gang prevention guide a resource for youth, parents, and community

Knowledge is power-Sir Francis Bacon“ ”

GanG Prevention Guidea resource for Youth,

Parents, and communitY

March 2011

ItismypleasuretobringgreetingsonbehalfoftheBoardofDirectors,StaffandVolunteersof the John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area.

The purpose of this Resource Guide is to provide the assistance necessary for youth, parents, and community agencies concerned about young persons engaging in gang mentality and activity in the Hamilton area. The Resource Guide includes information on youth gangs, risk factors, prevention and intervention strategies, community resources that assist with prevention andintervention.Youwillalsofindadditionalreferencematerialtofurtheryourunderstandingandawareness of gang related issues. It is our sincere hope that this Resource Guide will be of value toboththeindividualsrequiringsupportandtotheparticipatingorganizationswhooffertheseneeded, prevention and intervention services.

I would like to acknowledge and thank all the individuals who participated in the publication of this Guide by providing their insight and experience with gangs. Sergeant Andrew Toms HamiltonPoliceServices,ProbationOfficerShonnaSmithMinistryofChildandYouth-YouthJusticeServicesandDetectiveConstableRobHansenHamiltonPoliceServices.Wearealsoindebtedtothemanycommunityagenciesthatwelcomedourstaffandprovideddetailsoftheservicestheyoffer.

ItisalsoimportanttorecognizeJohnWilliams,amemberofourstaffteamthatprovidedtheleadershipforthisprojectandthemanystaffmembersatouragencythatassistedhim.ThisprojectwasfundedbytheDepartmentofJusticeCanadaandweextendourgratitudefortheirsupport,guidanceandtheircommitmentinrecognizingtheneedsofthisspecificpopulationinourcommunity.

In closing, I hope the information provided in this Youth Gang Resource Guide brings an increased awareness to young people, their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and community agencies, and that it will serve to be a valuable resource to all in need.

Sincerely,

David LaneExecutive Director

Weoftenmeasureoursuccessineradicatinggangbehaviourbyusinghistoricalenforce-mentstatistics.Unfortunately,thiscannotcapturetheeffortsthatthecommunityatlargecon-tributestowardtheproblem.Wemustrecognizethatthemostimportantstepisthedeterrenceofgangmembershipandsuppressionofgang-motivatedcrime.Diversionfromtheinfluenceofstreet gangs and making the gang culture unattractive to youth will prevent them from becoming an enforcement statistic.

Det/CstRobertHansen#963Hamilton Police ServiceIntelligence BranchGang&WeaponEnforcementUnit

contents

A) UnderstAnding the Problem

• Overview:WhyHamilton?• DefinitionofaGang• Street Gang Mentality

b) risks AssociAted with the Problem

• Evolving risk factors• Push/Pull factors contributing to gang involvement• Gangidentifiers• Myths• Major risk factors associated with gang involvement• Reasons why youth join

c) Possible solUtions

• Preventive advice for youth• Preventive advice for guardians• Communityresponses

d) more informAtion

• Gang structure• Getting out• Communityresources• WebsiteandPublicationresources

overview

The information displayed in this guide is intended to assist young people, families, educational institutions and partners with increased knowledge through information and education about youth gangs. It is clear that a better understanding of street gangs increases the potential of identifying the harm these groups represent and aids in the development of anti-gang strategies forthoseindividualsinvolvedinYouthJusticeServicesandatriskofgangaffiliation.Thistextshouldbeusedonlyasageneralguideandnotasanultimatesourceofidentificationofallgangpractices. Because of the nature of gang activity and practices that change over time, we urge you to learn as much as possible from all other sources. It is not our purpose to reprint all of the information available to us regarding the subject matter. The purpose of this resource guide is to educate and inform.

Asamajorcentreandduetoit’sproximitytoToronto,Hamiltonisanareaofsignificantrisk for increased gang and gang related activity. As indicated by the data from Hamilton Police Services Gang Intelligence Unit there is an extensive amount of gang activity within the city. It has been estimated that there are approximately 400 “hard –core” gang members as well as over 1000 gang associates in Hamilton and the surrounding area. There are also 15-18 structured “gangs” inthearealooselyaffiliatedwithneighbourhoods.Statisticallyinformationonat-riskyouthisanecdotalandthereisnosophisticatedtrackingsysteminplaceasyettotrackthisgroup.Wedoknow that many of the prerequisite factors for gang involvement exist in Hamilton.

• There is a higher than average poverty level in Hamilton.• HamiltonisalargeimmigrantreceivingcentreofCanada,withmanyofthesenewcomers

facing poverty due to lack of language skills and lack of recognition of foreign education credentials. Many have been forced to accept low skill jobs in a now shrinking manufacturing base.

• Hamilton has a higher percentage of youth (15-24) NOT attending full time school in comparison to many other cities in Ontario.

• The2006CityofHamilton“YouthScan”indicatedhigherthanaveragedrugandalcoholusage, and food insecurity.

• 22.4%ofyouthliveinhouseholdsbelowthe“LowIncomeCut-offThreshold”,6.2%higherthan the provincial average.

Source: Adapted from Criminal Intelligence Service Canada and Statistics Canada. www.cisc.gc.ca and www12.statcan.gc.ca

definition of a GanG

AstheFederationofCanadianMunicipalities(1994,pg.14)reportnotes,“Thereisnoconsistentdefinitionoftheterm‘youthgang’employedinCanada.Someidentifyyouthgangswithcriminal behaviour, while others do not….” It is important for communities to develop a consensus onhowagangisdefinedbecausediverseperceptionsanddefinitionsofgangspresentchallenges to communities when they attempt to address their gang problems. Rather than trying todevelopasingle,allencompassingdefinitionofyouthgangs,abettersolutionistoofferupacouple of the more common descriptions.

definition exAmPle #1

Section467.1(1)oftheCriminalCodeofCanadastatesthat:

a “criminal organization” means a group, however organized, that:

(A)iscomposedofthreeormorepersonsinoroutsideCanada;and

(b) has as one of its main purposes or main activities the facilitation or commission of oneormoreseriousoffencesthat,ifcommitted,wouldlikelyresultinthedirectorindirectreceiptofamaterialbenefit,includingafinancialbenefit,bythegrouporbyanyofthepersons who constitute the group.

