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HOW GA NGS AFFECT OUR COM M UNITY

GANG VS TAGGER Definition of a Gang Where to Look for GRAFFITI Three or more people with Signs of Gang common interests, bonds, & Involvement: GANG GRAFFITI: activities characterized by ♦ CLOTHING ( worn in an •TERRITORIAL criminal or delinquent unusual way, colors, logos, •OFTEN THREATENING MESSAGE conduct engaged in numbers, symbols, initials) •NOT USUALLY ARTISTIC collectively or individually. — hats, wrist bands, neck bands, shirts, •IDENTIFIES: belts, buckles, lanyards, •GANG NAME Did You Know? dew rags, pants, shoes, The majority of gang shoe laces, shoe tongues •GANG SET ♦ affiliates/members in our JEWELRY •STREET NAME community are adults (18 — symbols, initials, years of age and older). They logos constitute about 89% of the ♦ TATTOOS total gang population —names, symbols, identified in the Colorado numbers, abbreviations ♦ Springs area. Juveniles GRAFFITI —names, symbols, (under the age of 18) hold colors, numbers, approximately 11% of the abbreviations, area gang affiliation/membership. codes Of that 11% : Other Gang Identifiers TAGGER GRAFFITI: Males constitute ♦♦♦ Whistles •NOT USUALLY TERRITORIAL approximately 90% of the ♦♦♦ Gestures •NOT USUALLY A THREATENING MES- juveniles in gangs, while ♦♦♦ Hand Signs SAGE females make up about 10%. ♦♦♦ Staring (Mad Doggin’) •USUALLY ARTISTIC •IDENTIFIES: •TAGGER CREW Identifying Gang What Parents Should •STREET NAME Behavior Know In terms of identifying Why do kids join gangs? someone who is claiming a particular gang affiliation, • For adventure & it is very important to look excitement • for multiple signs. A For a sense of belonging and attachment single sign, in isolation, is • often not a credible way to To gain respect or to attract girl/boy friends identify gang affiliation • To feel powerful accurately. However, a • For monetary gain & to combination of identifiers escape poverty may indicate the need to • To retaliate against home seek support for the child or society who may be gang • To emulate family mem- involved. bers HOW GA NGS A FFECT OUR COM M UNITY

Where to Look for Signs of Gang Graffiti: Often seen Statistics Gang on student notebooks • 90% of gang members will be Involvement: arrested by the age of 18 • 75% of gang members will be arrested twice by the age of 18 • 95% will not finish high school • 60% will be dead or in prison by the age of 20

Did You Know? Tagger Graffiti: Also found Gang names: Surenos 13 belt buckle on student notebooks 1. Crip 2. Blood 3. Hispanic 4. Folk 5. People 6. White Supremacist 7. Tagger

Gang Sets : These typically are the “neighborhoods” What Parents Should Know that the gang members are currently Norteno 14 in Roman Numerals Protect children from gang living in, or a neighborhood they lived in influence: prior to moving here. • Spend time with your Clothing can be one identifier of children Street Names: gang affiliation. Look for • Supervise their activities Usually a “nick name” given to a gang multiple identifiers. • member representing/identifying an Help them get involved in aspect (often negative) of the members after school activities/sports appearance, personality, or physical/ • Talk about values/good mental capabilities/limitations. decision making • Teach what to do if approached by gang member • Be on lookout for signs of

gang involvement • Notice patterns/get help

Gang Name: SUR 13 Tattoos: Neighborhood: SPMV May be located anywhere on the Street Name: SMILEY body.

• Tattoos on body • Drawing symbols or strange words Signs of Possible Pre-Gang on notebooks, clothing, or walls of Behavior: bedroom

(look for multiple signs)

• Sudden change in friendships

• Parents uneasy around new friends (Mi Vida Loco) “My Crazy Life” • Attitude change-uninterested in family activities and values • Spending more time alone-withdrawal • (Hispanic Gang Graffiti) Poor grades at school - cutting classes

• Uses spray cans or felt markers to mark on others’ property • Stays out after being asked to be home at a certain time • ICP () Uses an unfamiliar nickname for “Hatchet Man” self

(Blood Graffiti– “Dis” on Crip gang) What Parents Should Know Crossed out letter “C” on multiple choice test Discourage Children From Joining Gangs: • Angry or bullying attitude • Impatient, intolerant, aggressive • Encourage your children to • Disrespectful and demanding participate in supervised, responsible activities to fill their • Resents authority figures (Street Name “Shaggy”) free time. • In trouble with the police • Know where your children are and • Dressing regularly in a particular color who they are spending time with. • Strange words in their vocabulary • Teach children acceptable and • Unexplained possessions or money responsible behavior . • Carrying items that could be used • Encourage children to talk about as a weapon what is going on in their lives at

school & in the community.

• Develop a no-tolerance policy for gang clothing, gang writing, or hanging out with gang members. • Be a positive active role model.

Red is the common color for “Blood” gang (alternate color is green) (spikes bought separately and screwed • Radical body piercing, hair styles, into wristband) jewelry, or clothing.

