California Penal Code 186.22(f) defines a gang as:
3 or more people
Who share a common sign or symbol
And either individually or collectively engage in a pattern of unlawful/criminal activity, such as robbery, sales of narcotics, vandalism, assaults, murder, and several other identified crimes, which ware committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, in the furtherance of, or in association with a criminal street gang, with the intent to promote or further the gang or the individual's social or economic status
WHAT IS A PATTERN OF UNLAWFUL/CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY?
(California Penal Code 186.22(e) provides a list of 25 recognized crimes)
Two or more of the following offenses:
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Robbery
Murder
Sale of Controlled Substances
Shooting at an inhabited dwelling
Discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle
Arson
Intimidation of witnesses or victims
Grand theft
Grand theft auto
Burglary
Rape
Looting
Money laundering
Kidnapping
Mayhem
Aggravated mayhem
Torture
Felony extortion
Vandalism
Carjacking
Sale or delivery of a firearm
Possession of a firearm on their person
Terrorist Threats
Vehicle Theft
WHY JOIN A GANG?
Individuals join gangs for various reasons. Most common is the need to belong. Individuals who join criminal street gangs come from all social and/or economic backgrounds. Some of the common reasons are:
Values and beliefs
Heritage
Peer pressure or protection
Status
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAGGER AND GANG GRAFFITI?
Gang Graffiti gives a written warning, a greeting, marks off turf, can be an insult and identifies the gang and its members. Gang Graffiti is usually only done in one color (unless another gang has crossed out the graffiti) and oftentimes appears to have been hastily done. Tagger Graffiti is often very intricate and detailed. Taggers often place a great deal of pride and time into completing their graffiti and look at their finished product as a form of art. Tagger Graffiti is often multi-colored and is sometimes done in large bubble letters.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ART AND VANDALISM?
The difference between art and vandalism boils down to one word: PERMISSION. If a person has the permission of the property owner to place hs/her graffiti on the property, the graffiti is done legally. When a person does not receive consent from the property owner, the graffiti is vandalism and is illegal.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GRAFFITI?
ART - Legal graffiti based on permission
COMMUNICATIVE - Done to make a statement
HATE - Done against racial or ethnic groups
GANG - Usually territorial and intimidating
TAGGER - Usually nomadic and done for fame
The social and economic burden gang members inflict on society is enormous. Parents, schools, communities, and the local government must act in partnership to intervene, prevent, and suppress gang activity to ensure that gangs do not continue to decay and plague our society.
