Consequence of Gang Involvement
Gang membership can severely hurt one's health and future.
Gang members may be killed or injured.
Many put themselves in danger of disease, prison, and death.
Many become dependent on alcohol and drugs.
Gang members usually drop out of school, limiting their chances for higher education or good employment.
They are likely to be involved in crime throughout the rest of their lives.
They may commit serious and violent crimes that lead to lengthy jail time.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Joining a gang
Joining a gang
Joining a gang is like entering enemy territory. Belonging to a gang has a warlike existence where beatings and shootings happen all the time. Typical scenarios of joining a gang involve violence and rape. Boys usually have to fight several other gang members at the same time-this is called being "rolled-in" or "walking the line." Girls may be forced to have sex with several gang members or fight other female gang members. New members may be required to prove themselves by beating up an innocent person, robbing a store, or shooting someone-including drive-by shootings. If you break the rules after joining a gang, your punishment may be death.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Joining a gang is like entering enemy territory. Belonging to a gang has a warlike existence where beatings and shootings happen all the time. Typical scenarios of joining a gang involve violence and rape. Boys usually have to fight several other gang members at the same time-this is called being "rolled-in" or "walking the line." Girls may be forced to have sex with several gang members or fight other female gang members. New members may be required to prove themselves by beating up an innocent person, robbing a store, or shooting someone-including drive-by shootings. If you break the rules after joining a gang, your punishment may be death.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Learn More about Gangs
Learn More about Gangs
Gangs can be organized around race or ethnic group, money making activities, or territory.
Gangs usually claim a particular area of town which they call their "turf.” They spend much of their time fighting rival gangs to keep them out of this territory.
Most gang members are males ranging in age from 8 to 22 years old. Females, especially Asian and Hispanic, are moving away from the traditional role of being merely girlfriends of gang members and are forming their own gangs.
Gangs wear particular items, styles, brands, or colors of clothing. Some gangs wear bandannas of a certain color or baseball caps of a specific team. Some gangs mark their bodies with tattoos with their gang symbol or name.
Gangs often use special hands signs or handshakes to tell others the gang to which they belong.
"Gangsta” rap paints a realistic picture of daily gang activity. The lyrics glorify violence, abuse of women, and disrespect for authority, especially the police.
Contrary to what you may think, gangs are not around to help you. These groups of young people break the law, beat up people, and murder.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Gangs can be organized around race or ethnic group, money making activities, or territory.
Gangs usually claim a particular area of town which they call their "turf.” They spend much of their time fighting rival gangs to keep them out of this territory.
Most gang members are males ranging in age from 8 to 22 years old. Females, especially Asian and Hispanic, are moving away from the traditional role of being merely girlfriends of gang members and are forming their own gangs.
Gangs wear particular items, styles, brands, or colors of clothing. Some gangs wear bandannas of a certain color or baseball caps of a specific team. Some gangs mark their bodies with tattoos with their gang symbol or name.
Gangs often use special hands signs or handshakes to tell others the gang to which they belong.
"Gangsta” rap paints a realistic picture of daily gang activity. The lyrics glorify violence, abuse of women, and disrespect for authority, especially the police.
Contrary to what you may think, gangs are not around to help you. These groups of young people break the law, beat up people, and murder.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Friday, August 8, 2008
Helping America’s Youth Initiative
Helping America’s Youth Initiative
In his 2005 State of the Union Address, President Bush announced a broad effort to engage all Americans in helping young people become healthy adults. He asked First Lady Laura Bush to lead this important effort, which became known as the Helping America’s Youth initiative. Helping America’s Youth is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing our youth, particularly at-risk boys, and to motivate caring adults to connect with youth in three key areas: family, school, and community.
Research has shown that supportive relationships are crucial to an adolescent’s well-being. By becoming actively involved in the lives of young people in their community, grandparents, teachers, mentors, clergy members, neighbors, coaches, and other community members can support parents and help youth become community assets, making better choices that lead to healthier, more successful lives.
