, they've got money, they control turf, most sell drugs. and thev kill to protect all of it.

They have their own rules, and their own culture, and they're obsessed with the symbols that identify both. It' s all specialized, right down to the pants they wear.

The PBGs wear khakis, which they buy about three inches too big in the waist, so they "sag real good" on their hips. With that, unbuttoned blue_ plaid Pendletons (blue's their color) over white Tshirts. Socks are always white, too. For shoes, it's a choice: leather sneakers and blue or black corduroy slippers.

Clothes are so important they go shopping at least twice a week, usually at the Midtown Swap Meet. And they never go anywhere without their blue "rag" a bandanna__sticking out of their pants pocket.

The boss__the "shot_caller"__is Kenny Raymond, 28. He usually has about 15 Playboys around him, and they're so sensitive to his command that he gives orders with his hands.

He started this gang. Back in 1972, they were the Playboy Dancers, breakdancing on street corners and even headlining at the L.A. nightclub, Sold Out. Kenny says he wanted to be a star.

"All we wanted to do was dance, but we had problems with other gangs," Raymond says. "They'd get us into fights, harassments."

The dancing's over. Today they are 80 Black men in their teens and 20s who control a 3_squaremile piece of L.A. "A gang, it's like your family," Kenny says. "You know, we do for each other. It's better than a family because a family don't always support what you do, but you know your homeboys are with you.

To join, a kid just has to sag his pants and put on the look. To be "jumped in," he picks three PBGs and fights them all at once. If he's till standing 10 minutes later, he's in.

"I was just a little sore, got a busted lip," says rookie Baby Snoop's, 16. "Ain't no big deal."

Once in, they learn the rules. According to Raymond, they can sell cocaine, but anyone who sticks it up his own nose is out. And no crack because it can kill, he says. "Cocaine just make you crazy."

Hand signals are big. This gang's sign requires touching the thumb to the ring and pinky fingers, then spreading the fore and middle fingers like bunny ears.

It's the same for girls. There are about 25 Playgirl Gangster Crips. The Playgirls shot_caller, Big Puppet, is in jail, so T_Mack took over until she was arrested l ast weekend for burglary. Now Squeaky's in charge. She's louder than any of the guys and talks tougher. The Playgirls pull the trigger in drive_by shootings. "The little bitty ones always be the craziest ones," Kenny says.

Police are the big enemy. There are warrants on 20 of the PBGs, and although authorities don't rate them among the worst gangs, they're one police watch closely.

Enemy No. 2: the Rolling Sixties, another Crips gang, which the PBGs call the Rolling Sissies. Enemies call the PBGs the Peanut Butters.

Whimpy, Ghost, Boo and Devin have been shot to death in gang wars over the past two years. Eight more have been wounded. Shoelace, running a finger across a scar on this throat, says he was drunk at the time "so it didn't phase me." Kenny still has two bul lets in his right buttock.

The PBGs' only friends are the Marvins gang. They've had peace since 1986. But it's shaky and has to be reinforced every Sunday when the two gangs play tackle football.

The PBGs drink their first malt liquor as early as 8:30 a.m., then the customers start pulling up. They drive nice cars. Many are white teenagers from Pacific Palisades driving daddy's BMW.

Most of the MBs' customers are white, mostly white_collar. They claim Hollywood stars and some county parole officers on their client list.

The money belongs to whoever sells it. Theref s no rule about sharing the wealth. Gangs are not cocaine cartels.

They can make more than $2,000 a night. Some of it goes for AK_47s on the black market, at $100 each. But usually the money goes for jewelry.

Cars, too. Cadillacs are popular__Raymond's got two__ but the hot wheels are small, foreign pickup trucks with windows tinted so you can't see who's driving and bodies jacked down so low they're barely off the ground.

But they really don't drive much. They hang on Corning Street, until 2 a.m. or whenever customers stop coming. Through the day, they make frequent forays to Taco Bell and the liquor store. Sometimes the homeboys splurge at Bob's Big Boy for the all_you_ can_eat breakfast buffet. That's their day. Most have nothing else to do. A few work, a few attend school off and on, but that's incidental. They give up their biological families as easily as they give up their given names. The biggest thing in their lives is being a PBG.

They don't think things will change. They don't want them to. "Even if I get to be a star, I might move to a big house, but nothing would change really," says Big C. Rag. "I'll be a PBG till the

Pattern is repeating itself across the USA.

