Is your child or spouse a gang member?

You probably have an inkling or can tell outright who is a gang member. However, one can be wrong and label them as hard core members because of their attire, body language, manner of talking. Others might be copy-cats and/or just want to be identified with the group without actually being a member or just wants to "talk the walk" but not the other way around. They might want to be a"gangsta" for a while or a member of a dance group.

Here's a list of the most common identifiers :

• Caps or hats-- tilted to the right or left or worn backwards refers to certain gang affiliations. A certain type of baseball cap may indicate a specific gang membership.


• Colors-- some gangs identify with specific colors such as red and black, or blue and black.


• Clothing-- Certain colors on starter jackets or baggy or sagging pants may represent gang involvement. Other clues are one pant leg rolled up, a certain colored bandana on one side of the body, a glove on one hand, one pocket out or one shoe lace untied.
  

  

  
  


• Hand Signals-- signals such as a crown or falcon have been developed by many gangs to identify their gang affiliation. Showing or "flashing" gang signals is a way of identifying one's gang.

• Graffiti--emblems or insignia on buildings, street signs and bus stops mark gang territory. Gang members may have graffiti markers on their clothing or personal belongings. Graffiti written upside down or with a line drawn through it means one gang is disrespecting or "dissing" another gang.