It does not include a group of persons that forms randomly for the immediate commission of a singleoffence.

definition exAmPle #2

TheNationalAllianceofGangInvestigatorsAssociationsdefinesayouthgangas:

A group or association of three or more persons who may have a common identifying sign, symbol, or name, and who individually or collectively engage in, criminal activity which creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

street gAng mentAlity

The term “Gang Mentality” is commonly used when discussing street gangs, but very little time has been spent describing exactly what that mentality consists of so that non-members candevelopanunderstandingofitssignificance.Here,thementalityhasbeenbrokenintocomponents. Understand, however, that in the real world the mentality is seamless. Each component feeds into, and is reinforced, by the others, and becomes the basis for how street gang involved individuals interpret and respond to the events in their lives.

being resPected: The central theme in any street gang involved individual’s life is being “respected” by fellow street gang members, and non-members. Being “respected” is essentially being feared, and is based upon one’s reputation for being volatile and dangerous. A willingness to “do or die for the set” may also serve to develop this reputation. Many members, especially young, immature ones, will stop at nothing to establish or preserve their reputation.

disresPect for rivAls: One way in which respect is gained is through demonstrating disrespect,disdain,andlackoffearofrivals.Puttingupderogatorygraffitiordefacingthatofrivals,throwing hand signs at them, hard stare, cruising their neighbourhood, assaulting them, talking poorly about them, etc., are all ways of showing disrespect. The more an individual demonstrates this attitude, the more recognized he or she will be within their own “set.”

no insUlt goes UnAnswered: No act of disrespect, no matter how small, goes without response. The response, if not immediate, will stack up, fuel animosity, and eventually lead to an antagonistic or violent act toward an individual or “set” as a whole.

Thecombinationofthesefirstthreeelementsofstreetgangmentalityservestosetinmotionthecycle of rival violence that accompanies street gang presence within a community.

Source: Hamilton Police Services Website www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca

evolving risks fActors risk fActors

Ganginvolvementisaprocessthathappensovertime.Thisprocessisinfluencedbythelifetrajectory and individual, family and social experiences of a young person.

Several studies indicate that risk factors associated with gang involvement are present long before a youth joins a gang. For example, youths who were the most behaviourally and socially unstable in childhood were found to be the most likely to join and stay in gangs for several years. Unless appropriate actions are taken to address the factors that result in more serious crime or gang involvement, early negative life experiences and subsequent involvement in crime will only reinforce the path towards continued delinquency.

Briefly,weknowthat:

The more risk factors that a youth experiences, the more likely he or she is to become involved in gang activity. Research also suggests that the presence of risk factors in multiple categories increases the probability of gang involvement.

The increase in gang violence and crime in some Aboriginal communities has been attributed in part to an increasing youth population, inadequate housing, drug and alcohol abuse, a high unemployment rate, lack of education, poverty, poor parenting skills, the loss of culture, language and identity and a sense of exclusion.

PUsh/PUll fActors contribUting to gAng involvement

individUAl/fAmily fActors• Early substance abuse• Antisocial/hostile/aggressive behavior• Social deprivation or isolation• Family history of gang involvement• Parental neglect/family structure• Low academic achievement/school dropout or truancy• Unemployed/underemployed/few employment prospects

economic/societAl/commUnity fActors• Social upheaval• Poverty, income inequality• Racism• Creationofgangculture

PoP cUltUre And mediA significAntly imPActs PUblic PercePtion ofyoUth gAngs And gUn violence:

• ContributestotheadoptionoflinguisticcodesanddressstylesassociatedwithAmericangangs.

• Focusonviolentactionsofgang-membersisglorifiedinthemainstreammediamakingitappear exciting and appealing.

Source: Public Safety Canada Website and RCMP Feature Focus: Youth Gang and Guns. www.publicsafety.gc.ca / www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

GanG identifiers

remember - yoUng PeoPle dressing this wAy does not necessArily indicAte they Are members of A gAng. these Are simPly A few Points to keeP in mind.

Agangmemberusesgraffiti,handsigns,tattoosandcolour/fashiontosignifytheirmembershipinagangandtocommunicatetheirgangaffiliationtoothers.Eachganghasitsownunique symbol, sign, colours, jewelry and dress. These serve not only to identify gang members, but also to promote gang solidarity.

coloUrs/fAshion

Matching clothing such as shoes, shirts, caps and bandannas are common groupidentifiers.Insomebutnotallgangs,coloursareofgreatimportance.Theyservenotonlytoidentify gang members, but also to promote group solidarity. Degrading one’s colours or symbols is the ultimate humiliation.Some females in gangs depending on location do wear much of the same clothing that males do. In saying this, many females in gangs also choose to be slightly more subtleandnotwearanyofthetypicalgangfashionidentifiers.

Some gangs openly wear their signifying clothing, while others do not. Again the location of the gang plays into what they choose to wear. Some of the styles that tend to be paraded by the younger members of the gang include:

bAsebAll hAts:

• Red or Blue, also professional sport teams logos• Worntowardsonesideorbackwards

bAndAnAs:

• Wornonthehead,tiedtoabeltlooporstickingoutofapocket• RedsignifiesaBloodgang• BluesignifiesaCripsgang

shirts:

• WhiteT-shirtswornunderplaidshirts,wornopenorbuttononlyatthecollar.

PAnts / shoes:

• Colouredshoelaces• One pant leg is rolled up• Baggy, oversized pants

hAnd signAls

Hand signs are a powerful nonverbal form of communication much like sign-language. A quickflashofthehandisusedasanannouncementofgangaffiliationorasachallengeorinsult.Thesehandsigns,whicharequicklydisplayedwiththefingers,handsandbody,haveveryspecificmeanings to gang members. This nonverbal form of communication has been quickly accepted and adopted by many gangs. tattoos

The tattoo can be used to identify the gang member’s gang, set and moniker. The tattoo may appear on any place of the member’s body, such as his neck, arms, wrists, hands, chest and legs. Tattoos are not a tell tale sign that the wearer is a gang member. Though many gangs wear tattoos some do not.