The Helping America’s Youth Web site at www.helpingamericasyouth.gov provides information about the initiative and access to the Community Guide to Helping America’s Youth, an online resource to help communities assess their needs and resources and link them to effective programs to help youth in their neighborhoods and towns. The online tool helps determine what works best in order to make positive differences in children’s lives
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
In his 2005 State of the Union Address, President Bush announced a broad effort to engage all Americans in helping young people become healthy adults. He asked First Lady Laura Bush to lead this important effort, which became known as the Helping America’s Youth initiative. Helping America’s Youth is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing our youth, particularly at-risk boys, and to motivate caring adults to connect with youth in three key areas: family, school, and community.
Research has shown that supportive relationships are crucial to an adolescent’s well-being. By becoming actively involved in the lives of young people in their community, grandparents, teachers, mentors, clergy members, neighbors, coaches, and other community members can support parents and help youth become community assets, making better choices that lead to healthier, more successful lives.
The Helping America’s Youth Web site at www.helpingamericasyouth.gov provides information about the initiative and access to the Community Guide to Helping America’s Youth, an online resource to help communities assess their needs and resources and link them to effective programs to help youth in their neighborhoods and towns. The online tool helps determine what works best in order to make positive differences in children’s lives
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Miscellaneous Gang Legislation
Miscellaneous Gang Legislation
New York S 120.06. Gang Assault in the Second Degree
A person is guilty of gang assault in the second degree when, with intent to cause physical injury to another person and when aided by two or more other persons actually present, he causes serious physical injury to such person or to a third person. Gang assault in the second degree is a class C felony.
New York S 120.07. Gang Assault in the First Degree
A person is guilty of gang assault in the first degree when, with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person and when aided by two or more other persons actually present, he causes serious physical injury to such person or to a third person. Gang assault in the first degree is a class B felony.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
New York S 120.06. Gang Assault in the Second Degree
A person is guilty of gang assault in the second degree when, with intent to cause physical injury to another person and when aided by two or more other persons actually present, he causes serious physical injury to such person or to a third person. Gang assault in the second degree is a class C felony.
New York S 120.07. Gang Assault in the First Degree
A person is guilty of gang assault in the first degree when, with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person and when aided by two or more other persons actually present, he causes serious physical injury to such person or to a third person. Gang assault in the first degree is a class B felony.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Graffiti (2)
Graffiti (2)
New York 60.28. Authorized Disposition; Making Graffiti and Possession of Graffiti Instruments
When a person is convicted of an offense defined in section 145.60 or 145.65 of this chapter, or of an attempt to commit such offense, and the sentence imposed by the court for such conviction includes a sentence of probation or conditional discharge, the court shall, where appropriate, include as a condition of such sentence the defendant’s successful participation in a graffiti removal program pursuant to paragraph (h) of subdivision two of section 65.10 of this chapter.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
New York 60.28. Authorized Disposition; Making Graffiti and Possession of Graffiti Instruments
When a person is convicted of an offense defined in section 145.60 or 145.65 of this chapter, or of an attempt to commit such offense, and the sentence imposed by the court for such conviction includes a sentence of probation or conditional discharge, the court shall, where appropriate, include as a condition of such sentence the defendant’s successful participation in a graffiti removal program pursuant to paragraph (h) of subdivision two of section 65.10 of this chapter.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Graffiti
Graffiti
New York 145.60. Making Graffiti
1. For purposes of this section, the term "graffiti" shall mean the etching, painting, covering, drawing upon or otherwise placing of a mark upon public or private property with intent to damage such property.
2. No person shall make graffiti of any type on any building, public or private, or any other property real or personal owned by any person, firm or corporation or any public agency or instrumentality, without the express permission of the owner or operator of said property.
Making graffiti is a class A misdemeanor.
