version however is a new phenomenon with significant effects on Canada's youth. PRP 52 ... Fax (905) 456-6106. You may a
Fact Sheet
Street Gangs Facts & Myths
“I want to join a gang so I can have lots of money & people will respect me!” Gangs have been in existence for many centuries. The modern version however is a new phenomenon with significant effects on Canada’s youth.
WHAT IS A STREET GANG?
Any group of three or more people, formally or informally organized, having a common name or identifying sign or symbol, forming an allegiance for a common, criminal purpose. - Members individually or collectively engage in patterns of criminal behaviour. - Creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the community.
- May include a “criminal organization” as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada.
WHY DO YOUTHS WANT TO JOIN A STREET GANG?
Generally there are six reasons and they are usually associated to needs not met in their home environment. In reality, the prospect of realizing any of these expectations when joining a street gang is low. Most often, none of the expectations are realized in a gang: 1. Identity A need to be an individual and express themselves. Reality – There is no room for individualism. Gangs judge you according to the type of clothes you wear and adherence to a rules code. 2. Discipline A need to have structure and routine, with clear parameters and expectations.
6. Money A desire to make lots of money. Reality – Most gang members make very little money and those who do usually end up in jail. Most of the money goes to the leadership.
- You will also lose/limit your ability to make money in the future by dropping out of school and/or having a criminal record.
Reality – Unlike a family, gang discipline is harsh and unforgiving. Those who do not comply are often treated violently.
SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY BE AT RISK
3. Recognition A need to be realized as an individual. Reality – As a gang member you attract the wrong kind of recognition; rival gangs, police.
- is obsessed with one particular colour of clothing or logo;
- Gangs operate on fear and often confuse fear with respect.
- You constantly have to commit crimes in order to make other gang members afraid of you. - Respect will disappear the first time you do not act out violently at an insult or a put-down.
4. Love A need for attention and to be appreciated. Reality – Gangs function directly opposite of true families by requiring the individual to sacrifice for the whole. 5. Belonging A sense of being part of a “family.” Reality – Belonging to this group extracts a heavy price. You will make more enemies who may want to harm or kill you.
- You will have your existing friendships scrutinized or lose many of those friendships.
- Admits to gang involvement;
- sudden change in friends, refers to them by nicknames; - wears excessive jewelry with distinctive designs; i.e. capital “C” or “B”;
- is obsessed with and/or imitates gangster-influenced music, videos and movies;
- w i t h d r a w s f r o m f a m i l y activities; - distinct changes in behaviour and attitude;
- associates with undesirables and breaks home rules;
- develops a strong desire for privacy and secrecy, in particular their bedroom; For more information on this subject, please contact:
Peel Regional Police Crime Prevention Services 7750 Hurontario Street Brampton, Ontario L6V 3W6
Tel. (905) 453-2121 ext. 4021 Fax (905) 456-6106 You may also want to examine our Internet site at: www.peelpolice.ca
PRP 52 Revised – March 2009
Street Gangs - uses hand signs while with friends;
- increased contact with police or other authority figures; or there is evidence/appearance of: - physical injuries; lies about the events surrounding the injury; - unusual drawings or language on school books;
- unexplained cash or goods, i.e., clothing and jewelry; - alcohol and drug use with attitude change;
- weapons, knives, bandanas in their room/backpack.
GANG CLOTHING & STYLES
Fact Sheet GRAFFITI
Some call it urban expression, however unless you have the permission of the owner of the property, spraying an object/ wall is a criminal offence; mischief. Not all graffiti is gang related. Gangs do however use graffiti to communicate: - Send a message to other gangs; - Stake out their territory; - Communicate and instill fear in the community.
If you think you have gang graffiti on your property call police and remove it as soon as practical. If you see graffiti in your community call: Property Standards:
Gang members often wear clothes or clothing items that will distinguish themselves from others or send a message. Some clothing items, such as bandanas may be obvious, whereas other items may have a more subtle message.
Brampton....................................................... 905-458-3424 Mississauga...................................905-615-3200 Ext. 5655
The more common items you may see is for example a blue bandana worn on the head or hanging out of a pocket to signify a “Crip” member or red bandana for “Blood”. Gang members will also wear certain manufacturer clothing such as Calvin Klein because the letters CK on the front of the t-shirt can signify “Crip Killer” in the gang culture.
Parents and caregivers should remember that no one or two behaviours by a teen is indicative of a being a gang member or affiliation. Rather, parents should be looking for a series of behaviours and signs.
GANG LANGUAGE
Gangs often use hand language to communicate with each other. Another form of gang communication is the “C-WALK” or “B-WALK” which appears to be a dance but is actually used to communicate. For example, a “look-out” watching for police as another member is selling drugs down the block may signal police presence by doing a C-WALK, which to the unsuspecting eye may appear to be a dance.
GANGS & MUSIC
Some of today’s music and videos, in particular hip hop and rap lyrics, refer to gang activities or culture. Parents should help their children select music that is age and content appropriate. “Parental Advisory” labels are helpful when purchasing over the counter. Parents and caregivers should exercise extreme caution when their children download music from the internet or watch on television as these represent “unfiltered” sources. In some cases, the messages are subtle and easily missed. Listen to the lyrics and watch the images.
IS MY CHILD A GANG MEMBER?
TIPS FOR PARENTS
- Spend quality time with your children.
- Communicate with them; listen to their concerns. - Help children develop self-control.
- Help children deal appropriately with problems. - Help them develop self-esteem.
- Improve your own self-esteem. Children usually model themselves after the most important role model... you. - Encourage good study habits and the importance of succeeding in school. - Keep them busy; enroll them in sports and activities.
- Get involved in your child’s school; volunteer for school activities or join your School Council. - Monitor their friendships for negative influences.
- Establish rules and set limits; be firm, consistent and reasonable in discipline. - Stay on top if it. Don’t be afraid to search their room or backpacks.
- Monitor their internet use; check their Facebook/ Myspace accounts and other social networking sites and web sites they visit. - Seek professional help if necessary. The worst thing to do is nothing.