It usually starts with a bunch of kids starting to dress alike. The same colors, the same hats, the same pants.

Next comes a increase in burglaries, robberies and drug sales. Then the murders begin.

That's how the gangs develop, and the pattern is showing up across the U.S.A. But every city has its own wrinkle:

In Denver, local kids started the gangs, but they've been recruiting members from the Los Angeles area, mostly for drug links. Homicides soared this year, so a gang task force was created this summer.

In Milwaukee, they're getting the usual homicides and crack sales, but gangs are not territorial. Instead, different gangs specialize by crime__auto theft, burglary and so on.

Other distinctions: Gangs to not use colors or hand signals publicly. And some of them are so large that not all a gang's members know each other. Out_of_town recruits come from Chicago and L.A.

San Francisco gangs have risen without the influence of L.A., but the activity is similar. After the gang Out of Control popped up in 198 7, killing rose rapidly until gangs signed a peach treaty last summer. It' s been relatively calm since, but killing is on the rise again.

In Miami, where drugs were so abundant that kids couldn't control the market, gangs aren't primarily drug dealers, and they don't care about turf. They just enjoy ganghood__copying L.A. gangs__ and they like violence for its own sake.

"We are still in the embryo stage," says Pete Cuccaro, commander of the Dade County Police's Youth Service Bureau. "If we don't do something now, we could be like Los Angeles in 10 years."

There are 64 gangs with 3,000 members, all divided into two groups__the Folk Nation and People Nation__similar to L.A.'s Bloods and Crips.

In Seattle, gangs crept up slowly__then erupted. They didn't have their first drive_by shooting until this year; now they're up to one a day. Seattle leaders came from L.A.

In Boston, gangs bloomed in 1988. They're all homegrown__but the mix is similar to L.A.'s: Turf matters to some, drugs to others. Most drug connections go to New York.

They're as fanatical about clothes as L.A. gangs, but they focus on cold_weather items_jackets and warm_up suits. Authorities are fighting them on two fronts: They've quadrupled their narcotics forces, and they're pushing for stiffer gun laws.

In Omaha, the Bloods and Crips from L.A., Chicago's Black Gangster Disciples and Kansas City' s gangs all sent members there last year.

"All of a sudden we saw the graffiti," says Sgt. Bobby Polk of the city's gang unit. Then the driveby_shootings started.

Drug sales are lucrative. Low supplies has crack selling for up to 10 times L.A.'s price. Sportswear is big with gangs__football's San Francisco 49ers and baseball's Cincinnati Reds are favontes.

Although locals haven't joined yet, about 150 show interest. Police set up drug_ free zones at schools and shopping centers, doubling penalties for dealers found selling there. Acknowledges Polk: "We are just at the tip of the iceberg in finding out what's out there."

© 1994 SIRS, Inc.__ SIRS Research Volume: SIRS 1989 Crime, Volume Number 4, Article 40 Subject: Gangs Title: Gangs__'It's Like Your Family' Author: Sally Ann Stewart and Laurel Adams Source: USA Today (Newspaper) Publication Date: December7, 1989 Page Number(s):6A

USA TODAY (Newspaper) December 7, 1989, Page 6A

"Copyright 1989, USA TODAY. Reprinted with permission."

Female Gangs

Female gangs have experienced a growth of approximately 200% nationally, as reported by legal sources. Most female gang members come from troubled or unstable homes, but this is not a singular indicator. Female gangs and their members are often very violent as a way to prove themselves to their male counterparts. Colors and styles of dress often mirror their male counterparts. Females are often asked to be mules (carry drugs or weapons) for male gang members because they are less likely to be searched by male police officers.

IThe gang usually replaces the family or becomes equally important. Almost all female gang members have been severely sexually and physically abused in their past. Most female gang members display more aggression and rage than males who participate in gang activities. Female gang members most often engage in acts of prostitution or armed robbery as a way to secure money. Hard-core female gang members are now becoming autonomous and are no longer "auxiliaries" or "property" of male gangs. Female gang members are often courted or "diced in" by either witnessing acts of violence or participating in acts of sex based on the number which comes up on a dice when thrown. Female gang members also use nicknames or "handles", as they are often called on the street. Prefixes such as "baby," "little," and "tiny" often accompany a street name.

