Some young people of all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds participate in gangs.

Although the majority of gang members are male, female gang involvement continues to increase. Gang members participate in delinquent and criminal activities such as graffiti, property crimes, gun violence, and drug trafficking.

Why do young people join gangs?

The factors that influence youth to join gangs can vary; however, there are identifiable risk factors and motivations that encourage youth gang involvement. These include individual factors such as peer pressure, family conditions, lack of school achievement, and community turmoil.

Individual factors:

Youth who are delinquent and involved in violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and promiscuous sexual activity have a higher incidence of gang membership. Youth who seek money, power, recognition, and excitement are also more likely to join gangs.

Peer pressure:

Youth who are associated with and intimidated by delinquent friends are at risk of gang involvement.

Family conditions:

Youth who lack protection, affirmation, and a stable family structure are inclined to join gangs. Moreover, youth who have gang-involved family members are likely to continue the gang tradition.

Lack of school achievement:

Youth who are truant, lack scholastic achievement, and are viewed negatively by educators are likely to further their delinquency via gang involvement.

Community turmoil:

Youth who regularly see or experience poverty, drug abuse, and are frequently exposed to gang activity may glorify the gang lifestyle and feel compelled to join a gang. Youth who feel unprotected in their neighborhood may be promised safety by gang members.

Signs of gang involvement:

The same factors that influence youth to join gangs can also be early warning signs that youth are involved in gang activity. Below is a list that can help you identify youth gang-related behaviors and activities.

Changing friends.

Displaying gang symbols on books, lockers, clothing, or as a form of communication. These may include wearing or displaying a colored shirt, hat, or bandana, or even how an article of clothing is worn such as such as a hat tilted to the left or to the right; tattoos and graffiti; and hand signals, which are typically signs made by formation of the fingers on one or both hands to make some sort of symbol or letter.

Losing interest in school and family.

Becoming truant.

Using drugs and alcohol.

Carrying weapons or large amounts of cash.

Getting arrested.

Not all youth displaying these warning signs are gang members, therefore, it is important to review the facts presented.

If you have questions about gang activity in your community, contact your local police department or your Sheriff’s Office at 252-583-8201.