Graffiti

Graffitiisknownasthenewspaperofthestreets.Tomostmembersofsociety,graffitiisjustvandalism and means nothing more than that. However, to gang members and trained observers, itisclearwhatcanbeobtainedfromthesemessagesandsymbols.“HipHop”graffitiistypicallycryptic and most people can’t read it.

gAng grAffiti AccomPlishes the following:

• Itidentifiesthegang,itsmembersanditsterritory• It issues warnings and challenges to rival gangs.• Andmostimportantlyitglorifiesthegangandmakestheirexistencewellknown

Oneofthefirstindicatorsthatgangactivityispresentinacommunityisthesurfacingofgraffitiinthatcommunity. Source: the NCGIA Gang Investigators Association www.ncgia.com

mYths

my gAng will Protect me, And i will feel sAfe

Wrong.Whileyoumaybelievethatjoiningagangwillprotectyoufrombulliesorothergangmembers, being in a gang greatly increases your chances to be a target for rival gang members. You are far more likely to be injured or killed if you are in a gang.

my gAng will be jUst like my fAmily

Wrong.Gangsfunctiondirectlyoppositeoftruefamilies.Wheretruefamiliessacrifice,forexample,forthebenefitoftheindividuals,thegangrequirestheindividualtosacrificeforthewhole. Adherence to the rules of the gang is a must, often enforced violently.

i’ll mAke lots of money if i’m in A gAng

Wrong. Most gang members make very little money being part of a gang. Those who do, usually end up doing time (in prison).

yoUth gAngs Are An exclUsively mAle Phenomenon

Wrong. The role of females in gangs is evolving. Moving into active roles, females have become increasingly involved in leadership and criminal activities.

yoUth gAngs Are only An UrbAn Problem

Wrong. Law enforcement agencies identify growing youth gang presence in rural areas, small cities and suburban environments.

gAng members hAve no intelligence And no sense of initiAtive

Wrong. A majority of gang members are intelligent and able to develop and carry out creative tasks.

Source: Michelle Arciaga, The National Youth Gang Center. Feature Focus Youth Gangs RCMP www.knowgangs.com

mAjor risk fActors AssociAted with yoUth gAng involvement

individUAl

• Prior delinquency • Illegal gun ownership • Drugtrafficking• Desire for group rewards such as status, identity, self-esteem, companionship and

protection • Anti-social attitudes • Aggression • Alcohol and drug use • Early or precocious sexual activity • Violentvictimization

Peer GrouP

• High commitment to delinquent peers • Street socialization • Gang members in class • Friends who use drugs or who are gang members • Interaction with delinquent peers • Pre-teen exposure to stress

school

• Poor school performance • Low educational aspirations, especially among young females • Negative labeling by teachers • High levels of anti-social behavior • Few teacher role models • Educational frustration • Low attachment in school • Learningdifficulties

fAmily

• Family disorganization, including broken homes and parental drug and/or alcohol abuse • Family violence, neglect and drug addiction • Family members in a gang • Lack of adult and parental role models, parental criminality, parents with violent attitudes,

siblings with anti-social behaviors • Extreme economic deprivation

communitY

• Social disorganization, including high poverty and residential mobility • Highcrimeneighbourhood;neighbourhoodyouthintrouble• Presence of gangs in the neighbourhood • Availability or perceived access to drugs in the neighbourhood • Availabilityoffirearms• Culturalnormssupportinggangbehaviour• Feeling unsafe in neighbourhood

Source: Howell (1998, 2005).

reAsons why yoUth join gAngs

WhyTeensandPreteensJoinStreetGangs

For many of today’s youth, street gangs represent the way in which adolescent frustration, searching, and rebellion are expressed. In a recent nationwide survey of street gang involved youth,seventypercentacknowledgedthattheywereactivepriortotheageoffourteen.Commonlycited reasons include:

sUrrogAte fAmily:Affection,affirmation,and/orunderstandingarelackingathome.Streetgangs provide structure and camaraderie, a tremendous sense of bonding and “family”.

suPPort: A place to turn in times of need and crisis.

fAiling At life’s chAllenges: Able to experience success in the street gang versus failure in other areas of life, e.g., school, peer relationships, sports, etc.

identitY, recoGnition and resPect:Compensateforsocial/personalitydeficitsorlackofself-esteem;gainpower.

Protection: “Do or be done to” by other street gangs/individuals.

intimidation or Peer Pressure: Pressured by friends to join.

moneY: Bleak employment prospects, lack of legal alternatives.

glAmoUr: Media images have made street gang lifestyle appealing.

fAmily history: Siblings, parents, grandparents are/were in street gangs. role models:“Who’sgotthereputation”,money,etc.Whoaretheyouth’smediarolemodels?

excitement: More interesting and exciting than other alternative options.

Source: Hamilton Police Services Website (2011) www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca

resource Guide

Preventive advice for YOUTH:

• Refuse to get involved in a gang. • Avoidwritinggangnames,symbolsorrelatedgraffitionbooks,papers,bodies,orwalls.• Avoid getting into arguments that do not involve you.• Avoid signing onto gang websites that ask you for personal information. • Stick to curfews that are set by your parents or guardian. • Choosefriendsthathaverulessimilartoyours.• Getamentorinyourcareerchoiceorfieldofinterest• Recognize and report crimes like intimidation and extortion. Use the police, parents,

teachers, principal for guidance and help. • Avoid involving yourself in purchasing alcohol/drugs of any kind (including beer and

marijuana.• Know the facts about the gang lifestyle and the consequences of being associated with

gang members (injury, death, criminal record, jail time).• Avoid areas where you know suspected gang members are known to “hang.”• Donotattendanysocialgatheringssponsoredbygangsoraffiliates.• Keep involved in organized activities such as sports, hobbies, or community clubs. Get a

part time job or volunteer in the community.• Do not dress, act or talk like a gang member. It will give the impression to people that you

support the lifestyle.• Puteducationandfamilyfirst.Beinginagangwillnotgetyouaneducationorajob.• Set positive goals and know what you want out of your life!

wAys to stAy oUt of gAngs!

stAy involved in Positive Activities:

• sports• bands• clubs • hobbies• youth Programs

keeP Positive PeoPle in yoUr life:

• mentors• spiritual leaders• coaches • Positive friends• teachers• family

Avoid things thAt cAn hUrt yoU:

• Places where gangs hang-out• drugs and alcohol• gang websites or facebook groups• negative friends• skipping school

set goAls for yoUrself:

• to do well in school• to be creative• to help my community• to go to college• to get a part-time job

Preventive advice for Parents/Guardians

Research indicates that parents play a pivotal role in keeping young people out of gangs. Negativeinfluenceswithinthefamily—includingdomesticviolence,childabuse,harshorinconsistentparentingpractices,and/ordrug/alcoholabusebyfamilymembers—canincreasetherisk that a youth will join a gang.

Parents can protect their children from gang activity through taking positive actions, such as monitoring their children’s activities, fostering close relationships with them, and using positive discipline strategies. However, parents often lack factual information about gangs.

behAvioUrs AssociAted with gAng involvement

remember - mAny chArActeristics listed cAn be seen As “tyPicAl” teenAge behAvioUr.

