Gang Awareness for School Resource Officers |
Gang Awareness for School Resource Officers
by:
Fred Watson
by:
Fred Watson
Introduction
Welcome to my Weebly website. This website is intended to provide you with an educational as well as a visual experience as it relates to criminal street gangs operating in Atlanta, Georgia. Although the list is not all inclusive, the premise is to give school resource officers a basic understanding of criminal street gangs.
This website will address the following:
· What is a criminal street gang?
· Why do people join criminal street gangs?
· What are the known criminal street gangs in Atlanta?
· What are the history/origins of the criminal street gangs operating in Atlanta?
· What are the subsets of the larger street gangs in Atlanta?
· What are the gang identifiers?
· What are some celebrity gang members?
After reviewing this page, school resource officers will have gained an understanding of the aforesaid information as well as typical visual indicators which associate them with gang activity. Above, the words "Colors" are seen and I felt this was the most appropriate statements to sum up gang life. Colors was also a 1988 movie directed by Dennis Hopper. The movie depicted in LA, it focused upon the Bloods, Crips, and Hispanic gang violence. Colors also represent the affiliation to which gang you are a member. The colors "Blue" and "Red" will be discussed below and give you an understanding of the how these colors represent meaning in schools and the streets of Atlanta. .
This website will address the following:
· What is a criminal street gang?
· Why do people join criminal street gangs?
· What are the known criminal street gangs in Atlanta?
· What are the history/origins of the criminal street gangs operating in Atlanta?
· What are the subsets of the larger street gangs in Atlanta?
· What are the gang identifiers?
· What are some celebrity gang members?
After reviewing this page, school resource officers will have gained an understanding of the aforesaid information as well as typical visual indicators which associate them with gang activity. Above, the words "Colors" are seen and I felt this was the most appropriate statements to sum up gang life. Colors was also a 1988 movie directed by Dennis Hopper. The movie depicted in LA, it focused upon the Bloods, Crips, and Hispanic gang violence. Colors also represent the affiliation to which gang you are a member. The colors "Blue" and "Red" will be discussed below and give you an understanding of the how these colors represent meaning in schools and the streets of Atlanta. .
What is a criminal street gang?
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A. 16-15-3) a criminal street gang is defined as:
“Any organization, association, or group of three or more persons associated in fact, whether formal or informal, which engages in criminal gang activity as defined in paragraph (1) of this Code section. The existence of such organization, association, or group of individuals associated in fact may be established by evidence of a common name or common identifying signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, or attire or other distinguishing characteristics, including, but not limited to, common activities, customs, or behaviors. Such term shall not include three or more persons, associated in fact, whether formal or informal, who are not engaged in criminal gang activity” (State of Georgia, 2014).
“Any organization, association, or group of three or more persons associated in fact, whether formal or informal, which engages in criminal gang activity as defined in paragraph (1) of this Code section. The existence of such organization, association, or group of individuals associated in fact may be established by evidence of a common name or common identifying signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, or attire or other distinguishing characteristics, including, but not limited to, common activities, customs, or behaviors. Such term shall not include three or more persons, associated in fact, whether formal or informal, who are not engaged in criminal gang activity” (State of Georgia, 2014).
Which of the two pictures are likely gang members?
Neither, not every group of individuals are criminal gang members.
Why is this important?
It limits propaganda from being started. According to Baker (2014), propaganda is “the spreading of idea or allegation systematically to manipulate an audience thoughts or behaviors.”
Why do people join criminal street gangs?
According to Gang Alternatives Program (2008), there are seven reasons why people join gangs. They are:
- A Sense of "Family" - Young people might feel that they don't receive enough support or attention at home. They may be trying to escape a negative home life, or may be looking for a father figure. Gangs often make promises to give unconditional support, and to become the “family” they never had.
- Need for food or money - Gangs may present themselves as a means of survival to youth who lack basic essentials such as food, clothing and shelter. More and more, gang members use their affiliation to make a profit through illegal activities, such as selling drugs and auto theft.
- Desire for protection- Communities with high gang activity often see young people join a gang just to survive. It is often easier to join the gang than to remain vulnerable and unprotected in their neighborhoods.
- Peer Pressure - Kids and teens face constant pressure to fit in, and they may not have the support they need to avoid the pressures to join a gang. Peer pressure can come in the form of intimidation, coercion, a dare, harassment, friendly persuasion, or repetitious begging.
- Family history or tradition - Families can have gang involvement spanning over multiple generations. This is one of the toughest forms of pressure to escape, as the gang lifestyle is deeply rooted in family traditions and values.
- Excitement - Some young people get a rush out of defying authority, or committing crimes. They may be attracted to the gang lifestyle, as it lives outside the law and participates in many illicit behaviors.
- To Appear Cool - Gangs have mastered the art of manipulation to attract potential recruits. They wear the latest fashion trends, throw the hottest parties, and drive the coolest cars. They can appear to have the 'perfect' lifestyle to a young kid who's looking to fit in somewhere. They offer an image of "cool" that has been glorified by the media and entertainment industry.
What are the known criminal street gangs in Atlanta?