HOW GA NGS A FFECT OUR COM M UNITY

IDENTIFIERS OF POSSIBLE JEWELRY TO WATCH FOR: INSANE CLOWN POSSE DRUG INVOLVEMENT BY AFFILIATION STUDENTS ICP is a rock band who’s music is promoted by & has over one million followers who call themselves . Joe Bruce gave Insane Clown Posse its name, and the band members began developing their “wicked clown” alter egos soon after. They also began painting their faces like clowns which became their trademark. School backpack with dollar sign attached Rings being worn by some students

Things to look for that show possible affiliation with ICP, their music, and the group’s message:

Dollar sign earrings Self drawn tattoo & notebook graffiti

Barbed wire necklace

Marijuana leaf attached to purse ICP Clown T-Shirt

Die with “SIX” showing (often used as one identifier for Folk gang affiliation)

Necklace with dollar sign ($)

Another version of the ICP logo on a sweat shirt

“Dollar Bills” dew rag Spiked bracelet

HOW GA NGS A FFECT OUR COM M UNITY

RIGHT SIDE RULE

In many parts of the country, Earrings: In “right” ear only race, nationality, and gender determine which gang can be joined. In Colorado Springs, gangs are hybrid in nature. Members are jumped into gangs based on their willingness to perform “required” gang related activities, rather than their race, HEART= HEART OF THE FOLK nationality, or gender. NATION WINGS= SPREADING OF THE NATION

FOLK GANG HORNS= DEFENSE OF THE

Hats: Tipped to the “right” NATION (Replaced with • BASED Upright Pitch Forks above)

• HIGHLY ORGANIZED Glove: On “right” hand 5 POINTED CROWN (Upside Down)= • COLORS (BLACK & BLUE) Belt buckles: Shifted to the “right” on Dis’ on Rival (People) Gang • IDENTIFY WITH NUMBER SIX (6) hips Bandanas: Hanging from “right” pocket or tied around right leg Pant leg: “Right” pant leg pulled up Shirt sleeve: “Right” sleeve rolled up Shoe tongue: Tongue of “right” shoe up Shoe laces: “Right” shoe laced up; left shoe laced 1/2 way

BACKWARD SWASTIKA (Folk Symbol) FOLK GRAFFITI LA RAZA (Folk Set)

Six Pointed Star (above)

HEART= The Heart of the Nation HORNS= The Defense of the Nation BGD = BLACK GANGSTER UPRIGHT PITCHFORKS ( Folk Dice with Six (6) on it DISCIPLE Symbols)

MLD= MANIC LATIN DISCIPLES PITCHFORK (“Upright” is a Folk ALSO IDENTIFY WITH: (Folk Set) Symbol)

• Six Point Crown B.O.S.= BROTHERS OF THE • Upside Down 5 as a STRUGGLE “Disrespect” (referred to as “dis”) on Rival (People) Gang 187= HOMICIDE CODE • 187 (California’s Homicide Code) STAFF/CANE (Upside Down) = DIS’ ON “PEOPLE” (Rival Gang) • Rabbit’s Head With One Ear Bent HOW GA NGS A FFECT OUR COM M UNITY

LEFT SIDE RULE In many parts of the country, race, nationality, and gender determine Earrings: In “Left” ear only which gang can be joined. In Colorado Hats: Tipped to the “Left” Springs, gangs are hybrid in nature. Glove: On “Left” hand Members are jumped into gangs Belt buckles: Shifted to the “Left” on based on their willingness to hips perform “required” gang related Bandanas: Hanging from “Left” pocket or tied around “Left” leg activities, rather than their race, Pant leg: “Left” pant leg pulled up nationality, or gender. Shirt sleeve: “Left” sleeve rolled up Shoe tongue: Tongue of “Left” shoe ALMIGHTY CHICAGO= “Home Base” for PEOPLE GANG up People Gang • CHICAGO BASED Shoe laces: “Left” shoe laced up; right PYRAMID= People Symbol • shoe laced 1/2 way L.C.= Latin Count (People Set) HIGHLY ORGANIZED UPSIDE DOWN PITCHFORK= Dis’ on • COLORS (BLACK & Yellow or Gold) PEOPLE GRAFFITI Folk Gang) • IDENTIFY WITH NUMBER FIVE (5) TORN 6 POINT STAR & UPSIDE DOWN CROWN= (Dis’ on Folk Gang)

LKN= LATIN KING NATION (People Set) UPSIDE DOWN PITCHFORKS = Dis’ Five pointed star (above) on Rival Gang (Folk) FIVE POINT CROWN (People ALSO IDENTIFY WITH: Symbol) DK= Disciple (Folk) Killa TORN 6 POINT STAR= Dis’ on Folk • Five Point Crown Gang $= The use of the dollar sign in graffiti implies the use, distribution/sale, and/or • Upside Down 6 to the manufacturing of drugs by the person “Disrespect” (“Dis”) Rival (Folk) and/or the gang.

Gang UPSIDE DOWN PITCHFORKS= Dis’ on Folk Gang by People Gang • 187 (California’s Homicide Code) UPRIGHT STAFF/CANE = (People • Symbol) Rabbit’s Head (both ears up)

• VL=VICE LORDS (People Set) Dice with Five UPRIGHT STAFF/CANE= (People Appearing on Face Symbols) UPSIDE DOWN PITCHFORKS=Dis’ on • Pyramid Folk Gang 4CH=FOUR CORNER HUSTLERS= (People Set) • Staff/Cane

HOW GA NGS A FFECT OUR COM M UNITY

Graffiti located in a drainage ditch Jewelry to watch for when concerned In many parts of the country, near a middle school about possible gang involvement: race, nationality, and gender determine which gang can be joined. In Colorado Springs, gangs are hybrid in nature. Members are jumped into gangs based on their willingness to perform “required” gang related activities, rather than their race, nationality, or gender. S/S= South Side 3= Tres L.A.= Los Angeles (home base for the Crip G= Gangsta Gang) CRIP GANG C= Crip (This by itself does not indicate gang • LOS ANGELES BASED affiliation, however a closer look at how • HIGHLY ORGANIZED this student dresses, who he’s hanging • COLORS (blue or purple) with, graffiti on his notebooks, tattoos, and • if he’s claiming a particular gang or street IDENTIFY WITH NUMBERS: name can be important information for 187 (Homicide Code in California) insuring the safety of all students.) 3-3 (Tre-Tre Crip) XXX= Rollin’ 30’s Crip

Rivals: Tre-Tre Crip

• Blood Gang

• Anyone aligned with

Crip Graffiti Possible gang affiliation if a student is dressing entirely in blue on a regular basis, and refuses to wear red, or use the color red for any reason. XXX = Rollin’ 30’s Crip Gang Sleepy = street name Dollar sign in street name= indicates drug involvement (buying, selling, using, and/or manufacturing of drugs.)