*** The above information was gathered from a variety of references and law enforcement agencies and listed on the last page of this handbook.***

CRIMINAL SUB-CULTURE

White Supremist Gangs

COMMON PHILOSOPHY = WHITE SUPREMACY HATE CRIMES

71 IDENTIFIED HATE GROUPS

Most Visible : Neo_Nazi Skinheads Aryan Brotherhood Aryan Youth Movement Christian Patriots Defense League Posse Comitatus

NEO-NAZI DRESS CHARACTERISTICS Shaved HeaWery Short Hair No Facial Hair _ Occasional Side Burns Air Force Flight Jacket (Green/Black) Dark Pants/Jeans Cuffed above Boots Doc Marten Boots Steel Toed Black, Brown, Oxblood

FEMALES DRESS SAME AS MALES NEO-NAZI PARAPHERNALIA Swastikas, Iron Crosses Double Lightening Bolts, Other FASHION SKINS Known to be Non Racist Does not Wear Neo-Nazi Paraphernalia Making more of Fashion Statement Multi Racial

RETREATIST GANGS (Hate Groups)

This newly identified group, predominantly white, has emerged from a working class countermovement philosophy. They are characterized by a bizarre behavior and life_ style consisting of a twisted blend of Americanism and Neo_Nazi ideologies. Though they are all called "skinheads" or "skins," the one common characteristic is that they have retreated from commonly accepted social norms and values. They feel that mi norities are taking over this country, and therefore feel justified in preserving their culture by preaching and demonstrating violence against minorities. This group is most dangerous because of their potential for inciting other groups to riot. In school s where we find large populations of students from diverse background, retreatist groups can become a real menace.

There exists a core element that runs through many gang_active youth that revolves around aggression and poor impulse control and always presents a problem in the school setting. Some elements are:

Core Elements Of Gang_Active Youth Needs gratification through aggression; Negative and often defiant toward persons in authority; Misogynist attitudes _ a dislike, distrust, or hatred of women; A tendency to make snap decisions and taking action without forethought; Low levels of guilt feelings (remorseless); High levels of minimization skills; High levels of attention_getting behaviors;

I A tendency to want to retaliate for every slight or perceived injury; Perceives any type of confrontation as an act of aggression (feels victimized); Performs below potential academically; and a Tendency to have been victim of aggressive, physically or sexually abusive parents.

Graffiti - A Crime Of Vandalism

Graffiti is probably the most visible of gang criminal activity. It can be seen in neighborhood parks, the backs and side walls of stores, fences, retaining walls, and any other prominent structure that is paintable. Graffiti is a crime , punishable by incarceration and/or fines. It should never be taken casually and should always be removed as soon as it appears. Graffiti is done by two different kinds of groups for two different purposes and it is important that the differences are ex plained. It is however important to note that the Sheriff's Department and court system will treat both groups with equal severity.

The first type of graffiti is called tagging and is usually done by a tagging crew or an individual artist or "painter". M any perceive this as a form of art work or social expression. It is usually very well done and artists sign their work with some sort of nick name. The colors are bright and "painters" use different tip sizes and types to achieve the desired effects. It should be made clear however that it is most often done without the property owners permission or appreciation. Cost of removal can be very expensive and the crime is often classified as a felony. Artists are usually caught because they are very proud o f their work and they sign their piece. They call this throwing up a mural. Styles are very distinguishable and work is soon identified back to the "painter"

The second type of tagging is called Gang Graffiti and is done for an entirely different purpose. Gang graffiti is usually done to mark territorial turf. It often displays the local gangs' name as a warning to other gangs to stay away. Sometimes tagging will take the form of a challenge to other gangs to show disrespect to them and make death th reats against their members. As an example; 187 Lil Weasel, would mean that someone has threatened to kill a rival with a street name of Little Weasel. Graffiti is also used by gangs to brag about crimes they have committed or intend to commit. This typ e of graffiti is more territorial and therefore has the potential of being dangerous. Gang members will often use marking pens on personal items to identify themselves as well as spray paint on larger items. They are not as concerned with style as they a re with making a statement. Gang graffiti of is done in a cryptic or Old English style and is always printed.