- Bloods
- Crips
- MS-13
- SUR-13
- Gangster Disciples
Nation Sets
Bloods traditionally align themselves with the People Nation and Gangster Disciples and Crips with the Folk Nation FDC, 2014). MS-13 and SUR-13 are separate and do not belong to any nation.
Origin of Criminal Street Gangs in Atlanta
- Bloods-The Bloods established themselves around the West Piru Street area in the Compton section of Los Angeles. Sylvester Scott and Vincent Owens were the founders of the Bloods (Dunn, 1999). African-American origins.
- Crips- The gang originated from South Central Los Angeles and was organized by two high school students, Raymond Washington and Stanley Tookie Williams. Raymond and Tookie claimed to have started this particular gang as a means of protection against other gangs (i.e. Bloods) in the area who were committing various crimes. (Dunn, 1999). African-American origins.
- MS-13-Formed on the streets of Los Angeles in the 1980s by immigrants fleeing civil war in El Salvador (HIDTA, 2014). Hispanic origins/Central American
- Surenos or Sur-13-The term "Surenos" was first used in the 1970's as a result of a California prison war between the Mexican Mafia (La MEME) and Nuestra Famila (NF). This resulted in territorial division between gang members from Northern California (nortenos=northerners) who aligned with NF, and those from Southern California (surenos=southerners) aligned with La EME (NCGIA, 2014).
- Gangster Disciples- The Black Gangster Disciple Nation was born out of two organizations: The Disciple Nation, whose President was David Barksdale and the Gangster Nation, whose President was Larry hoover. Both gangs originated and operated in Chicago, Illinois (Emery, n.d.). African-American origins.
What are subsets of criminal street gangs?
Subsets of criminal street gangs are defined as: a derivative of a larger part of a criminal street gang.
Two most common gangs that have subsets in Atlanta are:
Bloods and Crips
Two most common gangs that have subsets in Atlanta are:
Bloods and Crips
What are the known subsets of Bloods and Crips in Atlanta?
Bloods
•Money Murder Crew •Fuxk Bout Nun (FBN) •Atlanta Blood Gang (ABG) •Cash Set •Rollin 20’s •United Blood Nation (UBN) •9 Trey •Sex Money Murda •Bank First Play Later •Billy Bloods •YSL Slime |
Crips
•Blood Killas (BK) •GD 74 •Rollin 60 NHC |
****This list is not all inclusive****
What are criminal street gang identifiers?
--Tattoos
--Hand Signs
--Graffiti or Tagging
--Color-coded clothing
--Drawings
--Pictures
--Callings
--Hand Signs
--Graffiti or Tagging
--Color-coded clothing
--Drawings
--Pictures
--Callings
What is it to be visual literate?
Visual literacy is defined as the “ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate visual messages” (Bristor & Drake, 1994).
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Why do you as officers need to be visual literate when it comes to criminal street gangs?
--Safety for yourself
-- --Safety for others (i.e. students and school staff). -- --Intelligence -- --Assistance to investigators for off-campus related incidents. |
What are elements of design and how do they relate to criminal street gangs?
Color-According to Frey and Harris (2008), color is a from of decorative element that we are programmed to. In criminal street gangs, colors relates to different sets. For example, Bloods using red and Crips using Blue.
Shape-According to Golombisky and Hagen (2010), shape is contours or profile. Hand-signs or the five point star or six point star are examples of shape used by members of criminal street gangs.
Pattern-According to Golombisky and Hagen (2010), pattern is about duplication and familiarity. The bandannas worn by criminal street gang members are an example of pattern.
Shape-According to Golombisky and Hagen (2010), shape is contours or profile. Hand-signs or the five point star or six point star are examples of shape used by members of criminal street gangs.
Pattern-According to Golombisky and Hagen (2010), pattern is about duplication and familiarity. The bandannas worn by criminal street gang members are an example of pattern.
What are principles of design and how do they relate to criminal street gangs ?
Focal point-According to Golombisky and Hagen (2010), focal point is the most important piece of visual information seen. This can be seen below in the Bloods picture of “Rolling 20’s.
Contrast- According to Golombisky and Hagen (2010), using dark and light values or colors results in contrast. This can be seen below in the five point star picture tattoo on the individuals face.
Balance- According to Golombisky and Hagen (2010), to achieve balance both sides must be of equal weight. This can be seen with the Crip members fist held together.
Unity-According to Sherrod (2009), the placement of elements next to one another is a form unity. This can be seen in the MS-13 group photo.
Contrast- According to Golombisky and Hagen (2010), using dark and light values or colors results in contrast. This can be seen below in the five point star picture tattoo on the individuals face.
Balance- According to Golombisky and Hagen (2010), to achieve balance both sides must be of equal weight. This can be seen with the Crip members fist held together.
Unity-According to Sherrod (2009), the placement of elements next to one another is a form unity. This can be seen in the MS-13 group photo.
Bloods
Clothing/Unity
Crips
Symbol/Shape
MS-13
Hand-signs/Unity
Surenos or Sur-13
Gangster Disciples
Drawing/Color & Balance
Celebrities with Gang Affiliations
Why do children/students idolize gangs? Celebrities on TV are former members!
