He also asserts it is crucial for officers to learn how to "read between the lines" when searching gang members' WebPages. Time on the Web, similar to time on the streets, gives gang investigators the ability to read the hieroglyphics of wall graffiti, and understand Web clues. In addition, "gang identifiers, such as tattoos, graffiti tags, colors and clothing often are embedded in each site" (Gutierrez, 2006, ¶ 27). According to Gutierrez, by studying gang blogs for several hours, one can pick up on subtle word choices, which the gang members consider to be almost holy words. Knox contends that some gangs use the Internet to recruit new members.
Other Efforts to Deal with Gangs
Suppression techniques may be one of the best ways to combat gang activity and gang violence, Gabriel Morales (2006) purports. Morales has worked in the area of gang prevention and intervention, both in the adult and juvenile system, for over 25 years. In chapter four, "Gang Suppression," of his book, Varrio Warfare: Violence in the Latino Community, Gabriel Morales, known as the "Best Expert at Keeping Kids Off the Street" according to Seattle Weekly, explains that a number of law enforcement efforts exist to counter gang activity. These include, but are not limited to:
Stay out of Drug Area (SODA): Constitutes sweeps where gang activity occurs; considered effective.
Problem Oriented Policing (POP): May target particular areas or known gang hangouts (Morales, 2006).
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Methods of Prevention
Morales (2006) presents the following definitions, adopted by the CA State Anti-Gang Coordinating Committee. Definitions may vary in different states.
Definition of "Criminal Street Gang"
Any organization, association or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which has continuity of purpose, seeks a group identity, and has members who individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal activity. (Reference section
186.22(f) of the California Penal Code). (Morales, 2006, Definition of "Criminal
section)
Definition of "Gang-Related" Crime
When the suspect or the victim of the incident is a known member of a gang, or there is reliable information indicating that a gang member committed the offense. (Morales, 2006, Definition of "Gang-Related"… section)
Definition of "Gang Member"
An individual who:
Actively participates in a criminal street gang; has knowledge that its members engage in, or have engaged in, a pattern of criminal gang activity, and willfully promotes, futures, or assists in any criminal conduct by members of the gang. (Reference Section 186.22 of the California Penal Code). (Morales, 2006, Definition of "Gang…" section)
Identification Criteria
An individual is identified as a gang member based on the following criteria:
Admits gang membership or association.
Is observed to associate on a regular basis with known gang members.
Has tattoos indicating gang membership.
Wears gang clothing, symbols, etc., to identify with a specific gang.
Is in a photograph with known gang members and/or using gang-related hand signs.
Name is on a gang document, hit list, or gang-related graffiti.
Is identified as a gang member by a reliable source.
Arrested in the company of identified gang members or associates.
Corresponds with known gang members or writes and/or receives correspondence about gang activities.
Writes about gangs (graffiti) on walls, books, paper, etc.
The factors listed above are guidelines only and one factor or a combination of factors may be used in assisting with gang identification. (Morales, 2006, Identification Criteria section)
ARISE
ARISE utilizes evidence-based, interactive, life skills that at risk youth may readily understand; especially youth experiencing reading and learning disabilities. ARISE arms at risk youth with practical knowledge to help empower them before gangs start to solicit them. "According to ARISE, a variety of reasons influence teens to join gangs. Some youth join gangs because they seek prestige and excitement; while [they] reportedly desire a sense of belonging, protection or income" (ARISE as a gang prevention…, 2007, ¶ 1). ARISE contends that similarly, a number of factors help influence and shield youth from becoming gang members.
ARISE counters gang participation in numerous ways. "ARISE has developed life skill curricula with over 260 practical life skill lessons, such as anger and conflict management, the importance of a staying in school, finding and keeping a job, self-esteem, healthy living, graffiti avoidance and more (ARISE as a gang prevention…, 2007, ¶ 2). According to the philosophy ARISE adheres to, when youth invest their free time in positive activities, they become better able to resist the lure to join gangs. Along with giving youth a sense of relieving boredom and giving youth a sense of purpose, after-school programs, sports, and activities connect youth with others in positive ways.
ARISE asserts that the lessons youth learn in their classes relate vital information to help them make healthy life choices. Being armed with practical...
They predict age and gender variations relate to bullying concerns. Of the 25 cartoons implemented in the study, two depict characters with different shades of skin color where skin color appeared to be an issue. One cartoon relating to sexual orientation was not used in several countries. Smith et al. report Olweus to assert bullying to be characterized by the following three criteria: 1. It is aggressive behavior or intentional
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