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1. What is a gang?

The Texas Penal Code, Chapter 71.10 defines a criminal street gang as three or more persons having a common identifying sign or symbol or an identifiable leadership who continuously or regularly associate in the commission of criminal activities.

2. Can a gang or gang member be identified from clothing alone?

Absolutely not. Determining affiliation with a gang is based upon many factors and cannot be based upon clothing alone. Like putting together a puzzle, the many factors involved in identifying such persons must fit together and support the facts.

3. What indicators or signs should I look for in my child that he/she is involved with gangs?

As stated in question 2, you cannot make determinations to support your suspicions based solely upon one factor. Some of the indicators/signs that you can look for to see if your child is involved with a gang are:

• Bragging about the “crew” or the “homies,” and not being afraid to die
• The child is very secretive about his/her activities and their friends
• The consistent wearing of certain colors which their friends appear to wear as well
• Discipline or grade problems at school
• Gang-related graffiti in their rooms, on your home, on their school papers/books, or on their persons
• Loss of interest in sports or family activities
• New friends with whom you are unfamiliar and who display some of the gang indicators/signs. Pulling away from or alienating themselves from long time old friends
• A new style of dress which is uncharacteristic of the child
• New tattoos
• Possession of weapons (Firearms, altered clubs, knives)
• Possession or use of drugs and/or alcohol
• Staying out late or “hanging out” in new areas
• Talks about his/her “crew” when referring to friends
• Threats from other gangs/gang members against your child made by phone, in person, or in writing
• Unexplainable injuries which may be caused by gang fights or being “jumped in” to a gang
• Unexplainable possession of spray paint cans or permanent markers
• Unusual and irrational fear of the Police
• Watching films/videos or listening to music that obviously glorifies the gangster lifestyle

4. How can I discourage my child from joining a gang?

Remember, you are the parent, you have the right to set rules and guidelines for your child.

• Talk to your child, often times they will openly tell you what is going on in their lives.
• Make sure your child understands that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.
• Spend time with your child.
• Learn about the types of gangs, gang activity, and gang indicators present in your community.
• Participate directly in your community as well as with your child's education.
• Know what music your child is listening to and what television shows they are watching.
• Positively reinforce your child’s feeling of self-worth.