The early adolescent years (12–14 years of age) are a crucial time when youths are exposed to gangs and may consider joining a gang. Youths who are becoming involved in a gang may exhibit the following behaviors:

negAtive chAnges in behAvioUr, sUch As:

• Withdrawingfromfamily.• Declining school attendance, performance, or behavior. • Staying out late without reason. • Unusual desire for secrecy.• Confrontationalbehaviour,suchastalkingback,verbalabuse,namecalling,anddisrespect

for parental authority. • Sudden negative opinions about law enforcement or adults in positions of authority (school

officialsorteachers).• Dramatic change in attitude about school, faith, or other normal activities or change in

behaviour at these activities.• Interestingang-influencedmusic,videos,andmovies.• Use and practice of hand signals to communicate with friends.• Peculiar drawings or gang symbols on school books, clothing, notebooks, or even walls. • Drastic changes in hair or dress style and/or having a group of friends who have the same

hair or dress style. • Withdrawalfromlongtimefriendsandformingbondswithanentirelynewgroupoffriends.• Suspected drug use, such as alcohol, inhalants, and narcotics.• Thepresenceoffirearms,ammunition,orotherweapons.• Non-accidental physical injuries, such as being beaten or injuries to hands and knuckles

fromfighting.

whAt PArents cAn do

tell yoUr children not to:

• Associate with any gang members. • Hang out where gangs congregate.• Attend any party or social event sponsored by gangs. • Useanykindofhandorfingersignsthatmaybemeaningfultogangs.• Wearclothingthatmayhavemeaningtogangsinyourarea.• (Explain to your children that these clothing items can put them in danger and that you will

not purchase them or allow them to be worn. If you are not familiar with these items, contact yourlocallawenforcementagencyformorespecificinformationaboutgangsinyourarea.)

become more involved:

• Get to know your children’s friends and the friends’ parents. • Beawareoftheirattitudestowarddrugs,alcohol,andgangs.Whenchildrenstarttofeel

pressure to use drugs or join gangs, it usually comes from their friends.• Talk to your children about ways to deal with pressure from friends. • Help your children practice simple ways to respond to peer pressure. For example, if your

child is challenged by a peer who says, “If you are my friend, you would,” your child can respond, “If you were my friend, you wouldn’t ask.” Then, he/she should walk away.

• Setfirmlimitswithyourchildrenandteens.• Childrenandteenagersneedtoknowclearlywhatisexpectedofthemandthe

consequences for acting otherwise. Do not rescue your children from the consequences of their decisions.

sPend more time:

• Plan family time. • Make time for your family to play, eat meals together, take trips (even to local parks or

activities), keep family traditions, and have family meetings to talk about plans, feelings, and complaints.

• Spendqualitytimewitheachofyourchildren.KeepthemBUSYandINVOLVEDinsupervised positive community programs.

• Talk to your children and LISTEN with your full attention. Good communication is open and has a positive tone. This will allow you to tell your child that you love them.

• KEEP IN MIND: “If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be very careful where you place your feet.”

Source: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and notogangs.org

whAt cAn i do…

If I THInk mY cHIld Is UsIng drUgs…

john howard society-ProjectTowardsNoDrugAbuseProgram905-522-4446TNDoffersfunandinteractivesessionstoshareinformation:Activelistening,Stereotyping,Myths&Denial,ChemicalDependency,Tobacco,Stress,HealthandGoals,SelfControl,Positive&NegativeThoughts,Perspectives,CommitmentandDecisionMaking

Alternatives for youth905-527-4469Servicesforyouthwhoareexperiencingdifficultiesrelatedtosubstanceuse/abuseandrecoveryfor young people

TO encOUrage mY cHIld In pOsITIve acTIvITIes...

Considermakinguseoflocalrecreationcentressuchas:

boys and girls clubs of hamilton - recreational activities, games room, gym, pool, youth empowermentprogram-905-549-2814 www.kboysandgirlsclub.com

city kidz -177ShermanAve.N.Ages2-16-Childernarebussedtoprogramswheretheyaretaughtvaluesandprovidedentertainmentandfood.-905-544-3996 www.citykidz.ca

Ymca -79JamesSt.S.Socialandrecreationalprograms-905-529-7102www.ymcab.on.ca

ywcA -Varietyofprogramsincludinggirls-onlyprograms,sagesisters,healthylivingspaprogramandgirlzone-905-522-9922www.ywcahamilton.org

There are a number of recreation centres run by the city of Hamilton check out their web-site or call 905-546-3747foracentrenearyouhttp://www.hamilton.ca/CultureandRecreation/Recreation/CentresPoolsArenas/recCenterListing.htm

TO geT mOre Help fOr mYself and mY cHIld abOUT THese THIngs…

contAct hAmilton: A good starting point to discovery services for children and youth with emotional, behavioural or developmental concerns and adults with developmental disabilities.140 King Street East, Suite 4Hamilton,OntarioL8N1B2Phone:(905)570-8888Fax:(905)522-6957E-mail:[email protected]

john howArd society: the fAmily sUPPort ProgrAm:905-522-4446x221The Family Support Program is a support and skill building process for parents of children and youth.Theprogramisdesignedtoteacheffectiveparentingstrategiestohelpparentstoassisttheir children to constructively deal with the issues they may encounter during their adolescent years.Disciplinetechniques,communicationstrategies,problemsolving,negotiationandconflictresolution are taught. The program is delivered in conjunction with other youth service providers in the community, in large group information sessions and also in small group or individual follow-up.

If I am wOrrIed abOUT mY cHIld’s perfOrmance In scHOOl…

Eachschooloffersuniqueopportunitiesforyourchild.Asaparentyoucancontactyourlocalschoolandseewhattheyhavetoofferorcheckoutyourschool’swebsite.

HWDSBhttp://www.hwdsb.on.ca/schools/

HWCDSBhttp://www.hwcdsb.ca/schools/?school=cn

PathwaystoEducation554JohnStreetNorth905-523-6611x314

Support for students living in the North-End of the city with tutoring, mentoring, bursaries and advocacy

DiverseCommunityAchievementCentreofHamilton10GeorgeStreet905-543-0222Tutoring,mentoring and culturally sensitive counseling and education assessments for students

communitY resPonses to Youth GanGs

The response to youth gang problems in the United States and elsewhere, particularly over the past three decades, has produced three primary strategies: prevention, intervention and suppression.

Gang prevention programs typically focus on discouraging children and youth, especially those at high-risk, from joining gangs. Gang intervention programs, on the other hand, generally target active gangs and gang members. Lastly, gang suppression programs usually involve specialized gang units (typically led by the police and/or criminal prosecutors) that target gang members and their illicit activities through aggressive enforcement of laws.

