GANGS

FAQ

• What is the definition of a gang?
• Are today's gangs different than in years past?
• What problems do gangs cause within their own families?
• What are the consequences of gang membership?
• What are the risk factors of being in a gang?

FAQ

• What proportion of adolescents join gangs?
• Are gangs problems in America growing or decreasing?
• What percentage of violent crime is linked to gangs?
• How do youths become active gang members?
• How do youths/ people leave a gang and or gangs?

FAQ Answers

• Gang: an organized group of criminals.
• Gangs today are different from past gangs, due to increased crime rates.
• Gang members cause families stress because of prison-time, or death.
• Gang members can be killed, put in prison, as well as other things.
• Risk factors of a gang include possible drug and alcohol use, and crimes.

faq answers

• The proportion of adolescents that join gangs is 15%.
• The gang problem is growing. The number of gang members now exceeds 750,000
• 55% of violent crimes are connected with gang activity in the United States
• Youths become involved in gangs through a need to be accepted and friends. 
• Youth often times are never able to leave a gang without bad consequences.

WHAT DO YOu do?

• What should I do if I suspect gang activity in my neighborhood?
• Answer: Contact your local authorities right away.
• What should I do if am asked to join a gang?
• Answer: Seek counseling from family and friends, or report the gang.

Top 5 active gang cities in america

• Chicago, Illinois
• Los Angeles, California
• New York City, New York
• Houston, Texas
• Detroit, Michigan

largest gangs in the U.S.

• MS-13: 200,000 +
• Latin Kings 150,000+
• Crips: 85,000+
• 18th Street Gang: 45,000+
• Bloods: 40,000+

gang influences on society

• "Gangster Rap" become extremely popular in the late 1980's.
• Action movies depict gangs all the time.
• References to gangs are mentioned in almost all Hip-Hop songs today.
• In some parts of America, gangs are perceived as a positive influence.

Gang initiation

• "Flashing Headlights": Bloods Initiation
• "Jumped In": Crips and MS-13 Initiation
• "Elizabeth" murders: 18th Street Gang Initiation

MS-13

• Origin: Guatemala
• Membership: 5 million +
• Location: United States, Latin America, Spain.
• Rivals: All gangs.
• Colors: Blue or Black

Latin kings

• Origin: United States
• Membership: 300,000+
• Location: United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico.
• Rivals: MS-13, Crips, Bloods.
• Colors: Black and Yellow

Crips

• Origin: Los Angeles, CA
• Membership: 85,000+
• Location: United States, Mexico, Canada
• Rivals: Bloods, Latin Kings, 18th Street Gang
• Colors: Royal Blue

18th street gang

• Origin: Los Angeles, CA
• Membership: 45,000+
• Location: United States, Mexico, Canada
• Rivals: Crips, Bloods, MS-13
• Colors: Black

Bloods

• Origin: Los Angeles, CA
• Membership: 40,000+
• Location: United States, Mexico, Canada
• Rivals: Crips, MS-13, 18th Street Gang
• Colors: Blood Red

Interesting facts

• Range of gang members' ages is from 8-22 years old.
• The life expectancy of a gang member is 20.5 years.
• Gangs were the #2 leading factor in violent cases in 2013.
• 86% of cities with a population of 100K+ report gang activity.
• According to the FBI, there are over 850,000 gang members in the U.S.

Interesting facts

• Gang members are 79% more likely to become addicted to drugs and alcohol. 
• 78% of urban schools report gang activity within the school.
• Neighborhood gangs pose the largest threat for violent crimes.
• About 95% of gang members drop out of high school.
• in 1975 there was 55,000 gang members. Today there are 850,000.

Interesting facts

• Gang members are 60X more likely to be killed from non-natural causes.
• Gang violence has increased by 35% the last decade.
• 90% of gang members have access to a firearm and other weapons.
• Gangs were created to smuggle alcohol during prohibition.
• The most notorious gangster of all time is Al Capone.

Databases

• www.fbi.com/ngic
• www.opensocietyofamerica.com
• www.ci.goldsboro.nc.us
• www.streetgangs.com