Street Gang Awareness
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The following illustrates the adoption of Community task forces should be appointed sports apparel by two particular gangs: and mandated to explore the full spectrum of Gangster Disciples issues related to the emergence of gangs. Such Apparel: Duke/Georgetown issues include housing, counseling, recreational alternatives, employment opportunities, parental Colors: Black/Blue Street responsibility, prosecution, and law enforcement capability. When necessary, a community should Latin Kings enact ordinances to curb graffiti, curfew viola- Apparel: Los Angeles Kings tions, loitering, and other activities associated Gang Colors: Black/Gold/Silver with gangs. Law enforcement can provide leadership in identifying gang crimes, but should not be held Community Approach: An intelligent Awareness solely responsible for the necessary response. response to gang problems demands input and Prevention through social services and related commitment from all segments of the community. efforts is as critical as police suppression. Organized gangs are not established spontane- Gangs are a threat to the entire community. Each ously. Usually, a group of juveniles create a of us can and must contribute to a collective loose association that begins to mimic the response. culture of an established hard-core gang. These so “Street called ”wanna-be’s” are Gangs... rarely well organized. Their criminal activity is usually For additional copies: engage... limited to petty thefts, vandalism, and nuisances Illinois State Police in criminal which are sometimes mini- activity mized or ignored by the Division of Operations community. Yet it is impera- 400 Iles Park Place, Suite 140 tive to recognize and vigor- Springfield, Illinois 62718-1004 ously address those issues which signal the emergence of a gang. Gang symbols drawn on notebooks or other school materials should be banned and removed. Any display or representation of gang member- ship should not be acceptable in a school setting or a school sponsored event. Student dress This gang illustration was confiscated from the notebook of standards may also be considered. a high school student. Graffiti should be brought to the attention of the local police and where appropriate, Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois Larry G. Trent Douglas W. Brown school authorities. Prior to removal, it should be Illinois State Police Central Printing Section Director First Deputy Director photographed or otherwise documented. ISP 5-515 (03/04) ILLINOIS STATE POLICE Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies In recent years, street gangs Alliances: During the 1980’s incarcerated Graffiti: Graffiti is a major aspect of gang have rapidly migrated to numerous gang members sought protection from rivals by culture and is used for distinct and different rural and suburban communities forming two opposing coalitions or alliances, purposes. It publicizes territorial control by a known as “People” and “Folks”. specific gang and therefore may be rampantly throughout Illinois. visible throughout a community. Gangs belonging to the “People” alliance Each gang has a specific and dress and represent to the left side. An earring unique graffiti which is highly This brochure is intended to provide in the left ear, a left pant leg rolled respected by all of the mem- essential information regarding the up, and a hat tilted to the left are bers. The destruction or deface- history, culture, and activities of typical examples. The hand sign is ment of such graffiti by another these criminal groups. thrown toward the left shoulder. Gang gang often triggers retribution members fold their arms in a manner Definition: There is an obvi- or violence. Ironically, this inten- that will point to their left side. Their graffiti ous and distinct difference that sepa- tional disrespect is a recurring will usually include a five pointed star. rates youth groups from gangs. “Street practice between rival gangs. gang” or “gang” means any combina- Conversely, those gangs belonging to tion, alliance, network, conspiracy or the “Folks” faction dress and represent to Clothing/Colors: Professional team understanding, of 3 or more persons the right side. A six pointed star is utilized in sportswear has become extremely popular with with an established hierarchy; that through its their graffiti. The following matrix illustrates the gang members. Numerous gangs have adopted membership engages in a course or pattern alignment of major Illinois gangs: a professional sports team’s apparel because the of criminal activity. (740 ILCS 147/10). Drug team colors match the gang colors. For example, distribution, assaults and weapons-related the red and black combination of the Chicago PEOPLE offenses are typically associated with established Bulls is particularly popular with the Latin Counts, street gangs. Bishops Black P Stone Nation the Black P Stone Nation, and the Vice Lords, Cobra Stones El Rukns for those are the gang’s colors. Other gangs Membership: Gang members represent have focused on the team insignia or name. all social and economic strata of society. Mem- Insane Deuces Insane Unknowns Latin Kings Latin Counts For instance, the L.A. Kings hockey team caps bership is sometimes compelled through are popular with the Latin Kings because Vice Lords P.R. Stones intimidation but is often motivated by a “Kings” appears on the cap and the desire to belong and/or gain a sense of 4 Corner Hustlers team colors are synonymous with personal recognition. Gangs include those of the gang. Another unique both juveniles and adults. FOLKS example of the linkage between The composition of major inner-city Black Gangster Disciples sports apparel and gangs is street gangs is usually defined by ethnic or the interpretation of a team Satan Disciples Black Disciples racial standards. This standard dissipates name which may appear on as gangs establish themselves in small Gangster Disciples Popes a jacket or cap. For instance, or rural communities. Gang members typically Maniac Latin Disciples Two Sixers the University of Nevada Las perform poorly in school and have frequent Simon City Royals Spanish Cobras Vegas is typically represented as UNLV. When contact with the police. Hard-core members Ambrose Two-Two Boys read backwards, the acronym is identified as develop fierce loyalty to their gang and become Spanish Gangster Disciples Vice Lord Nation. locked into the gang’s lifestyle, values, attitudes, Imperial Gangsters It is important to emphasize that team and behavior. Gangs are controlled by leaders sportswear alone does not represent gang affili- who direct criminal activities and enforce rules ation. Other supporting indicators are necessary and orders. Punishment ordered by a leader is to establish membership. known as a “violation” and typically involves a Note: The graffiti illustrated on this page represent the Black Gangster Disciples, Maniac Latin Disciples, The following illustrates the adoption of physical beating of the offending member. Latin Kings and the Vice Lord Nation. sports apparel by two particular gangs:.