Cooperationbetweenpolice,thecommunity,parents,andgovernmentofficialsisprovingtobethemosteffectivewaytodealwithgangs.Onesuchapproachthattakesthistacticintoconsiderationand is one of the best known and probably most evaluated responses to youth gangs is the U.S.DepartmentofJustice’sOfficeofJuvenileJusticeandDelinquencyPrevention(OJJDP)ComprehensiveCommunity-WideGangModel.Itisessentiallyabalanced,three-prongedapproach that encompasses prevention, intervention and suppression activities.

TheOJJDP(or“Spergel”)modelincludesfivekeystrategiesfordealingwithgang-involvedyouthandtheircommunities(BurchandKane,1999;Wyrick,2005):

commUnity mobilizAtion – mobilizing local residents, youth, community groups, civic leaders and agencies to plan, strengthen, or create new opportunities or linkages to existing organizationsforgang-involvedandat-riskyouth;and,coordinatingprogramsandservicesaswellasthefunctionsofstaffwithinandacrossagencies;

sociAl intervention–asidentifiedthroughstreetoutreach,providingprogramsandsocialservices (via youth serving agencies, schools, faith-based and other organizations) to gang youth andthoseathigh-riskofganginvolvement;also,usingoutreachworkerstoactivelyengagegang-involvedyouth;

oPPortunities Provision – providing and facilitating access to educational, training and employment programs or services targeted to gang youth and those at high-risk of gang involvement;conductingsuppressionactivitiesviaformalandinformalsocialcontrolmechanismsand holding gang-involved youth accountable for their actions and behaviors, including close supervision or monitoring of gang youth by criminal justice agencies and also by community-based agencies,schoolsandgrass-rootsgroups;

orgAnizAtionAl chAnge And develoPment – facilitating organizational change and development to help community agencies better address gang problems through a team “problem-solving” approach that is consistent with the philosophy of community- and problem-oriented policing;also,developingandimplementingpoliciesandprocessesthatresultinthemosteffectiveuse of available and potential resources within and across agencies.

Source: Public Safety Canada Website www.publicsafety.gc.ca

whAt Are the signs thAt gAngs Are in yoUr neighboUrhood?

GanG Graffiti – marks their “turf” and sends messages to other gangs. It’s often the full or short-formversionsofthegangnamewritteninblockletterswiththegang’scolours.Itisdifferentfrom a “tag”, which is more artistic or stylized. (May sometimes be crossed out by rival gangs.)

gAng “coloUrs” – members may wear bandanas, “rags” or certain clothes to indicate they belong to a gang. Tattoos and hairstyles (braids or partly shaved heads) can also be indicative.

evidence or drUg deAling/Use – houses or places with a high volume of vehicle and/or pedestriantrafficcanbeindicativeofthis.

stePs to commUnity mobilizAtion

1. redUcing crime And feAr in yoUr neighboUrhood

Crime,especiallyviolentcrime,ishighandthepeopleintheneighbourhoodmostoftendependonthe police to maintain control.

commUnity role

• Callpoliceinreactiontocrimeanddisorderissues• Provide information on neighbourhood crimes and disorder issues directly to police.

2. mobilizing yoUr neighboUrhood

The worst of the violent crime and disorder issues have been addressed by police. Your community is beginning to form partnerships to identify and resolve the on-going crime and disorder issues still present in your neighbourhood

commUnity role

Communitymembersbegintoorganizetodiscusscrimeanddisorderissuesintheirneighbourhoods.

PArticiPAnts inclUde:

• Residents • Business owners and employees • Communityservicesproviders• School boards • Citydepartments(e.g.parksandrecreation,works,etc.)• Other government agencies • Police

3. keePing yoUr neighboUrhood sAfe

commUnity role

Communitymembers,together,takeresponsibilityforaddressingon-goingcrimeanddisorderissues. Together, you can:

• Workwithschoolboardstodevelopafter-schoolprogramsforyouth• Callthestreetlightinghotlinetoreportburnt-outlightsonneighbourhoodstreets• Writealettertoyourcitycouncilorrequestingbushesberemovedfrominfrontofapark

entrance as a crime prevention measure • Organizeneighboursandyouthtocoverunsightlygraffiti.

Source: Hamilton and Toronto Police Services Website. www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca www.torontopolice.on.ca

notes

Page26

GanG structure

There are six levels of gang structure.

1. leAdershiP:

The leader(s) of a gang determines at what level of criminal activity the gang will function. Characteristicsoftheleader(s)arereflectedinthedaytodayactivitiesofthegang.Theleaderisall powerful.

2. hArd core:

The hard core gang members are usually the older gang members, the individuals who are culturally and criminally enmeshed in the gang and are at risk of being so for life.

3. AssociAte:

The associate gang member has usually made a personal commitment to the gang culture and is dedicated to achieving the level of recognition needed to attain hard core status.

4. fringe:

The fringe gang member is still able to function outside of the gang structure and has not made a commitment to a life in the criminal gang culture. This type of member drifts in and out of the gang and seems to lack direction.

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leAdershiP

hardcore

associates

cliqUes

frinGe

wAnnA-bes

coUld bes

5. wAnnA-bes or gonnA-bes

Wanna-besarenotactuallygangmembers.Theyareyouthwhoviewthegangasanexcitingplacetobe,aplacewheretheycouldbecome“somebody”.Wanna-besmayemulategangdress,graffiti,handsigns,andothergangculturalsymbols,andtheymayassociatewithknowngangmembers,buttheyhavenotyetbeenacceptedintothegang.InmostcasesaWannabe will eventually become a Gonna Be!

6. cliqUes:

Veryseldomisthegangatfullstrength.Exceptionstothis,ofcourse,wouldbetimesofconflictorpossiblyatsocialfunctions.Whatismostoftenseenas“thegang”isusuallyacliquefrom within the larger gang. The clique is a group of associate, fringe, and often, wanna-be gang members who gravitate around one or more of the hard core gang members. This somewhat resembles a gang within a gang.

