Determine if your child is in a Gang with this List of Gang Involvement Warning Signs
This article provides an overview of gangs and a list of gang involvement warning signs. In addition, you’ll find a list of suggested books to learn more on the subject.
Many parents fear their child or children may start hanging out with the wrong kind of people. In some cases, the “wrong kind of people” may be a private club, an organized gang, a cult, or even a criminal organization. These organizations or groups may be involved in anything from criminal activity to firearms and drug use. As a parent, it is important to be involved in the lives of your children and constantly keep an eye on their circle of friends.
What to look for
There are a number of things you can watch for to know if your child is involved in a potentially dangerous group. Be on the lookout for the following signs that your child may be involved in a private squad, clique, cult, or some type of criminal organization.
If you notice abrupt changes in your child’s selection of friends could be a sign that they are in a gang. Look for changing patterns in the way they dress, such as wearing the same color combination of clothes all the time. This could represent that they are following a prescribed dress code. Notice any gang symbols on books, folders, clothing, computers, or other personal equipment.
Pay attention to any secretiveness about activities and plans which may suggest they are hiding something. Look for unexplained, relatively large sums of money or other items that may have been stolen. Keep an eye out for any sudden changes in behavior, including a diminishing interest in the family and school. Notice if they are staying away from the house or staying out late without good reason.
Other things you may notice include: Problems with school officials or other authority figures (coaches, trainers, tutors, etc.). Problems with the police. These issues usually start out as minor infractions, such as traffic violations or misdemeanor arrests. If the trend continues, the arrest often escalates to felony charges.
Actions You Can Take
If you notice these patterns of possible involvement, get help immediately. Start out by contacting the counselor at your child’s school. Then reach out to the gang crimes unit of your local police department. They may be able to help you find counseling and tell you how to help your child get out of the dangerous cult.
Talk to other parents or neighbors to see if they have similar concerns. These types of discussions may lead to the pooling of resources and may help you learn about support groups or other types of organizations that offer help in your area.
In addition, it may be helpful to educate yourself by reading books and reading website articles that provide more information on the subject. Following are some suggested resources:
One of the most comprehensive websites on gangs, crime-related news, discussion forums, and more is Street Gangs. It serves as a helpful reference for identifying members. Also, check out Gang Research for books, articles, and videos.
If you have any questions about these gang involvement warning signs, please post them below.
Why Do Private Eyes Need to Know About These Organizations?
Private investigators are sometimes hired to infiltrate criminal groups to conduct covert investigations involving cliques. For example, a parent might hire a private investigator to determine if their child has become involved in illegal and dangerous activity. In other situations, private investigators may have to interview crew members to get information about a crime or a subject. Having an understanding of cult life, and how squads, tribes, teams, and cliques are formed and structured will be helpful to private detectives.
Books: Learn About Life on the Inside of America’s Gangs
A gang is a group of people who, through the organization, formation, and establishment of an assemblage, share a common identity. In current terms, the word typically denotes a criminal organization or a criminal affiliation. The word often carries a negative connotation due to the violence and criminal activity usually associated with organization members.
The following are books that provide more information on investigations.
Under and Alone: The True Story of the Undercover Agent Who Infiltrated America’s Most Violent Outlaw Motorcycle Gang
A book that provides a detailed account of a law enforcement agent who infiltrated a violent motorcycle clique. The agent assumed the role of a biker named “Billy St. John” and spent 28 months in an undercover operation. During his investigation, he gathered evidence of homicide, weapons, and drug violations. At first, the crew suspected that he was a cop and he was forced to prove himself a number of times. The book reads like a movie and provides a fascinating look into the life of sadistic and criminal biker squads.
Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member
This book provides an account of a Los Angeles gangbanger who was inducted into the Crips organization at the young age of 11. Get a look inside the Crips and learn how their mindset keeps them in a constant state of war.
Gang Investigations: A Street Cop’s Guide by Derrick Watkins
This guide provides information on gangbanger identification, arrest, search and seizure, prosecution, and anti-gang measures. Learn how to deal with modern street thugs and survive on the streets as a law enforcement officer.
Gangs Across America And Their Symbols (Pocket Guides)
A guide to understanding these groups. Includes such topics as:
- Affiliation breakdowns
- Affiliated nations’ color schemes’ meanings
- interpretations of graffiti and insignia
- hand signs, slang translations, and tattoo meanings
The book covers such interesting topics as street, ethnic, occult, outlaw motorcycle, hate groups, prison groups, and more.
Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A.
A memoir that documents a youth’s time as an East Los Angeles gang member. Describes such events as shootings, Mexican funerals, rapes, and arrests.
Inside the Crips: Life Inside L.A.’s Most Notorious Gang
A memoir of a clique member that provides an inside look into the life of group members. Learn what daily life looks like from the inside of a criminal organization.
Questions and Comments
If you have any questions or comments about this list of gang involvement warning signs, or any of the suggested books, please leave a message.