Most Visible of all Gang Criminal Activity Two Types of Graffiti Tagging (Tagging Ctews) Usally Social Gangs Less Violent Engage in Contests Perceived a "Artwork" Uses Same Network as Street Gangs

Gang Graffiti More Territorial Seen More Around Turf Areas Notoriety Driven, Intimidation Brag About/Announce a Crime To Challenge/Disrespect Death Threats (187 Babyface)

GANG COMMUNICATION

Street gangs communicate through their actions, language, clothes, hand signs, graffiti and tattoos. Unlike the gangs associated with organized crime which prefer anonymity, street gangs need and seek recognition. They want recognition not only from their communi ty, but also from rival gangs. The gang's image and reputation depend on this recognition, and it is critically important to its members because such visibility enhances the reputation of the gang members.

GRAFFITI

Verbal as well as non_verbal communication are ever present and take a variety of different forms. Another form of gang communication, and certainly the most observable, are wall writings called graffiti.

Inscriptions in the form of graffiti can be found in every large city in the United States, including Seattle and other areas in the Pacific Northwest. However, most metropolitan graffiti can be attributed to the efforts of the street gangs. The bulk of th is gang graffiti often results from the efforts of the Latin and Black gang members. Thes e graffiti styles differ, not so much in the basic mechanics or in the meanings, but in sophistication and intensity. The primary reason for this difference is that Black gangs lack the traditional gang philosophy common in most established Latin or Hispan ic gangs.

Graffiti is an important part of the Latin_gang tradition. Latin gang embers call their inscriptions "placasos" or "placa," meaning sign or plaque. It is not just graffiti _ it proclaims to the world the status of the gang and offers a challenge to rivals.

By studying the graffiti itself, certain basic elements are found. For example, the main body of the writing will usually contain the gang's name ("placa") or logo. Also, close by will be the "placa" (nickname or street name) of the writer or author of the inscription. Frequently, assertions of the gang's strength or power will also be included. Expressions such as "rifa," which, in street terminology, means to rule, or other such variations of "controllo," which means that they control the are a or turf, are generally included. Another closing inscriptions "p/v," meaning "por vida." "Por vida" refers to the length of time that the gang will be in control of the area _ for life or forever. The number "13" is used also. This is usually an indictor that the writer is saying his gang is "loco." Another meaning is that the writer is from Southern California.

Much valuable information relative to police work may be gained from gang graffiti. For instance, one may be able to determine what gang is in c ontrol of a specific area by noting the frequency of the unchallenged graffiti because throwing a "placa" on a wall corresponds to claiming a territory. When writing is left unchanged, it reaffirms the gang' s control. Normally, the closer one moves to the center of a gang's area, the more unchallenged graffiti can be found. Conversely, as one moves away from the center or core area of a gang' s power and territory, the more rival graffiti and crossouts are observed.

Thus, if one gang had its graffiti on a building crossed out by another gang's graffiti marked nearby, it would indicate a contested location. A cross_ out is a type of asterisk that covers a rival's graffiti and, in gang jargon, is referred to as "puto mark." Many times the words "puto" or "rata" are scribbled next to or close by the crossed_out graffiti.

Contested areas are common, and when both gangs arrive at the same place at the same time a confrontation occurs. Homicides have resulted when gang members were caught desecrating a rival' s territory with their own graffiti.

Black gangs use graffiti much in the same way. However, it is evident that there are vast differences between the Black and Latino style of wall writings. The Black gang graffiti lacks the flair and attention to detail evidenced by the Latin gang graffiti. The writings are crude, but have been refined in recent years. Much of the Black gang wall writing is loaded with profanity and expressions not found in the Latin graffiti. Communities and schools must remove graffiti i mmediately to reduce gang activities.

HAND SIGNS

Another non_verbal method of gang communication is that of flashing gang signs (i.e., hand signs). The purpose of these hand signs is to identify the user with a specific gang.

Gang hand signs have certain things in common with graffiti. Where graffiti is often a challenge to rivals, completed at night by unseen gang members, flashing or tossing gang signs is a face_to_ face challenge. Confrontations frequently begin with gang signs being flashed between rivals and soon escalate into verbal and physical violence. Gang signs must be outlawed on school campuses as a measure to prevent violence.

Pacific Islander groups have their own hand signs and body language. When their arms are on their hips, elbows out, it is evidence of a threat. Hands crossed behind the back indicates an insult or a way of wishing bad luck upon another. If an Islander step s out of his shoes, this is a challenge to do battle.

TATTOOS

Tattooing as a custom of ancient origin and is certa inly not limited to gang members or the criminal element of any society. However, studies and field experience show that gangs use tattoos as a method of communication and identification.