“B.K.” (Blood Killa) (found in middle school restroom)

Blue dew rag indicates gang affiliation.

Up with the Down with the Bloods Surenos 13 (Southern California) (found in middle school restroom) “Slob” (dis’ on the Blood Gang)

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

Blood Gang Rivals: • Graffiti located in a drainage ditch In many parts of the country, Crip Gangnear a middle school race, nationality, and gender determine • Any gang aligned with Crips which gang can be joined. In Colo- rado Springs, gangs are hybrid in Blood Graffiti nature. Members are jumped into gangs based on their willingness to perform “required” gang related activities, rather than their race, “Crab” (dis’ on the Crip Gang) nationality, or gender. Rivals: • Crip Gang BLOOD GANG • Anyone aligned with Crips • LOS ANGELES BASED • HIGHLY ORGANIZED • COLORS (red or green) • IDENTIFY WITH NUMBERS: 213 (Area Code for L.A.) 187 (Homicide Code in California) Multiple choice test given to Blood Gang “C.K.”= Crip Killa member. Every time he chose the answer 45 (Blood Set) PIRU = Blood Gang Set 3-11 (crip killa) “C”, he marked it with an “x” to disrespect rival Crip Gang members.

Possible gang affiliation if a student is dressing entirely in red on a regular basis, and refuses to wear blue, or use the color Los Angeles= Home Base for Bloods NHB= Neighborhood Blood Gang blue for any reason. 213= Area Code for L.A. (bottom right (Blood Gang Set) of sweatshirt)

Shoes with Red Laces

187= (California’s Homicide Code) Blood hand sign in green paint : BHW= West Side Hustler Blood C= Crip (Blood Gang Set) K= Killa

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

ClothingGraffiti located that “may” in a drainage indicate ditch gang HISPANIC GANG GRAFFITI near a middle school In many parts of the country, race, affiliation: nationality, and gender determine which gang can be joined. In Colorado Springs, gangs are hybrid in nature. Members are jumped into gangs based on their willingness to perform “required” gang related activities, rather than their race, nationality, or gender.

HISPANIC GANGS 13th letter of the alphabet is “M” The number “13”Rivals: is used by Hispanic gang Chuckie & Casper= street names • Norteno=Northern California Califas= California • members to identify with the terms, “Mexican Color: Red andCrip marijuana”. Gang Often times indicates gang SUR 13= Southern California • affiliation and drug involvement.. 818, 213, 714, 805= area codes of home town Number: 14; XIV Anyone aligned with Crips allegiance • Sureno= Southern California Color: Blue Number: 13; XIII • Area Codes used in graffiti to claim home town allegiance: 213– Los Angeles NSL= North Side Locos (neighborhood set) 714-Anaheim (“S” is crossed out to disrespect the Surenos Gang) Termite= street name 805-Bakersfield/Santa Barbara Belt buckle with the number “13” on it. 818-Glendale Norte X4= Norteno 14 (gang name) 909-San Bernardino • Tattoos: - 3 dots= Mi Vida Loca (my crazy life) - Pachuco Cross - Tear Drop =may indicate prison “S” on a belt buckle may represent time served, and/or being “Surenos Gang” affiliation. “Sureno” gang member crossed out “Norte” to the “shooter” in a drive- disrespect their rival gang.

by shooting

- Happy/Sad Faces (play now; pay

later)

HISPANIC GANG RIVALS: “NORTENO VS. SURENO” Look under the bill of hats for information on gang involvement. Watch for gang graffiti in student ’s notebooks, and Bakersfield, California is the on student desks. “territorial line” between northern Cali- fornia (Norteno Gang) , and southern California (Sureno Gang). Gang wars can also occur between any gang (or gang set) that is aligned with a rival gang.

IDENTIFYING GANG BEHAVIOR “14” or XIV in clothing or graffiti may indicate Norteno Gang affiliation. In terms of identifying someone who is claiming a particular gang affiliation, it is very important to look for multiple signs. A single sign, in isolation, is often not a credible way to identify gang affiliation accurately. However, a combination of identifiers may indicate the need to seek support the child who may be gang involved. HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

GraffitiSTRAIGHT-EDGE located in a drainage ditch VAMPIRES • near a middle school In many parts of the country, race, Beliefs: nationality, and gender determine which gang Abstain from the use of: • Heavy into the Occult and Satanism can be joined. In Colorado Springs, gangs are -tobacco • Usually low self esteem hybrid in nature. Members are jumped into -alcohol • Problems in school (attendance & gangs based on their willingness to perform -drugs “required” gang related activities, rather than -premarital sex discipline) their race, nationality, or gender. • Dress in black clothing

(The problem lies when they see others • Girls use white make-up involving themselves with the above Rivals: • Fascinated with death GOTHICS activities Straight Edge members have • • • Dress totally in black beenCrip known Gang to try to force their beliefs on Vampires believe they are immortal • and can live for 300 years • Use make-up to mimic that of Marilyn othersAnyone by using aligned violence.) with Crips • Manson To become a vampire one must be • • Tattoo themselves with the letter “X” bitten by another vampire. The Self mutilate drinking of each other’s blood is part • Body Piercing is also popular: nose • Multiple piercing of the nose, tongue, of the ritual. Vampires have no fear tongue, eyebrows, ears, belly button, eyebrows, ears, belly button, lip, and of Aids as they believe they are immor- lip, and chin chin tal so therefore they cannot die. • Shaved heads are common • Die hair in multiple colors or jet black • They believe the only way to kill a • Baggy clothes • Carry around metal lunch boxes vampire is to decapitate them • May ID themselves as Skateboarders • Draw occult symbols & use numbers 666 & 1394 (acid) in graffiti • Align themselves with • Carry razor blades for blood letting -animal activists -animal liberation front and drinking • -coalition to abolish fur traders Attend rave parties • Ecstasy & acid are drugs of choice Vegans: Vegetarians– typically will not eat animal bi-products Becans: Often times the militant side of Straight-Edge

Identifying Gang Behavior

In terms of identifying someone who is claiming a particular gang affiliation, it is very important to look for multiple signs. A single sign, in isolation, is often not a credible way to identify gang affiliation accurately. However, a combination of identifiers may indicate the need to seek support the child who may be gang involved.

