Police Department, Crime Prevention
What is a gang? It is often described as a group of three or more individuals
with a common interest, bond, or activity characterized by criminal or delinquent
conduct. Gangs usually have a group name or designation. For your convenience
and family safety, we've listed some of the indicators, when taken as a whole,
of possible gang involvement. Please read the informational brochure, "Gangs
- A Safe City" (pdf, 179kb) for basic awareness and strategies for parents concerned
GANG HOTLINE NUMBER - (303)774-4411
Longmont Times Call Article from May 7th, 2006: Longmont Gangs: A Closer Look (pdf, 50kb)
Defiant Behavior/Tough Image
Gang involved youth are extremely defiant of authority figures and believe
that a very tough, mean, or aggressive image is very important. Children that
are becoming gang members will begin to act very tough, often using curse
words and using a defiant posture whenever confronted.
New Friends/Change in Dress
The child may begin to associate with a new group of friends; and, if these
friends all dress in similar styles or colors, parents and teachers should
begin to question why. If the new group of friends are gang members, the chances
for the child to be involved go up significantly. Parents should not allow
their child to associate with this group.
Use of a Nickname/Loss of Self Identity
In the world of gangs, you are not a true member until you have earned a
nickname. Most times, youth do not know the real names of members, just their
street names or nicknames. Life also tends to become very difficult for involved
youth without their fellow gang members. They tend to forget what things were
like before joining the gang.
Some youth get involved with gangs to make money illegally. Crimes may include
armed robbery, selling drugs, being a look-out for drug dealers, auto theft/burglary,
etc. Parents should be concerned over unexplained money or material goods
such as jewelry, radios, televisions, computer games, etc.
Gang members use tattoos and graffiti to demonstrate what gang they belong
to. Younger members may use a pen or magic marker to draw the gang's name,
their nickname, or other gang slogans on themselves. Older individuals may
"carve" or "brand" gang related symbols or words into
their skin. Symbols and words may also be written on building walls, notebooks,
backpacks, clothing, furniture, and other personal possessions.
Generally speaking, gang members do not like succeeding in school. They see
those who do well in school as "nerds," a "school-boy,"
or "school-girl," all of which are considered derogatory terms.
In addition, because of late night activities or drug use, students may not
be able to concentrate on academics.
"But What Can I Do?"
As a parent, try focusing on these areas...
- Communicate - Talk with and listen to your
child. Listen and value what they have to say.
- Attention - Have genuine interest in the
things that are important to him/her. Praise them for doing well and encourage
them to do their very best. Bolster their self-esteem.
- Love - Let your children know that they are
cared for. Many children seek out gangs to fulfill the need for love and
- Discipline/Supervision - Discipline and structure
in the household will allow your child to develop self-limits. Children
are more apt to become involved in gangs when they are left alone.
- Awareness/Education - Know what your children
are doing and with whom. Know about their friends and their friends' families.
Take an active interest in your child's education.
As a citizen…
- Develop positive alternatives - Are there
after-school and weekend activities kids can enjoy? Can the school offer
- Work with police and other agencies - Report
all suspicious activity; set up a Neighborhood
Watch or a community patrol.
For further information, contact these local agencies for information.
Alternatives for Youth 303 - 776 - 8184
Graffiti Reporting & Removal (GEAR) 303 - 774 - GEAR
Community Relations, City of Longmont 303 - 651 - 8444
Longmont P.D., Community Services Division 303 - 774 - 4440
Longmont Youth Services, City of Longmont 303 - 651 - 8580
El Comité 303 - 651 - 6125
Boulder County Partners 303
- 772 - 1411