The traditional Latin gangs have used tattoos extensively and frequently tattoo themselves with the "placa" or gang name and their gang affiliation. Their tattoos are usually visible on arms, hands or shoulders and may be as small as a homemade dot in the web of a hand or so large that the logo covers the entire back or stomach. The wearing of a gang tattoo increases the probability that the wearer is a gang member.

Most of the tattoos gang members have on their bodies relate to their gang membership. As such, belonging to and identification with the gang is a matter of great pride. By displaying his tattoo, the member also carries the image of his gang. If the gang i s feared and has a reputation for violence, the member may also be feared.

By contrast, Black gang members are not enthusiastic about using tattoos to identi fy their membership with gang and ordinarily don't do so. One might speculate as to why Black members do not choose to identify themselves by tattooing their bodies; however, Black gang members tend to be more individualistic and less inclined to permanent ly identify themselves with any one group.

Regardless of the method of communication that gangs use, their messages are clear. The gang member is telling the world that his gang or barrio is number one, the best. He is also expressing his total commitment to turf and gang, for it is from these elements that he generates his sense of selfworth and identity. Without worth and identity, the gang member is lost and becomes a nonentity, a thing.

DRESS

Even though the gang member uses graffiti and hand signs to identify with his gang, it is equally important for the member to reinforce his sense of 'belongingness' through a more direct way by adopting a gang style or dress. Most members are proud of their gang and openly display signs of their membership. One indication of this membership is the way the individual is dressed.

There are two basic types of gang clothing. First is the type that will lead the observer to the conclusion that the individual belongs to a gang without specifically identifying which one. The clothing may indicate the type of gang, such as Latin or Black , but not name the particular gang.

The second type of gang clothing specifically identifies a gang. This is apparent in areas where street gang member wear jackets or sweatshirts with their gang name or logo on the back. This same type of identification is popular with the outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Street gangs, on the other hand, also have different styles. The Latin gang member has a more or less traditional gang uniform, while the Black gang members prefer individual articles to identify their gang. Many are using the latest sports fashions worn b y professional teams as well as the latest fashion trends.

GANG STREET TERMS

The following terms represent language used by inner city gangs, Hispanic gangs, and Vietnamese gangs.

It is important to note that many of these terms have been enculterated into everyday language and the use of these terms does not necessarily make someone a gang member.

8 "H." eighth letter of alphabet, for"heroin

9 Mike 9 mm handgun

#13 "M"

187 To kill someone (usually in graffiti)

Blob Term used for Blood gang by Crips

Blood Non_Crip gang member, i.e., Peru, Brim, etc.

Blue Blue, the color that Crips identify with

Boned Out Quit/chickens out, left, backed down

Breakdown Shotgun

Cheese out Snitch, give up

Crap Blood nickname for Crip member

Cuz What a Crip calls another Crip

Cuzz Crip

Deuce and half .25 auto

Dis No respect; disrespect

Dissed out Given disrespect, no respect

Doin' a jack Committing a robbery

Doin' a Rambo Attach a person (armed)

Double deuce .22 caliber gun

Double O/G Second generation gangster

Down

To do right by your homeboys; to live up to expectations; to protect your turf, e.g. "It's the job of the homeboys to be down for the hood."

Down for mine Ability to protect self

Folks Seattle local gangs FOB Fresh Off the Beat

G_ride Gangster ride, Stolen car

Gang banging General gang activity

Get down Fight

Hard_look Staring at, grounds to fight over

Head up Fight someone

Homeboy Fellow gang member

Homey/Homie Fellow gang member

Jacked up Beat up, Assaulted

Jump(ed) In Initiate into a gang, usually a fight; getting jumped in typically entails being beaten up by the set members

Kicking it

Relaxing with fellow gang member

Loc_ed or lok_ed out Acting crazy; from loco

Mack Ability to sweet talk girls

O/G Original Gangster, i.e., someone who has been in the set for a long time and has made his name

Packing Gang member has a gun in his possession

Peanut Butter Crips' disrespect for Bloods

Perpetrate Betray your homeboys; bring shame on yourself and your set

Piece Firearm

Piru Blood gang

PK Piru Killer

Posse East coast term for gang

Punk or Punkin Weak, afraid, or chicken

Rambo gauge Sawed off pump shotgun

Red eye Hard stare

Relative Bloods' term for homeboys

Ride on/rode on Go to rival neighborhood and attack other gangs

Ru Piru

Slob Crip nickname for Blood member

Smoke To kill someone

Stall it out Stop doing what you're doing Straight up Telling the truth

Talking head Argue, Wanting to fight

Talking smack Aggressive talking

Tray Eight .38 caliber gun

Trip Too much, Something else

Triple O/G Third generation gangster

Up on it Have knowledge of drug scene A person who' s a successful drug dealer In the know of the drug scene

POTENTIAL GANG INDICATORS

Baseball Caps Red or Blue Pro Team Logos Black (Raiders) Common (Neutral) Writing on Caps: #13_14," "S.O.S.," "Cuz," etc.

