WHAT IS A GANG?
A street gang is an organized group that participates in criminal, threatening or intimidating activity within the community.  A gang is made up of three or more individuals who have a name, a leadership and may have identifying signs, colors, clothing, tattoos, jewelry, or hand signals.  The gang often claims a geographic territory.  Usually, gangs participate in some kind of illegal activity, whether it be violent crime or drug dealing or both.

Gangs fall under one of two categories - the People and the Folks.  The "People" gangs represent to the left and the "Folks" gangs represent to the right.  Common gangs in DeKalb are the Latin Kings (People), Ambrose (Folks), Gangster Disciples (Folks), Latin Image Crew (L.I.C.), Vice Lords (People), Insane Deuces (People) and Sur 13s (Renegades).

HOW ARE GANGS IDENTIFIED?
Most gang members are proud of their gang and freely admit their membership.  Many display tattoos openly and dress in a style identifying their particularly gang.  Their personal belongings are often covered with graffiti and have the gang's logo and their gang  name.  Some are reluctant to identify themselves as gang members.  They often say their friends are gang members they but are not. 

Gangs are common characteristics such as wearing distinct clothing, jewelry or using hand signs or signs.  Some gangs are starting to change their clothing by no longer wearing colors in an effort to deceive law enforcement. 

Gang are also identified by their graffiti, hairstyles, and certain undergarments.

WHY DO KIDS JOIN GANGS?
Kids join gangs to fill their basic needs which is usually  not being met at home and/or at school.  These are respect, support, family, recognition, protection, identity, belonging, money and control.  Many gang members come from poor and/or broken homes, and they get the support and structure they need from gang lift.  Gang kids usually have a low self-esteem and sense of self-worth.  Membership in a gang makes them feel important and recognized within their peer group.  Gangs become their family and it is a bond that is hard to break. 

The primary age of a gang member is 14 to 20; however, we have seen gang members in their 50s. 

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF GANG INVOLVEMENT?
Early warning signs include:
Experimental drug use
Decline in school grades
Truancy
Unwillingness to attend family gatherings or share regular meals
Change of friends
Rebellious behavior at school and home
Poor family bonding
Keeping late hours
Having large sums of money or new expensive items which cannot be explained.

Telltale signs of gang involvement are:
Gang graffiti in their bedroom on items such as books, posters and bedroom walls
Wearing gang colors or gang clothing
Excessive swearing or cursing
Using hand signals to communicate  with "friends," other gang members
Having photos showing gang names, gang slogans, gang insignia or gang activities
Disclosure of gang membership
Contact with law enforcement and/or probation officers
May carry hidden weapons

The DeKalb Police Department continues its Outreach Program to the community doing presentations for any group that requests further information on street gangs, drugs, and related topics.  You may call the DeKalb Police Department at 815/748-8400.