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

SYMBOLS near used a middle to identify school gang and/ In many parts of the country, race, or drug affiliation: • COLORS (discussed in past nationality, and gender determine which newsletters) gang can be joined. In Colorado Springs, ICP= Insane Clown Posse gangs are hybrid in nature. Members are • CLOTHING jumped into gangs based on their -dew rags willingness to perform “required” gang CK =Crip Killa ( Blood term) -lanyards related activities, rather than their race, -shirts with any of the gang nationality, or gender. BK= Blood Killa (Crip term) symbols, gang hand signs, Rivals: gang numbers (13/14/187) OVERVIEW OF THINGS TO BE •$ = referencingCrip Gang drugs (sales/use) -1/2 gloves - shoelaces/red/blue AWARE OF NOW THAT • Anyone aligned with Crips SUR= Surenos -wrist bands with gang references SCHOOLS ARE BACK IN -shoes with anarchy symbols or SESSION THREE DOTS= Mi Vida Loca gang symbols -hats with gang symbols under

Numbers used to identify gang bill, or tipped right or left TEAR DROP= Prison time/Drive -hair nets and/or drug affiliation: by shooter -pant legs (one up & one down) -belts with gang numbers/letters 5 = People Gang WS= West Side S= Surenos (if the student’s 6 = Folk Gang SS= South Side names doesn’t start with an S) 13, X3, XIII= Surenos (southern ES= East Side 13= Surenos/Southern California) NS= North Side California 14, XIV = Norteno (northern • JEWELRY - with gang symbols/numbers California CROWNS= Gang affiliation (5 point & 6 point) -look for dice (5 dots or 6 dots) 666= Satanic Gang -with satanic symbols 187 = Homicide code in California BGD= Black -crowns (5 or 6 points)

45 Blood Set 3-11 Crip Killa BOS= Brother’s of the Struggle • COMBS -if left in hair after combing is 420= Referencing “time to do often linked to gang affiliation drugs” PITCHFORKS= Folk Symbol • GRAFFITI 81st = Gang Set - on notebooks CANE/STAFF= People Symbol 18th = Gang Set - on school papers

XXX, 30, Gang Set - on their arms & hands 719, 213, 714,805,818,909 = Area LA= Los Angeles (area code 213) - in restrooms codes where gang members are - on desks/chairs NHB= Neighborhood Blood claiming “home town” • CELL PHONES & PAGERS

affiliation -often used as a way to connect to NORTE-NORTENO =Gang Name drug sales/buys 1394 = Acid SURENO= Gang Name Identifying Gang Behavior HAPPY/SAD FACES= Play now; In terms of identifying someone who Pay later is claiming a particular gang affiliation, it is very important to look for multiple signs. A single sign, in isolation, is often not a credible CRAB= Slang put down for Crip way to identify gang affiliation accurately. member (Blood term) However, a combination of identifiers may indicate the need to seek support the child who may be gang involved. SLOB= Slang put down for Blood member (Crip term) HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

Graffiti located in a drainage ditch “Piecer Graffiti” near TAGGERSa middle school GANG GRAFFITI VS. • TAGGER GRAFFITI Usually Male ______• Typically 11-25 Y.O.A. • All ethnic & economic backgrounds GANG GRAFFITI • Wear dark clothing when tagging at •TERRITORIAL night • Wear oversized clothes and back •OFTEN THREATENING MESSAGE Rivals: • packs to conceal graffiti items •NOT USUALLY ARTISTIC • Crip Gang • Use numbers: 24-7-365 •IDENTIFIES: 2DS=Anyone Tagger aligned Gang withName Crips •GANG NAME (SUR 13) 187= Homicide Code in California 4:20, = referencing “time to do GANG SET (SPMV) • drugs” •STREET NAME (SMILEY) 3:11 = Crip Killa) 3:16, () Book of John, Chapter 3 Verse 16 • Loosely organized • Goal is fame & recognition • Prefer late night and early A.M. hours • Pecking order is determined by artistic ability: —Writers: basic scrawling —Piecers: Mural drawers ______— “In the Heavens”= graffiti drawn in dangerous places (overpasses, billboards, “In the Heavens” Graffiti TAGGER GRAFFITI building roof tops) Aluminum Roof Top (below) •NOT USUALLY TERRITORIAL ______

•NOT USUALLY A THREATENING MES- SAGE •USUALLY ARTISTIC •IDENTIFIES: •TAGGER CREW (DISPERS) (MEANING DISPERSE) “Writer Graffiti” (above) •STREET NAME (SIGNED IN LOWER (Crew Name is TAJ & Area Code of RIGHT HAND CORNER) Regardless of how pretty the art Home Town —Home Grown Taggers) work, it constitutes Criminal Mischief when applied to any surface without permission.

Roll Call of Crew Members in TAJ

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

DiamondGraffiti located Grill in with a drainage Blue ditchAccent ROSARY or COLORED BEADS near a middle school WHAT’S NEW IN THE SCHOOLS? The use of colored beads by gang members is also increasing in GRILLS! popularity. The color and number

of beads used, depends on which Removable gold covers for gang is being claimed. your teeth are known as "grills." These are kind-of-like a car grill Rivals: The beads can be used as a for your mouth. The grills are • Crip Gang necklace, bracelet, worn in often used by rappers, but are now • Anyone aligned with Crips shoelaces, made into a key chain, or increasing in popularity among Folk, Crip, & Surenos gangs all worn as accents in the hair. teens. identify with the color blue. This Colored rubber bands are also worn could be one indicator of gang in the hair, or on the wrists to show These can be made for any involvement. Look for other gang membership. number of teeth, or for the entire identifiers to verify gang mouth. The snap-on grills are affiliation, and to determine which sometimes solid, or they may be gang is being claimed. "open-faced" with cut-outs to show the natural teeth. Fangs are HAIR PICKS popular, and so is the "iced out" look -- a grill with tiny diamonds.