Source: “Comprehensive Community Reanimation Process” published by Urban Dynamics, Inc www. people.missouristate.edu/MichaelCarlie/what_I_learned_about/GANGS/gangs_101.htm

GanG structure

street gAng cUltUre: continUUm of mentAlity And Activity

The following continuum provides some rough guidelines to assist in determining the level of street gang involvement and seriousness of the activities of an individual or “set.” Remember, however, there is nothing rigid or airtight about this, it is only a tool for general assessment. level one

• Emulating, experimenting with street gang image. • Focus on socialization: belonging, identity. • Infrequent, opportunistic property crime, tagging. • Bullying. • Free to cease activity without serious consequences. • No active rivalries (may, however, be victimized by other, more seriously involved street

gangs).

level two

• Identity crystallizing around membership in the “set.” • Greater frequency of drug/alcohol usage. • More serious antisocial behaviour: intimidation, vandalism, etc. • Heightened criminal activity: extortion, theft, burglary. • Increased disruption at home and school. • Leaving may result in threats and/or consequences. • Fledglingrivalries:posturing,making/defacinggraffiti,assaults.• Young people at this phase may express concern about going out with backup from other

members of the “set” because of potential problems with rivals. • They may also express concern about severing ties with the “set” because of concerns

about physical harm being done to them by fellow members.

level three

• Exclusive relationships with set: membership is core identity. • Drug use may be at center of socialization. • Established criminal orientation: person and/or property crimes. • May begin turf claiming (controlling territory). • Likely to be out of school: expelled, dropped out. • Criminalhistorylikely,possibleincarceration.• Leaving brings serious consequences, may not be an option. • Established, violent rivalries involving weapons.

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level foUr

• Departure from non-street gang society. • Criminalidentity:A“Gangster”• Incarceration accepted as an aspect of street gang lifestyle. • May want to leave street gang life. • Leavingastreetgangisnotgenerallyanoption;attemptsmayresultindeath.• “AtWar”mentalitywithrivalsandpolice;injurytoinnocentsacceptable.

This is the phase that people in cities with recently emerging street gangs associate with as a “street gang problem.” The reality is, however, that each of these phases represents a “street gang problem,” just of varying degree. The simple truth, based on history over the past twenty years in the United States and emerginginCanada,isthatifacommunitywaitsuntillevelthreeandfouractivityispresent,thereis virtually nothing they will be able to do to bring the problem under control. Dealing with the prob-lem while it is observable at the earliest possible stage is the only way to respond and to regain control of your neighbourhood. Source: Hamilton Police Service Website www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca

GettinG out of a GanG

For most gang members, the gang they belong to meets some kind of need in their life: for safety,love,excitementormoney.Whenagangmemberlearnsthatheorshecanmeettheseneeds in other ways, the gang may lose its appeal, and this person may decide to walk away from the gang life. However, being a gang member is far more dangerous than the typical dangers faced by most of today’s teenagers. For that reason, the issue for many gang members is not if they will decide to stop being a gang member. The issue is whether they will live long enough to make that decision.

mAke A PlAn for getting oUt: Whengangmembersdecidethattheywanttoleavethegang,thereareafewsimplestepsthey can follow: Never tell the gang that you plan to leave. You may be beaten or even killed. Begin spending your time doing other things. Instead of spending time hanging out with yourgangfriends,findsomethingelsetododuringthattime.Lookaround.Therearepossibilitieseverywhere:sports,recreationcenters,BoysandGirlsClubs,artsprograms,drama,schoolactivities, and even spending time with your family. Try to stop looking like a “gangster”. For many gang members, dressing down makes them feel safe because other people are afraid of the way they look. As you begin to believe in yourself, youwillfindthatyoudon’tneedtomakeotherpeoplefeelafraidinordertofeelgoodaboutyourself. Stop wearing the clothes that you think have a gang meaning. Find other things to say, other things to do, and other people to do them with. (HINT: This is mucheasierifyoustopdressinglikeagangmemberfirst.)Stophangingoutwithgangmembers,talking like a gang member, and acting like a gang member. Get good at making excuses. Your parents can probably help you with this, but if not, try asking a teacher for help or maybe just an older friend. Some former gang members have said that when they started trying to leave the gang, they stopped taking phone calls from their gang friends, or had their family members tell friends from the gang that they were busy or involved in some other activity. Find people who will support you and believe in you. Find people, especially adults, who think that you are special and will keep telling you that. In your mind, think of a supportive adult wherever you go (school, neighbourhood, recreation center) that you can touch base with if you have a problem or need to talk. Then use these people to help support you as you change with good advice and assistance. Finally, begin believing in your power to change.

Source: www.edmontonpolice.ca

communitY resources

if i think my child is Using drUgs…

john howArd society-Project towArds no drUg AbUse ProgrAm905-522-4446

ProjectTowardsNoDrugAbuseisaneffective,interactivesubstanceusepreventionprogram that is based on more that two decades of successful research at the University of SouthernCalifornia.Ithasalsobeendeemed,amodelprogrambyHealthCanada.Theprogramtargetsyouth,ages14to19andthethreefactorsthatpredicttobacco,alcohol,otherdruguse,violence-related behaviours, and other problem behaviours among youth. These factors are:

motivation factors: attitudes, beliefs, expectations and desires regarding substance use.

skills: social, self control and coping skills.

decision maKinG: the steps to making decisions that lead to positive personal outcomes

This highly interactive program has 12 sessions that are 40-50 minutes in length and weredesignedtobeimplementedovera6weekperiodusingaSocraticteachingmethodandmotivational theory. This program has been approved as curriculum suitable for several local schoolboardsandisimplementedbyaT.N.DProgramCertifiedyouthworkerfromtheJohnHowardSociety.TheTowardsNoDrugAbuseprogramisalsoofferedtoyouthoutsideofregularclassroomhoursandonandoffsiteinbothHamiltonandBurlingtonlocations.

The overall objectives of this program are to stop or reduce the use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and other drugs, as well as to stop or reduce self reports of weapon carrying and violence. The sessions are designed to teach students the consequences of substance use and provide strategies to make better choices. This program is partially funded though the Government ofCanada’sNationalCrimePreventionStrategy.

AlternAtives for yoUth -905-527-4469

how cAn i encoUrAge my child in Positive Activities...Considermakinguseoflocalrecreationcentressuchas:

boys And girls clUbs of hAmiltonRecreationalactivities,gamesroom,gym,pool,youthempowermentprogram-905-549-2814www.kboysandgirlsclub.com

city kidz - 177ShermanAve.N.Ages2-16-Childernarebussedtoprogramswheretheyaretaughtvaluesandprovidedentertainmentandfood.-905-544-3996-www.citykidz.ca

city of hAmilton website - www.hamilton.ca

Ymca -79JamesSt.S.Socialandrecreationalprograms-905-529-7102-www.ymcab.on.ca

ywcA -Varietyofprogramsincludinggirls-onlyprograms,sagesisters,healthylivingspaprogramandgirlzone-905-522-9922-www.ywcahamilton.org

There are a number of recreation centres run by the city of Hamilton check out their web-site or call 905-546-3747foracentrenearyou.

wesley UrbAn ministries - 195FergusonAve.NorthHamilton,Ont.L8L8J1,905-528-5629http://www.wesleyurbanministries.com

how cAn i get more helP for myself And my child AboUt these things…

contAct hAmilton: a good starting point to discovery services for children and youth with emotional, behavioural or developmental concerns and adults with developmental disabilities.