Bandannas "Rags" Red = "Bloods" "Nortenos Crips = "Blue" "Surenos"

Shirts / Jackets Pendletons Still Popular Raider Jackets (Neutral) Jerseys With Appropriate Numbers ("13," "14") Jerseys With Appropriate Colors: Red, Blue/Nicknames

Pants / Shoes Jeans (Pressed) to Khaki Work Pants, Suspenders (Retreatists, Hate Groups, Skin_Heads) Doc Marten Boots (Retreatists), Nazi Boots Canvass Shoes (Hispanic) Brand Names Tennis Shoes British Knight Also Stands for (BK)=Blood Killers Colored Shoelaces

Tattoos/Burns Mostly Self_Inflicted (Pins, Knives) Teardrops, Spider Webs (On Neck or Next to Thumb) Look for "Hate" on Knuckles, "Sur," "Norte," "13" or "14" Eagles on Vietnamese Gangs Cigarette Burns on Arms or Chest (Filipino) (The More Burns, the Higher The Rank)

Jewelry and Other Heavy Gold Paraphernalia (Retreatists) Dark, Gold_Trimmed Sunglasses Beepers, Car Phones Plain Dark Glasses (Hispanic, Samoan, Asian) Hand Signs

Hairstyle No Real Common Style Shaved Head, Cropped (Retreatists) Lines, Symbols, "13" or "14" Shaved in Hair Shaved Sides with Long Tail in Back Popular with Blacks, Hispanics, Filipino, and Some Asian

WARNING S1GNS FOR PARENTS & TEACHERS

Sudden Poor Academic Performance Non_Involvement With School Relatives Are/Have Been Gang Members Marks Himself/Herself With Tattoos/Burns Using a Nickname or Attaching a Prefix Uses Gang Graffiti on Book Covers, Folders Suddenly Purchasing or Wanting Clothing All of One Color (Specially Blue or Red) Wearing Sagging Pants Down to the Hips Wears an Excessive Amount of Gold Jewelry Using Hand Signals Sudden Change in Friends Suddenly Argumentative Desiring Too Much Privacy Developing Sudden Rebellious Attitude With Parents and Teachers Starting to See Signs of Tobacco, Alcohol, or Drug Use Sudden Affluence (Money, Clothing, Car, etc.) Sudden Negative Police Contact Excessive Disciplinary Referrals WHAT YOU SEE, YOU CAN CHANGE!

PROVIDING REALISTIC ALTERNATIVE IDEAS FOR PARENTS

Be a Responsible Model Communicate Honestly _ Understand Their Feelings Set Clear Standards and Stick to Them Get Involved if You See Your Children Begin to Have Problems

Get Involved With Your School Pay Attention to School Grades Find Out What the School Policy is On Gangs, Drugs Get Involved With Your Local Police: Report Unusual Grouping in Your Neighborhood Talk to Other Parents Establish Block Parent and Crime Prevention Programs, i.e. Neighborhood Watch.

GANG ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR SCHOOL PERSONAL

Complete and discuss your school's assessment of the gang problem. Give yourself the points in parenthesis if the following exist: Do you have graffiti on or near your campus? (5) Do you have crossed out graffiti on or near your campus? (10) Do your students wear colors, jewelry, clothing, flash hand signals or display other behavior which may be gang related? (10) (Source: Federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Planning) Are drugs available on or near your school? (5) Has there been a significant increase in the number of physical confrontations/stare downs within the past twelve months in or near your school? (5) Is there an increasing presence of weapons in your community? (10) Is there an increasing presence of weapons in your school? (10) Are beepers, pagers, or cellular phones used by your students? (10) Have you had a drive_by shooting at or around your school? (15) Have you had a "show_by" (display of weapons) at or around your school? (10) Is your truancy rate increasing? (5) Is there an increasing number of racial incidents in our community or school? (5) Is there a history of gangs in your community? (10) Is there an increasing presence of "Informal Social Groups" with unusual names

like: The Woodland Heights Posse; Rip Of A Rule; Kappa Phi Nasty; 18th Street

Crew; or Females Simply Chillin "? (15)

A score of 50 points or more indicates a need to develop a Gang Prevention and Intervention Plan.

EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES FOR CAMPUS SECURITY PERS0NNEL

Campus supervision is a tremendous challenge. This section has been developed as a model for schools that employ campus supervisors or resource officers in their everyday monitoring of students. Correct management of the school environment necessarily prom otes learning. Students who are well disciplined direct thei r interests, efforts, and abilities toward greater achievements. Those who are not well disciplined waste their own opportunities for learning and socialization, and also prevent others from participating in the same opportunities. This rule applies not on ly to the classroom, but to the school grounds as well. These recommendations can serve as guides during efforts to ensure a safe campus environment while directing students toward positive social attitudes.

BE PROMPT

Always begin your task promptly. Be at your assigned post on time.

BE PLEASANT

Let students know you are "good_ natured," cheerful, and a happy individual capable for being able to laugh with students and at yourself. Do not try to be one of the group, however, as this always leads to conflicts later. Maintain a friendly position of a uthority. You should never be called by your first name. Be pleasant, but never let youngsters forget you are the person in charge.

DRESS FOR THE JOB

Uniforms and ID tags should be issued to all campus supervi sors. Wear your uniform at all times. It is recommended that a tie be worn by male employees. You are the "P.R. person" for the school. You may be the first contact an outsider has with your school. You set the tone !

KNOW THE RULES

If you know the rules, you can enforce them in a fair and impartial manner. Read and learn the Student Discipline Manual. Ask questions if you are not sure.

KNOW THE COMMUNITY _ Understand Fads

Attend activities in the community. Be aware of what things are happening that ma y affect the school. This is very helpful in enabling you to become acquainted with the parents of your students and allows them to see you as a "normal human being." It is also a good idea to learn the current fads and language, where your students "hang out," and the music they like.

LOOK AND LlSTEN

Learn to listen. Walk around the campus when on duty _ talk to youngsters and listen to them. There is so much to learn about your students from these chats.

LlSTEN TO RUMORS AND FOLLOW UP ON THEM

Most problems begin with rumors and many rumors come true. PLAN AHEAD AND PREVENT PROBLEMS

What you hear or see may help you later.

REPRIMAND IN PRIVATE

You don't appreciate being "called down" in front of your peers. Neither do your students.

DON'T RIDICULE

Ridicule means "to tear down the real world of the individual," both in his own eyes and in the eyes of the world. Remember how you have felt in similar situations. Young people often feel the same way. If they do strike out, you suffer. Don't create this situation.

AVOID "NAME_CALLING" OR LABELING

Student almost always live up to their labels.

BE FAMILIAR WITH CAMPUS CLIMATE

This means knowing who hangs out where and with whom. If you can't remembers names, do remember faces and dress.

BE AWARE OF STUDENT SUB_GROUPS

E.g. jocks, punkers, surfers, gang_ related pupils, and notice where there is any deviation from the "norm" within these groups. For example, be aware of drastic changes in clothing. Chances are there could very well be a fight that day.

BE AWARE OF FIGHTS BREWING

Look for student sub_groups milling around in areas they normally would not congregate or more than the usual number in a group. Fights should be handled with care. Be most concerned with your own safety __ get help when needed. Keep the combatants separated when taking them to the office and then while in the office. Never run to a fight. It draws a crowd. Learn the names of potential problem students. In a fight, students will stop fighting sooner if you call them by their names, e.g. "Bill, stop it now" or "Sammy, stand here." BE ALERT FOR STUDENT DRUG DEALERS

Watch for "loners" going back from group to group. They may often carry a book bag, folder, or other "non_ conspicuous" item in which to hide drugs and are always holding these items in a suspiciously protective manner. BE ALERT FOR STUDENTS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

A person under the influence can easily be detected by: Smell _ marijuana, alcohol Appearance _ sleepy, nervous, dry_mouthed, red eyes, dilated pupils Speech _ slurred, overly friendly Suspicious behavior _ different or opposite from his/her normal behavior; passing something to another person in a secretive manner Do not antagonize a student under the influence of a controlled substance. Don't leave students along __ call for assistance. Be sure they don't get rid of evidence. Remain calm. Be reassuring and talk to the student about something unrelated as you walk him/her to the office. Get a second or even a third opinion whenever possible.