Words or symbols referencing gang affiliation are often etched or carved into their caps, as well as individual initials, street names, stars, or their gang/set name. The beads on a necklace or bracelet may alternate in color. The Folk gang, for instance, may alternate SIX POINT GRILL “Picks” are often worn in the hair the color of every sixth bead as they identify with the number 6. Blue to show gang affiliation. The would most likely be the primary color. color of the pick, and location of The People gang may alternate the the pick in the hair can help color of every fifth bead since they determine which gang a student is identify with the number 5. The claiming. Surenos gang may have a total of 13 beads or alternate colors every 13th bead, as they identify with the number 13. Again, the primary color would most likely be blue.

The Folk gang uses the number 6

as a symbol to identify their gang. The top six teeth are covered with this particular grill.

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

Graffiti located in a drainage ditch Occult Groups near a middle school Definition of a Gang: (These groups do not meet the criteria to be considered a gang) Three or more people with common interests, bonds, & activities, • characterized by criminal or delinquent Paganism- conduct, engaged in collectively or -Earliest Earth-Based Religion individually.

Occult Gangs “goat’s head” in white spray paint over restaurantRivals: logo • Satanism • Crip Gang • Anyone aligned with Crips -Symbols used: snakes, candles, chalices, swords, daggers, black robes, -Believe everything on Earth has a inverted pentagrams, 666, triangles, force to it: flowers, water, etc. and the Bahomet or “goat’s head”. -If you become one with this life force, you can become God-like

Satanic symbols spray painted on front of church • Upside-down crosses • Baphomet (goat’s head) -No human or animal sacrifices • The word “God” crossed out to show -Ceremonies were to influence nature disrespect to help crops grow

Baphomet (goat’s head) • Witchcraft (Wicca) -Nature-Based -Satanism incorporates a -Use magic to control or change reality symbolic form of human -White witches practice the craft for the sacrifice good of all -Black witches practice evil magic for -4 Satanic Groups: their own purposes Dabblers -Often work in professional fields Religious Satanists Satanic symbols: ( doctors, teachers, lawyers, etc.) Self Styled 666, upside-down cross, goat’s head -Male counterpart represents the Generational horned God (Warlocks)

• Law Abiding – Not considered a gang, as Spiritual-Cultural Religions Sign of Power they do not meet the criteria to be considered a gang. -Formed from Non-Christian religions merging with Catholicism Salute to Satan

-Participate in animal or fowl Moon Sign “blood-sacrifices” (they sacrifice chickens, small birds, and goats)

-Don’t sacrifice dogs, cats, or Satanic Hand Signs people HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

near a middle school TattoosTattoosTattoos A tattoo is any mark made by

inserting pigment into the skin. This is

done for many different, and very personal reasons. Tattoos are, often “Mi Vida Loco” = My Crazy Life times, applied to show affiliation with a Sean= Real Name Happy/Sad Faces= Play Now; Pay Later particular group/gang, for religious “Shaggy”= Street Name purposes, sometimes for decoration, to Rivals: show loyalty, to identify where the • Crip Gang student has been or what they have • Anyone aligned with Crips participated in, and/or to identify personal values that they embrace. Tattoos, whether applied professionally Tattoos, whether applied professionally or personally, should be recognized and used as a tool understand: X= 10 (left arm) + 3 (right arm) = 13 • what the student’s intended # 13= Surenos /“Southern California” message is, and “Lune”= Street Name

• if it’s a safe message for the Three Dots= “Mi Vida Loco” student to be displaying on his/her ( My Crazy Life ) bodybodybody NHB= Neighborhood Blood Gang Recognizing Tattoos

This student was claiming the “Gothic” gang. He drew Anarchy symbols on himself & his clothing to indicate his gang was taking over all other forms of authority. TAJ= C/S neighborhood set of the Insane Posse Gang (Thug A.. Juggalos) Spider Web: Indicates time served in 719= Area Code indicates location of gang prison allegiance “Chicano” (below the spider web)

Sign of Power

100%= “Down” for the gang Salute to Satan Gang member with tattoo behind left ear: Moon Sign “Hatchet Man” : Often used to show gang affiliation with the “Insane Clown Posse” “Trust No Man” Tattoo (self inflicted tattoo)

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

One of the earliest signs of gang affiliation is graffiti on student notebooks

CRAB: Slang name used by Blood Spider Webs: Used by gang members to gang to disrespect the Crip gang indicate having served jail time

South Side Sureno 13

Blood member crossing out all letter C’s on a test to disrespect Crip gang

• Gang Name: Bloods OG= Original Gangster • Set: Neighborhood Bloods (NHB) 13 = (stands for Sureno or Southern California ) • Street Name: Lune’ • Three Dots:Mi Vida Loca/Loco (my crazy life)

• Gang hand signs top & bottom of picture • Marijuana leaf indicates drug involvement • Graveyard represents loss of gang members in rival gang wars • Gang: Sureno • Neighborhood: NPV • Street Names of members referred to Spider Web: Student served time in Zeb as a “roll call” (Mousie, Nasty, Sad Pike Juvenile Detention Girl) Center Street Name: Mr. Sapo 13= Student is claiming Southern California gang affiliation

• Gang Name: Norteno 14 Gang: Crip (Northern California) Neighborhood: South Side Hoover Crip Street Names: Casper & Lazy • Neighborhood: NSL $$= South Side and drug involvement • Street Name: Termite