If Streets Could Talk-Atlanta
Gangland SUR-13
Helpful Investigative Links
http://gangs.umd.edu/Default.aspx
http://www.chicagogangs.org/
https://web.stanford.edu/class/e297c/poverty_prejudice/gangcolor/lacrips.htm
http://gangresearch.net/ChicagoGangs/BGD/bgdnhistory.html
http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/index.html
http://unitedgangs.com/category/news/
http://vault.fbi.gov/Bloods%20and%20Crips%20Gang%20/Bloods%20and%20Crips%20Gangs%20Part%201%20of%201/view
http://www.ncgangcops.org/home.html
http://www.gangsorus.com/
http://rollingout.com/music/5-rappers-who-are-gang-affiliated/
http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/Publications
https://www.ncjrs.gov/spotlight/gangs/summary.html
http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/content/documents/gang-prosecution-manual.pdf
http://www.chicagogangs.org/
https://web.stanford.edu/class/e297c/poverty_prejudice/gangcolor/lacrips.htm
http://gangresearch.net/ChicagoGangs/BGD/bgdnhistory.html
http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/index.html
http://unitedgangs.com/category/news/
http://vault.fbi.gov/Bloods%20and%20Crips%20Gang%20/Bloods%20and%20Crips%20Gangs%20Part%201%20of%201/view
http://www.ncgangcops.org/home.html
http://www.gangsorus.com/
http://rollingout.com/music/5-rappers-who-are-gang-affiliated/
http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/Publications
https://www.ncjrs.gov/spotlight/gangs/summary.html
http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/content/documents/gang-prosecution-manual.pdf
References
Bristor, V. J., & Drake, S. V. (1994). Linking the language arts and content areas through visual technology. T.H.E. Journal, 22(2), 74-78. Stanford University
Dunn, J. (Spring 1999). Los Angeles Crips and Bloods: Past and Present. Poverty & Prejudice: gang of All Colors. Retrieved from
https://web.stanford.edu/class/e297c/poverty_prejudice/gangcolor/lacrips.htm
Emery, R. (1996). The blueprint: from gangster disciple to growth and development. Retrieved from
https://web.stanford.edu/class/e297c/poverty_prejudice/gangcolor/lacrips.htm
Florida Department of Corrections (2014). Gang and security threat group awareness. Retrieved from
http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/index.html
Frey, N., & Fisher, D. (2008). Teaching visual literacy: Using comic books, graphic novels, anime, cartoons, and more to develop comprehension and thinking skills.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Gang Alternatives Program (2008). Why people join gangs. Retrieved from
http://www.gangfree.org/gangs_why.html
Golombisky, K., & Hagen, R. (2010).White space is not your enemy: A beginner's guide to communicating visually through graphic, web and multimedia
design. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.
Sherrod, A. (2009). Visual design fundamentals: A digital approach. (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
State of Georgia (2014). Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Title 16. Crimes and Offenses, Chapter 15. Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention O.C.G.A. 16-15-3.
Retrieved from http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode/
[The Gang Files]. (2012, April, 12). Sur 13 Street Gang Rules Dont Apply
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivDFdcYoxEo
[Tiaerzo]. (2012, December, 12). If Streets Could Talk Atlanta - Part 1
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTXqi-zAgsE
Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. (n.d.). Gang Library. Retrieved from
http://gangs.umd.edu/GangLibrary.aspx
Dunn, J. (Spring 1999). Los Angeles Crips and Bloods: Past and Present. Poverty & Prejudice: gang of All Colors. Retrieved from
https://web.stanford.edu/class/e297c/poverty_prejudice/gangcolor/lacrips.htm
Emery, R. (1996). The blueprint: from gangster disciple to growth and development. Retrieved from
https://web.stanford.edu/class/e297c/poverty_prejudice/gangcolor/lacrips.htm
Florida Department of Corrections (2014). Gang and security threat group awareness. Retrieved from
http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/index.html
Frey, N., & Fisher, D. (2008). Teaching visual literacy: Using comic books, graphic novels, anime, cartoons, and more to develop comprehension and thinking skills.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Gang Alternatives Program (2008). Why people join gangs. Retrieved from
http://www.gangfree.org/gangs_why.html
Golombisky, K., & Hagen, R. (2010).White space is not your enemy: A beginner's guide to communicating visually through graphic, web and multimedia
design. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.
Sherrod, A. (2009). Visual design fundamentals: A digital approach. (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
State of Georgia (2014). Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Title 16. Crimes and Offenses, Chapter 15. Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention O.C.G.A. 16-15-3.
Retrieved from http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode/
[The Gang Files]. (2012, April, 12). Sur 13 Street Gang Rules Dont Apply
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivDFdcYoxEo
[Tiaerzo]. (2012, December, 12). If Streets Could Talk Atlanta - Part 1
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTXqi-zAgsE
Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. (n.d.). Gang Library. Retrieved from
http://gangs.umd.edu/GangLibrary.aspx