140 King Street East, Suite 4Hamilton,OntarioL8N1B2Phone:905-570-8888Fax:905-522-6957E-mail:[email protected]

how cAn i get more helP for myself And my child AboUt these things…

JohnHowardSociety:TheFamilySupportProgram905-522-4446 (FundedbytheUnitedWayofBurlington&GreaterHamilton)

The Family Support Program is designed to provide support, information, early intervention and referraltootherservicesforparentswithyouthages12to17whoareexperiencingparentingchallengesorparent/childconflicts.Serviceisstrengthbased,familycenteredandofferedinindividualorgroupformats.Thegoalistoassistfamiliestofindpositivesolutionstoconflictsand concerns by identifying and using family strengths, creating greater understanding between parents and youth and providing a skills building process for parents of youth.

Although the topics of the group sessions are participant directed some of the sessions available include:providingeffectiveboundaries,communicationstrategies,problemsolving,negotiationandconflictresolution.TheprogramisdeliveredonsiteandoffsitethroughoutHamilton,Burlington and Area and is open to community referrals.

if i Am worried AboUt my child’s PerformAnce in school…

Eachschooloffersuniqueopportunitiesforyourchild.Asaparentyoucancontactyourlocalschoolandseewhattheyhavetoofferorcheckoutyourschool’swebsite.

hwdsb http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/schools/

hwcdsbhttp://www.hwcdsb.ca/schools/?school=cn

PAthwAys to edUcAtion554JohnStreetNorth905-523-6611Support for students living in the North-End of the city with tutoring, mentoring, bursaries and advocacy. cAtholic edUcAtion centre90MulberryStreetP.O. Box 2012HamiltonONL8N3R9T:905-525-2930http://www.hwcdsb.ca/

st. chArles AdUlt edUcAtion 45 yoUng streetHamilton, OntarioL8N1V1/PhoneNumber905-577-0555www.stcharles.ca

AlternAtive school ProgrAms

notre dAme: 14CanonStreetWest,HamiltonOnt,L8R2B3,905-308-8090

wilmA’s PlAce:380MainStreetE,HamiltonOnt,L8N1J8,905-525-6640

jAmes street:JamesStSandHunterStW,HamiltonOnt,905-527-2129

dAwn PAtrol child And yoUth services inc/ the bridge ProgrAm:905-544-1991/837KingStreet

AlternAtives for yoUth:100MainStreetEast,Suite110,Hamilton,OntL8N3W4905-527-4469http://www.ay.on.ca/

services for at risK Youth

liberty for yoUth762UpperJamesStreetUnit175Hamilton,OntarioL9C3A2905-297-7929info@libertyforyouth.orgToprovidealternativesforatriskyouthwhoareinfluencedbyanegativeenvironmentbyinspiringand equipping them to make positive decisions. These decisions will help them to avoid or escape a life of poverty, drugs, and criminal activity.

the living rock30WilsonStreetHamilton,OntarioL8R1C5.905-528-7625TheLivingRock’sGPS:[email protected] targets youth between the ages of 13-25 years old that are at a high risk of gang involvement. GPSoffersthemanewdirectionfortheirlives.

Police services

All reqUests reqUiring immediAte Attention mUst be directed to 911 (emergency) or (905) 546-4925 (switchboArd - non-emergency).

Mailing Address:

hamilton Police service155KingWilliamStreet,Box1060,LCD1Hamilton,OntarioCanadaL8N4C1

east end station2825 King Street EastHamilton, Ontario CanadaL8G1J6

mountain Police station400 Rymal Road EastHamilton, Ontario CanadaL9B1J2

crime stoPPers of hAmilton inc.155KingWilliamStreet,Hamilton, Ontario,CanadaL8N4C1

Administration office:[email protected](pleasedonotsubmittipstothise-mailaddress)www.crimestoppershamilton.com crime doesn’t Pay.....crime stoppers does1-800-222-TIPS(8477)

more john howArd society of hAmilton, bUrlington & AreA ProgrAms…

aGGression manaGement ProGram

The Aggression Management Program is a cognitive skills based program for youth 12-17yearswhohaveinterpersonalproblemsasaresultoftheiraggressivebehaviour.Theprogram consists of eight ninety minute sessions designed to help youth identify their personal aggression patterns, explore alternatives and develop a plan of action to improve how the young personrespondstostressfulsituations.TheprogramisdividedintothefivecomponentsofAnger,Communication,Triggers,ChoicePointsandProblemSolving.Note:Thisprogramisopentointernal referrals only through the Extrajudicial Measures and Sanctions programs.

choices

Choicesisaninteractiveeightsessionprogramdesignedforbothmalesandfemales12-17yearsofage.Choicesisofferedonaweeklybasis,bothonandoffsite,andeachsessionisninetyminutes long. The goal of the program is to provide youth with practical skills that will assist them in making better choices at home, school and with their peers. This program is funded by the Ministry ofChildandYouthServicesandisopentocommunityreferrals. communitY service order ProGram

Thisprogramisforyouth12-15yearsofagewhohavebeenfoundguiltyofanoffenceand have been court ordered to compensate the victim and/or community for their losses. Compensationisnormallyintheformofcommunityserviceworkordersordirectmonetaryrestitution.Specificcommunityplacementsandactivitiesaredevelopedtoholdyouthaccountablefor their actions and provide opportunities for youth to make a positive contribution to their community. The John Howard Society monitors both community service work placements and restitution payments to victims until their completion.

crime Prevention ProGram

This program is a short term intervention designed to create greater awareness in participants of the costs of criminal behaviour to their community, as well as, their responsibility to change their own actions to create positive change. The program teaches the young person how to constructively respond to problem situations through the use of various exercises focusing on self control,conflict,responsibility,stealing,thelaw,decisionmakingandleisuretime.Thisprogramservesyouthbetweentheagesof12to17years.Note:Thisprogramisopentointernalreferralsonly through the Extrajudicial Measures and Sanctions programs.

extrAjUdiciAl meAsUres ProgrAm

In partnership with Hamilton Police Services, youth are diverted from the formal youth justiceprocesswhileholdingthemaccountablefortheiractionsinacommunitycontext.Weworkwith each young person to design a program of measures that addresses their risks and needs as well as the needs of the person(s) harmed and the community. The outcome of each case is reportedbacktoHamiltonPoliceServices.Thisprogramservesyouth12to17yearsofage.

extrAjUdiciAl sAnctions ProgrAm

InpartnershipwiththeHamiltonCrownAttorney’sOfficeandHamiltonYouthProbationServices, we assist youth through a diversion program as an alternative to the formal court process.Wecontractwiththeyoungpersonandprovidethemwithsanctions(tasks)tocompleteas a means of holding them accountable for their actions while helping them recognize the impact of their behaviour on the person(s) harmed and their community. The youth’s strengths and needs aretargetedtocreateanindividualprogramwiththeintentionofbenefitstoboththeyouthandtheir community.

hAmilton yoUth drUg diversion ProgrAm (hyddP)

The Hamilton Youth Drug Diversion Program was initiated by Hamilton Police Services to addresstheneedsofschoolagedyouth12to17yearsofagewhoarearrestedfordrugoffences.Rather than send youth to court for their drug related misdemeanors, the police wanted an alternative that would assess the youth’s individual needs, but still hold them accountable for their actions.

