Gang Tips For Parents

You should be concerned if your child:

• admits to gang involvement;
• is obsessed with one particular color of clothing or shows a desire for a particular logo over and over;
• wears sagging pants (this in and of itself is not indicative of gang activity);
• wears excessive jewelry with distinctive designs and may wear it only on either the right or left side of the body;
• is obsessed with gangster-influenced music, videos and movies to the point of imitation;
• withdraws from family with an accompanying change in demeanor;
• associates with undesirables and breaks parental rules consistently;
• develops an unusual desire for privacy and secrecy and may completely rearrange living quarters to create more privacy;
• uses hand signs while with friends and practices them at home;

or there is evidence or the appearance of:

• physical injury (such as being beaten) and then child lies about the events surrounding the injury;
• peculiar drawings or language on school books (may appear later as tattoos or brands);
• unexplained cash or goods, i.e., clothing and jewelry; or
• possible use of alcohol and drugs with attitude change.

• associate with gang members or "wannabe/gonnable" gang members;
• identify or communicate with gangs;
• hang out near or where gangs congregate;
• approach strangers in cars who appear to want information or directions;
• wear gang-related clothing where gangs are known to gather or traverse;
• wear initialed clothing such as BK - British Knights - a/k/a "Blood Killer" in high crime areas;
• use words like "Crab" or "Slob" (localized lingo may develop) anywhere gangs may be; i.e., malls, sporting events, etc;
• attend any party or social event sponsored by gangs or their associates;
• take part in any graffiti activity or hang around where graffiti is present; or
• use any kind of finer or sign language in a public place.

Keeping gangs out of Independence is not just a police effort but a community effort. Give us a call (816) 325-7322.