Gangs in the northwest?

      One of the reasons I moved to a country suburbia neighborhood was for the walking trails. I love to walk and see the local wildlife, the tall NW trees, feel the breeze or the sun on my face. Being part of a fairly new neighborhood, there is always construction going on. As I passed a nearly completed house on my walk recently, I saw graffiti sprayed to the new windows and house siding. Upon closer inspection (becomes I'm curious), I found more recent spray on the side walk and another partially built home. It included pictures of male genitalia, gang symbols, racist comments, and foul language. Initially, I was surprised to find this in my neighborhood and not on the walls of inner city buildings.

      Seeing it reminded me how close we are to active gangs. Did you know local school have banned bandanas because of gang affiliation are identified by certain bandana colors? Did you know gangs from Portland use I-5 to gain access to other youth across state lines and in unsuspecting rural areas? "The U.S. Department of Justice indicate that every state has violent gangs and that there has been a dramatic increase in gang activity in smaller cities, towns and rural areas." Do not make the mistake of believing gangs are for big cities like Chicago, New York, or LA. Denial allows the problem to grow.

Why would teens belong to a gang? They are desperate for a place to belong. Teenagers need to have a sense of community and will get it where ever they can be accepted. For a youth with few safe relationships, who has been abused, who is isolated and/or bullied, a gang becomes the answer to their problems. If you want to gang-proof the teens in your life. Let them know they have a place to belong whether it be in your family, in the youth group, in clubs, Boy/Girl Scouts, choirs, drama, or sports. Help them find a safe place they can find acceptance.  Talk with the teen about consequences of joining a gang such as a criminal record, putting loved ones at risk, personal injury and/or death.

Signs a teen may be involved in a gang

• Skipping School
• Coming home with unexplained expensive items or cash
• Difficulty bonding with family
• Defiant towards all authority figures
• Drug Use
• Out at all hours of the night
• Sudden decline in grades

What to do if your teen is involved in a gang. Remember: The risks are high and the danger is real.

• Educate yourself on the gang signs.
• Minimize the teens idle time. There is truth to a busy teenager doesn't have time to get into trouble.
• Call local law enforcement/juvenile authority and ask about programs for youth connected to gang involvement.
• Call the police when you see graffiti signs, take photos, and cover it up as soon as possible as it attracts other gang members to the area.

For further help check out LAPD Tips and the Youth Booth.