New York 145.65. Possession of Graffiti Instruments
A person is guilty of possession of graffiti instruments when he possesses any tool, instrument, article, substance, solution or other compound designed or commonly used to etch, paint, cover, draw upon or otherwise place a mark upon a piece of property which that person has no permission or authority to etch, paint, cover, draw upon or otherwise mark, under circumstances evincing an intent to use same in order to damage such property.
Possession of graffiti instruments is a class B misdemeanor.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
New York 145.60. Making Graffiti
1. For purposes of this section, the term "graffiti" shall mean the etching, painting, covering, drawing upon or otherwise placing of a mark upon public or private property with intent to damage such property.
2. No person shall make graffiti of any type on any building, public or private, or any other property real or personal owned by any person, firm or corporation or any public agency or instrumentality, without the express permission of the owner or operator of said property.
Making graffiti is a class A misdemeanor.
New York 145.65. Possession of Graffiti Instruments
A person is guilty of possession of graffiti instruments when he possesses any tool, instrument, article, substance, solution or other compound designed or commonly used to etch, paint, cover, draw upon or otherwise place a mark upon a piece of property which that person has no permission or authority to etch, paint, cover, draw upon or otherwise mark, under circumstances evincing an intent to use same in order to damage such property.
Possession of graffiti instruments is a class B misdemeanor.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Monday, August 4, 2008
Gang-Related Definitions
Gang-Related Definitions
New York S 120.06. Gang Assault in the Second Degree
A person is guilty of gang assault in the second degree when, with intent to cause physical injury to another person and when aided by two or more other persons actually present, he causes serious physical injury to such person or to a third person. Gang assault in the second degree is a class C felony.
New York S 120.07. Gang Assault in the First Degree
A person is guilty of gang assault in the first degree when, with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person and when aided by two or more other persons actually present, he causes serious physical injury to such person or to a third person. Gang assault in the first degree is a class B felony.
New York 9 NYCRR § 301.3. Types of Activities Not Allowed
The following activities are not allowed on State property:
(d) Gang activity as defined herein:
(1) The term gang as used herein means any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of one or more criminal acts, which has an identifiable name or with the identifying sign or symbol, and whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of gang activity.
(2) The term gang member means any individual who is part of, associated with, or otherwise affiliated with a gang as defined in paragraph (1) of this subdivision.
(3) Gang activity means the commission by a gang member, in a singular commission, attempt to commit, conspiring to commit, or the solicitation of a criminal act, on State property in the presence of two or more other gang members.
(4) A pattern of gang activity means the commission, attempt to commit, conspiring to commit, or solicitation of two or more criminal acts, provided the criminal acts were committed on separate dates or by two or more persons who are members of, or belong to, the same gang.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
New York S 120.06. Gang Assault in the Second Degree
A person is guilty of gang assault in the second degree when, with intent to cause physical injury to another person and when aided by two or more other persons actually present, he causes serious physical injury to such person or to a third person. Gang assault in the second degree is a class C felony.
New York S 120.07. Gang Assault in the First Degree
A person is guilty of gang assault in the first degree when, with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person and when aided by two or more other persons actually present, he causes serious physical injury to such person or to a third person. Gang assault in the first degree is a class B felony.
New York 9 NYCRR § 301.3. Types of Activities Not Allowed
The following activities are not allowed on State property:
(d) Gang activity as defined herein:
(1) The term gang as used herein means any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of one or more criminal acts, which has an identifiable name or with the identifying sign or symbol, and whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of gang activity.
(2) The term gang member means any individual who is part of, associated with, or otherwise affiliated with a gang as defined in paragraph (1) of this subdivision.
(3) Gang activity means the commission by a gang member, in a singular commission, attempt to commit, conspiring to commit, or the solicitation of a criminal act, on State property in the presence of two or more other gang members.