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

Signs of Possible Pre-Gang What Parents Should Know This Month’s Newsletter: Behavior:

Discourage Children From Joining I have had numerous phone Gangs: calls from concerned parents, (look for multiple signs) grandparents, and group homes ••• Encourage your children to asking for information on what to participate in supervised, look for in their children’s behavior • Sudden change in friendships responsible activities to fill their that might indicate gang affiliation. • Parents uneasy around new free time. I have put together some highlights friends ••• Know where your children are from past newsletters of what to • Attitude change-uninterested and who they are spending time look for in pre-gang behavior, and in family activities and values with. some recommended responses to • Spending more time alone/ ••• Teach children acceptable and discourage gang involvement. withdrawal responsible behavior . • Poor grades at school - cutting ••• Encourage children to talk about classes what is going on in their lives at • Angry or bullying attitude school & in the community. Who Gets Jumped into Which • Impatient, intolerant, ••• Develop a no-tolerance policy for Gangs? aggressive gang clothing, gang writing, or • Disrespectful and demanding hanging out with gang members. ••• In many parts of the country, race, • Resents authority figures Be a positive active role model. nationality, and gender determine • In trouble with the police Why Do Children Join Gangs? which gang can be joined. In • Dressing regularly in a Colorado Springs, gangs are hybrid particular color • For adventure and in nature. Members are jumped into • Radical body piercing, hair excitement gangs based on their willingness to styles, jewelry, or clothing • For a sense of belonging perform “required” gang related • Drawing symbols or strange and attachment activities, rather than their race, words on notebooks, clothing, • To gain respect or to nationality, or gender. or walls of bedroom attract girl/boy friends • Uses spray cans or felt • To feel powerful markers to mark on others’ • For monetary gain and/or to Identifying Gang Behavior property escape poverty • Stays out after being asked to • To retaliate against home In terms of identifying someone be home at a certain time and/or society who is claiming a particular gang • Uses an unfamiliar nickname • To emulate family members affiliation, it is very important to for self look for multiple signs. A single • Strange words in their sign, in isolation, is often not a vocabulary credible way to identify gang • Unexplained possessions or affiliation accurately. However, a money combination of identifiers may • Carrying items that could be indicate the need to seek support the used as a weapon child who may be gang involved.

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

DEFINITION OF A GANG

Three or more people with common interests, bonds, & activities characterized by criminal or delinquent conduct, engaged in collectively or individually. “Hatchet Man” Graffiti ICP Tattoos (NE side of Colorado Springs) INSANE CLOWN POSSE (ICP) “GANG”

The gang named “Insane Clown Posse” stems from a rock band who’s music is promoted by Psychopathic Records. It has over one million followers who call themselves Juggalos & Juggalettes. Joe Bruce (“”) Insane Clown Posse Graffiti gave Insane Clown Posse its name, and (above and below) the band members began developing (Drawn on Middle School Student Glossary of ICP Terms their “wicked clown” alter egos soon Notebooks) • ABK: after. They also began painting their • Down: determined to be a faces like clowns which became their • Front: pretend to be what you trademark. They usually wear black or white clown-like “eye” make-up and aren’t often dress in black. Juggalos are • Grill: teeth people who have shared similar, • Juggaloco: insane Juggalo hurtful, experiences such as being • Juggaloism: a true Juggalo living chosen last for team sports, who have had abusive parents, who haven’t had by the hatchet the necessary supports to grow • ‘Lette: short for Juggalette (F) successfully in life, who have not had • ‘Lo: short for Juggalo (M) others to turn to, and/or who feel they • MCL: Much Clown Love have been shunned by society. They • refuse to conform to the mainstream. Nugbone: your neck One Juggalo states, “ To me this • Nugget: your head Juggaloism means to be with people • Scrub: outcast or poor person who are like you, and people that • Skrilla: money understand you. We are the freaks, • thugs, scrubs, and generally the people Stale: uncool you don’t see yourself fit to talk with. ICP T-Shirt Logos • Step: confrontation Another Juggalo says, “Juggalos are • Wicked Clowns: nickname for probably the most culturally diverse, ICP self-expressive, unique, and creative people I know. Everyone is on an even level because we all grew up the same way and harnessed the same beliefs and ideas of life. There is no such thing as a hierarchy in this society, which we truly believe to be Utopia.”

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

Drug Paraphernalia Drug Related Graffiti Drug Related Graffiti Signs of Possible Drug Involvement

“Red Flags” for Possible Drug Involvement

4:20 is used as a symbol to indicate, “time to do drugs”. Baggies full of drugs are often hidden in lock boxes along with the money used for the exchange.

Green “dollar bill” (in any denomination) on above dew rag and t-shirt indicates possible exchange of money for drugs. Marijuana leaf is also used as a symbol of drug involvement.

Red Flags for Possible Drug Involvement The letter “S” turned into a dollar sign on any surface is used to indicate drug involvement.

Look for lighters and homemade pipes on suspected drug users.

Marijuana leaf drawn in graffiti shows drug involvement. (selling, using, and/or manufacturing of drugs.)

Dollar sign jewelry worn around the neck, in the ears, or anywhere else on the body suggests drug involvement. The dollar sign patch on above backpack is another way to advertise accessibility to and/or use of drugs. Homemade wooden & metal marijuana pipes.