OTHER HELPFUL IDEAS FOR CAMPUS SECURITY PERSONNEL

Do not group together. You lose credibility with the staff when you group together and talk a lot. Always carry a small pad and pencil. Documentation is very important for future reference. It is also a good deterrent for potential behavior problems. Keep moving in your assigned area. It is a good mental health for you and it keeps students guessing. Direct all visitors in a professional manner to the administrative office. Do not let them wander through the campus. Maintain good relationships with the law enforcement agency in your city. Help keep them informed of school activities and always speak positively about the school. Discourage students from standing in front of the school by the street. This creates bad public relations. You don't want the community to perceive your students as "loiters." Alert the administration when you observe teachers violate basic school rules such as dismissing students early or not issuing hall passes. Avoid instigating confrontations with students. You should be the solution, not the problem. Report all potential conflicts to your supervisor. Win the trust of the group leaders so they will help you. You may need to "wheel and deal." Deal with threats before they are carried out. Check the restroom often. Restrooms are not only a good place for smoking but for gang initiations as well. Because pressure/support is strong in this age group, senseless self-defeating acts of violence can occur. This could not be truer than with minority gang_ prone youth who have developed a belief system of failure as early as third grade.

DISCIPLINE _ GANGS

Establish Firm, Fair Policies that Reflect an Attitude of Communitv Unity Within the Campus _ Communicate "No Nonsense Approach"

Ensure that All School Staff know that the I.D. and Prevention are High Priority

Handle Discipline Violations Administratively

Discuss Difference Between Criminal Behavior and Discipline

Deal With Gang Members Individually and Swiftly

Cutting Away Swiftly at Gangs Reduces the Attractiveness or Gang Activity for Borderline Groups

UNIVERS1TY PLACE SCHOOL D1STRICT BOARD POLICY 3330

CURTIS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK POLICY

Exceptional Misconduct Gang Membership/Activities Minimum Short_Term Suspension Maximum Long_Term Suspension

Claimed Gang Membership

Minimum Short_Term Suspension Maximum Long_Term Suspension

Affiliation with a gang, gang activities or claiming gang membership by Curtis High School students is considered exceptional misconduct.

Gang affiliation or alleging gang membership has been found to be a form of intimidation to the student body and is disruptive to the educational process.

Under authority provided in the Washington Administrative Code 180_40_205, the University Place School District will impose corrective action ranging from short_ term suspension to longterm suspension upon those Curtis High School students who are gang members or make such claims.

Building administrators of Curtis High School have the authority to reduce long_ term suspensions to a shorter duration provided the building administrator is convinced that a plan is in progress which will result in elimination of future involvement with gangs.

Any student charged with gang activities or affiliations may be required to sign a negotiated gang/ behavior contract between the student, parent and administrator before he/she will be allowed to return to Curtis Senior High School.

A SCHOOL SECURITY QUESTIONNAIRE (Ganging Up On Disruptions)

School security is a responsibility of all staff members. However, the school administrator and designee must provide leadership for developing, implementing, and enforcing policies for school security. The following questions provide a beginning point for assessing the adequacy of the current security system at your school.

Do teachers and other key personnel understand procedures for handling problem students?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS Are appropriate provisions for supervision and security planned for each after_hour activity?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS Is the chain of command for emergencies clearly defined and understood by teachers and staff?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS Have procedures been developed to handle unauthorized visitors?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS Have you established an organized plan for routine supervision of halls, lavatories, and grounds?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS Are there appropriate "signals" for announcing of an emergency situation?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS Are there procedures established for handling pupils in large group activities, duty stations, staff visibility, procedures for reporting?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS Are there established plans for involving the local law enforcement agency?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS Is there a central administrative point for information dissemination, rumor control, and action decisions?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS Is there a system for swift parental contact when necessary? (Parents of gangs hotline)

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . NO . . . . . . . .NEED WORK . . . . . . . . . .NEEDS

CREDITS AND APPRECIATIONS

1. Jesus Villahermosa Jr. Pierce County Sheriff's Department

2. Louis D. Gonzales Center for Safe Schools Castro Valley California

3. Wayne Perryman REAGA Board and ESD Staff

4. University Place School District #83