(4) A pattern of gang activity means the commission, attempt to commit, conspiring to commit, or solicitation of two or more criminal acts, provided the criminal acts were committed on separate dates or by two or more persons who are members of, or belong to, the same gang.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Sunday, August 3, 2008
What Can I Do to Help Stop Violence in School?
The best option of all is to stay out of gangs in the first place.
What Can I Do to Help Stop Violence in School?
Gangs are one of the most violent influences that affect our schools today. We can help stop violence in our schools with this list of ideas. Some require only individual action; some require a concerted effort. Some address immediate issues; others address the problems that cause violence.
1. Adopt a school. Help students, faculty, and staff to promote a sense of community in the school and with the larger community through involvement in a wide range of programs and activities.
2. Help to strengthen links between school services and the network of community services that can help students and families facing problems.
3. Join with school and law enforcement in creating and sustaining safe corridors for students traveling to and from school. Help with efforts to identify and eliminate neighborhood trouble spots.
4. Help students through such opportunities as job skills development, entrepreneurship opportunities, and internships.
5. Encourage employees to work with students in skills training, youth group leadership, mentoring, coaching, and similar one-to-one and small group activities. Make your facilities available for these activities when possible.
6. Provide anger management, stress relief, and conflict resolution training for your employees. They can help build an anti-violence climate at home, at school, and in the community. You might gain a more productive working environment, too!
7. Speak up in support of funding and effective implementation of programs and other resources that help schools develop an effective set of violence prevention strategies.
8. Offer your professional skills in educating students on costs and effects of violence in the community (including their school). Public health personnel, trauma specialists, defense and prosecuting attorneys, and judges are among those with important messages to deliver.
9. Help employees who are parents to meet with teachers by providing flexible hours or time off; encourage employee involvement in sponsoring or coaching students in school and after-school activities.
10. Develop a non-violent competition, including speech, dance, painting, drawing, singing, instrumental music, acting, play writing, and other creative arts. Get youth to help suggest prizes. Make it a community celebration.
11. Report crimes or suspicious activities to police immediately. Encourage employees and families to do the same.
12. Establish business policies that explicitly reject violent behavior by employees or others on the premises.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
What Can I Do to Help Stop Violence in School?
Gangs are one of the most violent influences that affect our schools today. We can help stop violence in our schools with this list of ideas. Some require only individual action; some require a concerted effort. Some address immediate issues; others address the problems that cause violence.
1. Adopt a school. Help students, faculty, and staff to promote a sense of community in the school and with the larger community through involvement in a wide range of programs and activities.
2. Help to strengthen links between school services and the network of community services that can help students and families facing problems.
3. Join with school and law enforcement in creating and sustaining safe corridors for students traveling to and from school. Help with efforts to identify and eliminate neighborhood trouble spots.
4. Help students through such opportunities as job skills development, entrepreneurship opportunities, and internships.
5. Encourage employees to work with students in skills training, youth group leadership, mentoring, coaching, and similar one-to-one and small group activities. Make your facilities available for these activities when possible.
6. Provide anger management, stress relief, and conflict resolution training for your employees. They can help build an anti-violence climate at home, at school, and in the community. You might gain a more productive working environment, too!
7. Speak up in support of funding and effective implementation of programs and other resources that help schools develop an effective set of violence prevention strategies.
8. Offer your professional skills in educating students on costs and effects of violence in the community (including their school). Public health personnel, trauma specialists, defense and prosecuting attorneys, and judges are among those with important messages to deliver.
9. Help employees who are parents to meet with teachers by providing flexible hours or time off; encourage employee involvement in sponsoring or coaching students in school and after-school activities.
10. Develop a non-violent competition, including speech, dance, painting, drawing, singing, instrumental music, acting, play writing, and other creative arts. Get youth to help suggest prizes. Make it a community celebration.
11. Report crimes or suspicious activities to police immediately. Encourage employees and families to do the same.
12. Establish business policies that explicitly reject violent behavior by employees or others on the premises.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
Friday, August 1, 2008
Common Myths about Gangs
Common Myths about Gangs
My gang will protect me, and I will feel safe.