Youtharereferredtotheprogrambyapoliceofficer.TheyareinstructedtocontacttheJohn Howard Society to arrange a meeting with a youth worker. The youth is scheduled for a screening with a counselor from Alternatives for Youth and the John Howard Society to determine theyouth’ssubstanceuselevel,theirmotivationtochangeandanyothersignificantstrengthsandrisks of the youth. The results of these assessments determine the most appropriate intervention, or combination of interventions for the young person. There are three options: 1. Education Day: Suitable for a youth who is a casual drug user. 2. Five Session Group: Suitable for a youth who is amoderatedruguser.3.IndividualCounseling:Suitableforayouthwhomaybestrugglingwithaddiction. Every youth and a parent/support person is required to attend the Education Day as a part of their program of measures/sanctions.

The HYDDP is a collaborative, comprised of the following agencies: Hamilton Police Services, The John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area, Alternatives for Youth, Good ShepherdYouthServices,andCityofHamilton,CultureandRecreationServices.TheNewaltaCorporationhasgenerouslyprovidedpartialfundingandstaffingtothisprogramthroughtheirCommunityInvestmentProgram.Note:ThisprogramisopentointernalreferralsonlythroughtheExtrajudicial Measures and Sanctions programs.

the hAmilton yoUth jUstice committee

TheYouthJusticeCommitteeisagroupofrigorouslyscreenedandtrainedcitizensfromabroadspectrumoftheHamiltoncommunitywhomeetwithyouth12–17yearsofageaccusedofminor,non-violentoffences.Thesemeetingscanalsoincludetheyouth’sparent(s)andtheperson(s) harmed and the purpose is to negotiate an appropriate way for the young person to makeamendsforhisorheractions.Withinputfromallparties,theCommitteemaydevelopandimplementalternativestoformalcourtproceedings,eitheronreferralbypoliceortheCrown.Justa few examples of interventions include community service, restitution, personal apologies, and attendance at counseling programs. All youth must agree to accept responsibility for their actions.

teAm UP to cleAn UP ProgrAm

ThisprogramisruninpartnershipwithTheCityofHamilton,PublicWorksDepartmentandtheHamiltonPoliceService,CrimePreventionUnit.Theprogramwasestablishedasacommunityservicealternativeforyouthtoparticipateingraffitiremoval,littercleanupandothercommunitybeautificationactivitieswiththegoalofengagingyouthinrestoringthecommunitybyrepairingharmdone,aswellasserveasameaningfulwayforyouthtotakeresponsibilityforgraffitiandmischiefrelatedoffences.ThisprogramisopentointernalreferralsonlythroughtheExtrajudicialMeasures,ExtrajudicialSanctions,andCommunityServiceOrderProgram.

non-residentiAl AttendAnce centre

Non-ResidentialAttendanceCentre(NRAC)(FundedbytheMinistryofChildrenandYouthServices)The JHS of Hamilton Burlington & Area provides a highly structured intensive community based alternativetocustodyforyouth(ages12-17)whohavecomeincontactwiththelaw.Youthengageineffectivecognitiveprogrammingbasedonprevention,rehabilitationandreintegration.Theprogram provides individualized support for youth to assist them in achieving their program goals, motivate and facilitate change and supports them in becoming positive members of the Hamilton Community.

website resoUrces

Ontario Provincial Police http://www.opp.ca/Ontario Provincial Police

Hamilton Police Service WebSite:www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca/hps/

Midwest Gang Investigators Association WebSite:www.mgia.org/

No To Gangs www.notogangs.org

Toronto Police ServiceWebSite:www.torontopolice.on.ca

PublicSafetyCanadawww.publicsafety.gc.ca/

Ontario Gang Investigators Association WebSite:www.ongia.org/

Get a Life http://www.getalife.ca/

Edmonton Police www.edmontonpolice.ca/

COYO-TheCommitteeofYouthOfficersfortheProvinceofOntariowww.coyo.on.ca

CriminalIntelligenceservicesCanada:http://www.cisc.gc.ca

NationalGangCenterhttp://www.nationalgangcenter.gov

Mike Knox The Gang Guy http://gangguy.com/

National Alliance of Gang Investigators’ Associations - N.A.G www.nagia.orgGangs 101 http://www.lincolnnet.net/users/lrttrapp/http/block/gangs101.htm

NCGIA(NorthCarolinaGangInvestigatorsAssociation)-www.ncgangcops.org

Gangs R Real http://www.gangsrreal.com/

Know Gangs www.knowgangs.com

UsefUl PUblicAtion - resoUrces on gAngs

YoungThugs:InsideTheDangerousWorldOfCanadianStreetGangsMichaelC.Chettletburgh.2007HarperCollinsPublishers.

ReducingYouthGangViolence.TheLittleVillageGangProjectinChicago.IrvingA.Spergel.AltamiraPress2007.

VisaliaTimes-Delta,Visalia,CAGangMythsMichelleArciaga.June15,2007TheYouthGangProblem:ACommunityApproach.IrvingA.Spergel.1995OxfordUniversityPress.

Gangs and Delinquency In Developmental Perspective. Terrence P. Thornberry. Marvin D. Krohn, AlanJ.Lizotte,CarolynA.Smith.CambridgeUniversityPress2003.

Studying Youth Gangs. James F., J.R. Short.

TheCrimeThatPays:DrugTraffickingandOrganizedCrimeinCanada.FrederickJ.Desroches.2005CanadianScholars’Press.

GotGangs?PracticalGuidanceforParents/TeachersonaMissionforGangPrevention/Intervention.RichardR.Ramos.OutskirtsPress2006.

gang prevention guide a resource for youth, parents, and community

Documents