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

MARA SALVATRUCHA GRAFFITI HAND SIGNS MS-13

• Mara: slang for mob or group

• Salva: referencing El Salvador

• Trucha: slang for “beware”

• Originally formed by Salvadoran immigrants who MS-13 Gang Hand Sign came to the U.S. during El Salvador’s civil war in the 1980’s FLAG OF EL SALVADOR

• Approximately 10,000 U.S. Graffiti typically includes: “Providence Salvatrucha Locos”, The two blue stripes represent the members, located in 33 states, SUR 13, Mara, MS, MS-13, XIII, Pacific & the Atlantic Oceans. The where the majority of the and/or X3 white stripe represents peace. members are located in California, Virginia and New York

• Often have elaborate body art or tattoos with SUR 13, the letters M, MS, and/or words “Salvadoran Pride”

• MS-13’s 3-dot tattoo represents jail, hospital, & death Neighborhood “SUR 13” Graffiti MS-13 members wear blue & white as is represented by the • Criminal activities include: flag of El Salvador.

aggravated assault, illegal firearm sales, carjacking, weapon smuggling, extortion, murder, rape, burglary, drug sales, home invasion, and stealing/exporting cars from he U.S.

Sources: FBI and National Alliance of Gang Investigators Associations Graffiti claiming MS-13 gang affiliation

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

What Parents Should Know Signs of Possible Pre-Gang Definition of a Gang

Behavior: Discourage Children From Joining (look for multiple signs) Three or more people with common Gangs:

interests, bonds, & activities • Sudden change in characterized by criminal or ••• Encourage your children to delinquent conduct engaged in friendships • participate in supervised, collectively or individually. Parents uneasy around responsible activities to fill their new friends free time. Identifying Gang • Attitude change; Behavior uninterested in family ••• Know where your children are activities and values and who they are spending time In terms of identifying someone who • Spending more time with. is claiming a particular gang alone/withdrawal affiliation, it is very important to • Poor grades at school; ••• Teach children acceptable and look for multiple signs. A single cutting classes responsible behavior . sign, in isolation, is often not a • Angry or bullying attitude credible way to identify gang • Impatient, intolerant, ••• Encourage children to talk affiliation accurately. However, a aggressive about what is going on in their combination of identifiers may • indicate the need to seek support for Disrespectful and lives at school & in the the child who may be gang demanding community. involved. • Resents authority figures ••• • In trouble with the police Develop a no-tolerance policy Why do kids join gangs? • Dressing regularly in a for gang clothing, gang writing, or hanging out with gang particular color ••• For adventure & excitement • members. Radical body piercing, ••• For a sense of belonging and hair styles, jewelry, or • Be a positive active role model. attachment clothing ••• To gain respect or to attract • Drawing symbols or girl/boy friends strange words on ••• To feel powerful notebooks, clothing, or ••• For monetary gain & to escape walls of bedroom poverty • Uses spray cans or felt ••• To retaliate against home or markers to mark on society others’ property ••• To emulate family members • Stays out after being asked to be home at a certain time • Uses an unfamiliar Look for writing of gang signs, nickname for self gang names, or gang symbols on body or on school notebooks. • Strange words in their vocabulary • Unexplained possessions or money • Carrying items that could Look for jewelry and dew rags that indicate possible drug involvement. be used as a weapon • Tattoos on body HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

Graffiti located in a drainage ditch near a middle school SYMBOLS (Cont’) In many parts of the country, race, SYMBOLS used to identify gang NORTE-NORTENO =Gang Name nationality, and gender determine which and/or drug affiliation: gang can be joined. In Colorado Springs, SURENO= Gang Name gangs are hybrid in nature. Members are ICP= Insane Clown Posse jumped into gangs based on their willingness to perform “required” gang HAPPY/SAD FACES= Play now; related activities, rather than their race, CK =Crip Killa ( Blood term) Pay later nationality, or gender. Rivals: BK= Blood Killa (Crip term) CRAB= Slang put down for Crip OVERVIEW OF THINGS TO BE • Crip Gang member (Blood term) AWARE OF NOW THAT • $ = Anyonereferencing aligned drugs with (sales/use) Crips SCHOOLS ARE BACK IN SLOB= Slang put down for Blood SESSION SUR= Surenos member (Crip term)

NUMBERS used to identify gang THREE DOTS= Mi Vida Loca CLOTHING and/or drug affiliation: • dew rags TEAR DROP= Prison time/Drive • lanyards 5 = People Gang by shooter • shirts with any of the gang 6 = Folk Gang symbols, gang hand signs, 13, X3, XIII= Surenos (southern WS= West Side gang numbers (13/14/187) California) SS= South Side 14, XIV = Norteno (northern • 1/2 gloves ES= East Side • California NS= North Side shoelaces/red/blue • 666= Satanic Gang wrist bands with gang 187 = Homicide code in California CROWNS= Gang affiliation references • 45 Blood Set (5 point & 6 point) shoes with anarchy symbols 3-11 Crip Killa • or gang symbols 420= Referencing “time to do BGD= Black Gangster Disciples • hats with gang symbols drugs” under the bill, or tipped 81st = Gang Set BOS= Brothers of the Struggle right or left 18th = Gang Set SOS= Sisters of the Struggle • hair nets XXX, 30, Gang Set • pant legs (one up & one 719, 213, 714,805,818,909 = Area PITCHFORKS= Folk Symbol down) codes where gang members are • belts with gang numbers/ claiming “home town” CANE/STAFF= People Symbol letters (ie: S= Surenos (if the affiliation student’s names doesn’t 1394 = Acid LA= Los Angeles (area code 213) Begin with an S) L= 12th letter of alphabet Identifying Gang Behavior A= 1st letter of alphabet

In terms of identifying someone who L (12) + A (1) = 13 is claiming a particular gang affiliation, it is very important to look for multiple signs. A NHB= Neighborhood Blood single sign, in isolation, is often not a credible way to identify gang affiliation accurately. However, a combination of identifiers may indicate the need to seek support for the child who may be gang involved.

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

ICPGra ffitiGRAFFITI located in ON a drainage NOTEBOOKS ditch ANARCHY SIGNS IN THE SCHOOLS WHAT ARE WE SEEING IN THE near a middle school SCHOOLS THIS YEAR?