Wrong! While you may believe that joining a gang will protect you from bullies or other gang members, being in a gang greatly increases your chances to be a target for rival gang members. You are far more likely to be injured or killed if you are in a gang. Many former gang members report that they had to change their lives dramatically as a gang member. They could no longer wear clothing they used to wear. They got into fights while attending school with rival gang members, and ended up dropping out of school. They felt unsafe going out of their neighborhoods, and they couldn't ever be sure where rivals might confront them. Even if they got out of gangs, their rivals didn't forget them. They still had many enemies who might hurt or kill them
Other people will respect me more if I am in a gang.
Wrong! Respect in many gangs really means fear. If you join a gang, you will constantly have to commit crimes in order to keep other gang members afraid of you. At any age, respect is something you can earn by getting an education and accomplishing goals in your life. Respect in the gang culture will go away the first time you fail to hurt someone who insults you or puts you down. That kind of respect isn't real, and it doesn't last.
Joining a gang means I'll have lots of friends.
You will have friends, but you'll also make lots of enemies--the members of rival gangs. Also, your friends who haven't joined the gang may stop wanting to be around you. Your gang may not approve if you have friends or date people outside the gang. They may question and test your loyalty, and insist that you hang out only with them.
My gang will be just like a family.
Wrong! Real families don't force people to commit crimes to get respect and love. Real families accept you and love you for who and what you are. Even if your family is having problems, being in a gang will not solve them--it will only make things worse. If you join a gang, your family members may become targets for rival gangs. Joining a gang will only increase the number of fights you have with your parents. You will eventually get into trouble with the law, and your parents and family members will be hurt and disappointed. You will set a bad example for your brothers and sisters. You will not find the kind of love you're looking for from a gang.
I'll make lots of money if I'm in a gang.
Most gang members make very little money being part of a gang. Those who do, usually end up doing time. Plus, if you're in a gang, it's far more likely that you'll drop out of school because of problems with rival gang members. Getting your education is the key to making money--not joining a gang.
I can never get out of my gang.
Wrong! Gang members decide to leave the gang lifestyle every day in cities around the U.S. It is a myth that the only way to leave a gang is by dying. Most gang members who leave are able to live normal lives, going to school and working just like everyone else. However, in some cases, getting out of a gang isn't easy, and you may have to leave your home, school or community in order to be safe. It IS easier to get into a gang than to get out of one, but you can choose to leave the gang life today.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
My gang will protect me, and I will feel safe.
Wrong! While you may believe that joining a gang will protect you from bullies or other gang members, being in a gang greatly increases your chances to be a target for rival gang members. You are far more likely to be injured or killed if you are in a gang. Many former gang members report that they had to change their lives dramatically as a gang member. They could no longer wear clothing they used to wear. They got into fights while attending school with rival gang members, and ended up dropping out of school. They felt unsafe going out of their neighborhoods, and they couldn't ever be sure where rivals might confront them. Even if they got out of gangs, their rivals didn't forget them. They still had many enemies who might hurt or kill them
Other people will respect me more if I am in a gang.
Wrong! Respect in many gangs really means fear. If you join a gang, you will constantly have to commit crimes in order to keep other gang members afraid of you. At any age, respect is something you can earn by getting an education and accomplishing goals in your life. Respect in the gang culture will go away the first time you fail to hurt someone who insults you or puts you down. That kind of respect isn't real, and it doesn't last.
Joining a gang means I'll have lots of friends.
You will have friends, but you'll also make lots of enemies--the members of rival gangs. Also, your friends who haven't joined the gang may stop wanting to be around you. Your gang may not approve if you have friends or date people outside the gang. They may question and test your loyalty, and insist that you hang out only with them.
My gang will be just like a family.
