Street Gangs “A Dangerous Way to Belong”

Street Gangs“A Dangerous Way to Belong” Royal Canadian Mounted Police

How do we define Gangs? • Definition: • Webster’s Dictionary • ☞ A group of persons working to unlawful or antisocial ends; for example, a band of antisocial adolescents or, • A group of persons having informal and close relations • Criminal Intelligence Service Canada • ☞ A group of people consorting together to engage in unlawful activity.

Motivation for joining a Gang? • History of Abuse or Neglect • Peer Pressure and Threats • Recognition- sense of respect and power • Social needs- sense of belonging “family” • Hero imitation • Gangs are glamorized by the media • For access to Money and Drugs • Non-conformist- live outside society rules • Problems at home • Low self-esteem

What do you risk by getting involved? • Beatings • Pushing Drugs • Drug Addiction • Losing friends and family to violence • Losing your own identity • Going to jail and having a criminal record • Difficulty getting out of a gang • Death once you have escaped the gang

Criminal Gang Activities • Assault • Theft • Auto Theft • Robbery • Drugs • Prostitution • Property Damage • Break and Enter • Weapon Related Offences

Gang Identifiers • Colors and Clothing • Tattoos • Hand Signs and Signals • Graffiti

Origin of Saskatchewan Street Gangs Early 1990’s in Regina- Manitoba Warriors appeared. In 1994 The Native Syndicate formed to compete for a part in the drug and sex trade in Regina. Around the same time the Manitoba Indian Posse began to appear. Numerous groups have formed since then to make Saskatchewan one of the highest in Canada for Gang/ Capita ratios.

What does this mean to Saskatchewan Youth? • You are being recruited at a higher rate than any place else in Canada.

How do Gangs Recruit? • On Reserves, In Communities, and inside Institutions a Gang Member will try to recruit new members by “sponsoring” a “recruit” • The recruit will then be required to complete the following 3 requirements to become a gang member: • 1) perform a series of criminal acts called strikes at the direction of the gang. This increases the status of a new gang member. • 2) recruits must produce “paperwork” to the gang. A copy of their criminal record. • 3) The last is the “beating in” or “jumping in” of the recruit . This is a gang beating of the recruit to prove their loyalty and strength.

Live in a risky neighborhood Unemployment High homeless rate Lack of recreational facilities Sudden change in Friends Change of appearance Wearing gang clothing Tattoos Showing lack of interest in school Decline in grades and showing disinterest in sports or teams Skipping school Disrespect for authority, family and school Resentful of authority Displaying bad attitude Frequent confrontation with the law With drawl from family activities Evidence of increased substance abuse Using unknown vocabulary, gang slang, using hand signals, drawing graffiti symbols on books, folders or bedroom walls 10 signs of Pre-Gang Behavior

Girls Roles in Gangs • Females are almost always exploited in gangs • They are used to hide drugs and guns as they often don’t get searched and are always within arms reach of their boyfriends. • Women are seen as “things” that can be replaced at any time. • Females are often “banged in”. This is a ritual in which a female must endure sex with numerous gang members to become a member herself. • When her boyfriend goes to jail or is taken out during an act of violence, female gang members are “given to” another member of the gang. This means they are now owned by another member of the gang. • Female gang members almost never hold the same social status as their male counterparts.

Female Gang Members • Gangs offer girls a false sense of security. • Girls who don’t have a family connection often turn to Gangs for emotional and financial support.

What can you do to resist Gang Involvement? • Learn how to set personal boundaries for yourself. • Stay out of the justice system- almost impossible to resist recruitment inside any jail. • Stay in School • Choose friends that similar values and responsibilities to yours. • Get involved in your school teams and activities. • Have respect for yourself. • Be confident and assertive.

In Your School – Student’s Role • Zero tolerance policy” toward gang colors, tattoos and paraphernalia. • Recognize use of gang related hand signs and slang • Recognize gang style graffiti • Encourage other youth to avoid gang activity • Tell your teacher if you know someone is involved in a gang. • It is everyone’s responsibility to keep your school safe.

In Your School- Teacher’s Role • Monitor suspected and known gang members and associates • Share the names of these individuals with local police or your school liaison officer • Record any gang information and share with local law enforcement • Notify students family if you suspect involvement with gang culture.

Where can you go for help? • Parents or Caregivers • Principal • Teacher • Counselor or Friend • RCMP • Youth Worker • Social Worker

Respect YourselfRespect OthersRespect Others PropertyThis is not acceptable!

If you or someone you know are involved in a Gang or in a violent situation, it is important that you talk to someone about it.

Street Gangs “A Dangerous Way to Belong”