From Nye County Sheriff's Office
What parents can do to prevent Gang involvement, a quick reference guide.
By Deputy Ray Robert - Crime Analysis/ Prevention Officer
Oct 20, 2005, 14:24
This quick reference guide provides common warning signs of gang involvement, but may not be all-encompassing. Parents should look for multiple signs to indicate possible gang involvement because some of these indicators alone, such as clothes or musical preferences, are common among youth not involved in gangs. Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local gang symbols, seek help early, and consider contacting school personnel, local law enforcement, faith leaders, and community organizations for additional assistance.
Warning signs that your child may be involved with a gang:
Admits to “hanging out” with kids in gangs.
Shows an unusual interest in 1 or 2 particular colors of clothing or a particular logo.
Has an unusual interest in ganster-infuenced music, videos, movies, or websites.
Uses unusual hand signals to communicate with friends.
Has specific drawings or gang symbols on schoolbooks, clothes, walls, or tattoos.
Comes home with unexplained physical injuries (fighting-related bruises, injuries to hand/knuckles.
Has unexplained cash or goods, such as clothing or jewelry.
Carries a weapon.
Has been in trouble with the police.
Exhibits negative changes in behavior such as:
Withdrawing from family.
Declining school attendance, performance, and behavior.
Staying out late without reason.
Displaying an unusual desire for secrecy.
Exhibiting signs of drug use.
Breaking rules consistently.
Speaking in gang style slang.
What can parents do?
Spend quality time with your child.
Get involved in your child’s school activities.
Be a positive role model and set the right example.
Know your child’s friends and their families.
Encourage good study habits.
Help your child develop good conflict/ resolution skills (see www.safeyouth.org/scripts/teens/conflict.asp)
Encourage your child to participate in positive after school activities with adult supervision (recreation centers, organized sports, youth groups).
Take action in your neighborhood (create a neighborhood alliance, report and remove graffiti). Neighborhood Watch
Talk with your child about the dangers and consequences of gang involvement. Let your child know that you don’t want to see him/her hurt or arrested. Explain to your child that he/she should not:
Associate with gang members.
Attend parties or social events sponsored by gangs.
Use hand signs, symbols, or language that is meaningful to gangs.
Wear clothing including specific colors, which may have meaning to gangs in your area.
This information is in association with the Community Oriented Policing Services of the U.S. department of Justice and the Crime Prevention Unit of the Nye County Sheriff’s Office. For further information about this and any other topic go to www.cops.usdoj.gov or www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org or contact the Nye County Sheriff’s Office at:
Northern Area Command (775) 482-8101
Central Area Command (775) 553-2345
Southern Area Command (775) 751-7000
© Copyright 2006 by Nye County Sheriff's Office