Wrong! Real families don't force people to commit crimes to get respect and love. Real families accept you and love you for who and what you are. Even if your family is having problems, being in a gang will not solve them--it will only make things worse. If you join a gang, your family members may become targets for rival gangs. Joining a gang will only increase the number of fights you have with your parents. You will eventually get into trouble with the law, and your parents and family members will be hurt and disappointed. You will set a bad example for your brothers and sisters. You will not find the kind of love you're looking for from a gang.
I'll make lots of money if I'm in a gang.
Most gang members make very little money being part of a gang. Those who do, usually end up doing time. Plus, if you're in a gang, it's far more likely that you'll drop out of school because of problems with rival gang members. Getting your education is the key to making money--not joining a gang.
I can never get out of my gang.
Wrong! Gang members decide to leave the gang lifestyle every day in cities around the U.S. It is a myth that the only way to leave a gang is by dying. Most gang members who leave are able to live normal lives, going to school and working just like everyone else. However, in some cases, getting out of a gang isn't easy, and you may have to leave your home, school or community in order to be safe. It IS easier to get into a gang than to get out of one, but you can choose to leave the gang life today.
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
WARNING SIGNS (Gang Problem)
WARNING SIGNS (Gang Problem)
You should be concerned if your child:
Admits to gang involvement;
Is obsessed with one particular color of clothing or shows a desire for a particular logo over and over;
Wears sagging pants (this in and of itself is not indicative of gang activity);
Wears excessive jewelry with distinctive designs and may wear it only on either the right or left side of the body;
Is obsessed with gangster-influenced music, videos and movies to the point of imitation;
Withdraws from family with an accompanying change in demeanor;
Associates with undesirables and breaks parental rules consistently;
Develops an unusual desire for privacy and secrecy and may completely rearrange living quarters to create more privacy;
Uses hand signs while with friends and practices them at home;
Or there is evidence or the appearance of:
Physical injury (such as being beaten) and then child lies about the events surrounding the injury;
Peculiar drawings or language on school books (may appear later as tattoos or brands);
Unexplained cash or goods, i.e., clothing and jewelry; or &
Possible use of alcohol and drugs with attitude change.
Advise Your Children They Should Not:
Associate with gang members or "wannabe/gonnabe" gang members;
Identify or communicate with gangs;
Hang out near or where gangs congregate;
Wear gang-related clothing where gangs are known to gather or traverse;
Attend any party or social event sponsored by gangs or their associates;
Take part in any vandalism or graffiti activity.
The responses to the immediate questions below can help you tell if a kid is in a gang and what to do about it
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
You should be concerned if your child:
Admits to gang involvement;
Is obsessed with one particular color of clothing or shows a desire for a particular logo over and over;
Wears sagging pants (this in and of itself is not indicative of gang activity);
Wears excessive jewelry with distinctive designs and may wear it only on either the right or left side of the body;
Is obsessed with gangster-influenced music, videos and movies to the point of imitation;
Withdraws from family with an accompanying change in demeanor;
Associates with undesirables and breaks parental rules consistently;
Develops an unusual desire for privacy and secrecy and may completely rearrange living quarters to create more privacy;
Uses hand signs while with friends and practices them at home;
Or there is evidence or the appearance of:
Physical injury (such as being beaten) and then child lies about the events surrounding the injury;
Peculiar drawings or language on school books (may appear later as tattoos or brands);
Unexplained cash or goods, i.e., clothing and jewelry; or &
Possible use of alcohol and drugs with attitude change.
Advise Your Children They Should Not:
Associate with gang members or "wannabe/gonnabe" gang members;
Identify or communicate with gangs;
Hang out near or where gangs congregate;
Wear gang-related clothing where gangs are known to gather or traverse;
Attend any party or social event sponsored by gangs or their associates;
Take part in any vandalism or graffiti activity.
The responses to the immediate questions below can help you tell if a kid is in a gang and what to do about it
http://www.allaboutlongisland.com
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