The gang named “Insane Clown Posse” stems from a rock band who’s music is promoted by Psychopathic Records. It has over one million followers who call themselves Juggalos & Juggalettes. Joe Bruce (“Violent J”) gave Insane Clown Posse its name, and the band members Rivals: began developing their “wicked clown” • Crip Gang alter egos soon after. They also began • Anyone aligned with Crips WRIST BAND painting their faces like clowns which be- came their trademark. They usually wear black or white clown-like “eye” make-up and often dress in black. Juggalos are people who have shared similar, hurtful, experiences such as being chosen last for team sports, who have had abusive parents, who haven’t had the necessary supports to grow successfully in life, who have not had others to turn to, and/or who feel they have been shunned by society. They refuse to conform to the mainstream. ANARCHY SYMBOL ON T-SHIRT One Juggalo states, “ To me this CONTEST!!!!! Juggaloism means to be with people who are like you, and people that understand Several schools have called regarding you. We are the freaks, thugs, scrubs, and messages shaved into student’s hair styles. generally the people you don’t see yourself ICP T-SHIRT I am working with each of the schools on fit to talk with. Another Juggalo says, what the intended message is. In the “Juggalos are probably the most culturally meantime, a $5.00 Starbuck’s gift card diverse, self-expressive, unique, and goes to the first person who e-mails me, creative people I know. Everyone is on an (below) or calls me, (above) with what the even level because we all grew up the same intended message of this shaved hair style way and harnessed the same beliefs and might be! ideas of life. There is no such thing as a hierarchy in this society, which we truly believe to be Utopia.”

ICP ON A WALL NEAR A HIGH SCHOOL ICP IN A DRAINAGE DITCH NEAR A MIDDLE SCHOOL

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

Graffiti located in a drainage ditch GRAFFITI nearIllegal a middle Graffiti school

Laws that relate directly to graffiti:

Graffiti Materials:

• Broad-tipped markers • Etching Equipment • Paint Sticks • Spray Paint Containers Rivals: • Illegally drawn mural found on the inside • Other: Any other devices capable of Crip Gang • of a rented home in Colorado Springs scarring or leaving a visible mark on AnyoneMural drawn, aligned without with owner’s Crips after tenants moved out any natural or manmade surface. permission, on the inside of a rented apartment 21-6-604: Defacement Prohibited It shall be unlawful for any person to apply graffiti to any natural or manmade surface, on any City-owned property, or on any non-City-owned property.

Graffiti removal required time limits: It shall be unlawful for the owner or Legally drawn mural on owner’s own occupant of any real property to permit vehicle graffiti to remain upon any permanently fixed object on the owner or occupant’s property for a period exceeding ten (10) CONTEST: days after notice of the graffiti’s existence. Can you read the graffiti message inside Murals drawn on the outside of a this mural? 21-6-605: Possession of Graffiti business without the property owner’s ($5.00 Starbucks gift card to winner!) permission Materials Prohibited:

It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any graffiti materials while in or upon any public place, or while in or within one hundred (100) feet of an overpass, underpass, bridge abatement, storm drain, retaining wall or similar public or private infrastructure.

Exceptions to possessing graffiti materials: • used in the scope of one’s employment • permission has been granted by property owner • participating in a class that requires such materials • transporting materials between lawful locations while going about one’s lawful business or activity

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

Graffiti located in a drainage ditch Acacia Park has “approved murals” for Getting prior approval, and strategically near a middle school everyone’s enjoyment. (below) placing murals where gang graffiti often goes up in the community, is one positive way to combat illegal tagging. It also helps keep our schools & neighborhoods safe!

Rivals: • Crip Gang Approved mural at Cache La Poudre has • Anyone aligned with Crips recently been restored by North Middle School students to eliminate the illegal tagging that took place. (below)

When an approved mural in a neighborhood “The Melting Pot” mural (below) is gets tagged with graffiti, it’s important that the located on an overpass in Colorado neighborhood restore the mural quickly to Springs to discourage illegal tagging of discourage gangs from taking over. graffiti.

The downtown bus station (below) has This bridge to Manitou has ceramic murals approved “artistic murals” to discourage under the bridge to discourage illegal illegal tagging of graffiti by those passing tagging of graffiti. ( below) through, or waiting for a bus.

HOW GA NGS A FFECT OUR COM M UNITY

Look for signs of possible drug involvement: We’ve had multiple requests from school personnel and parents, asking for the following information:

Signs of Possible Pre-Gang Behavior: Marijuana Leaf Patch (look for multiple signs) Blue is the common color used for “Crip” gang members (alternate color is purple) • Sudden change in friendships

• Parents uneasy around new friends • Attitude change-uninterested in family activities and values • Spending more time alone-withdrawal • Poor grades at school - cutting classes • Angry or bullying attitude Earring (above), and necklace • Impatient, intolerant, aggressive (below) with dollar sign • Disrespectful and demanding displayed • Resents authority figures Look for dew rags indicating possible • In trouble with the police gang involvement • Dressing regularly in a particular color

“Dollar Sign” dew rag (below)

(Three dots represent: Mi Vida Loco) Red is the common color for “Blood” gang members Look for unfamiliar symbols on belts, (alternate color is green) (above) on jewelry (below), tattoos, or graffiti on notebooks.

HOW GANGS AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY

Locations where the homeless seek shelter & our students hang out School’s out for the summer....Do you know where you’re children are?

Graffiti locations where children often hang out when they aren’t in school:

Business rooftops are popular locations for graffiti artists (above)

Under bridges (above)

Drainage ditches under roadways (above)

Buildings with exterior ladders offer

easy access for rooftop graffiti Train yards with active train activity

Ladders leading to underground culverts that extend throughout the city

Look high (above) Look low (below)

Razor wire offers little or no protection from graffiti (see wall behind wire above)

Underground tunnels housing the homeless

Structured and supervised summer activities help our students have a fun and safe summer!

Drugs & drug paraphernalia are often Ladders offer easy access to billboards found in above areas for graffiti artists