Teen gets 20 years for gang rape of woman, son

[jillio]

What a disturbing and sad commentary on the state of society. There are just so many things wrong with the situation. We are creating a nation that has such an increased tolerance of the horror that these people are living in that rape actually is seen as no big deal. And, as much as I beleive these teenagers deserve the punishemnt they get, I can't get past the fact that they are a product of their environment. And it is an environment that society has created.

 

[Dixie]

You can blame MTV, VH1, and other teen oriented channels - they glamorize sex and violence to a degree that its nothing for a guy to think it is perfectly OK to beat a woman half to death, and the woman also thinks this is perfectly OK also.

dammit - we need a stricter FCC!! Even 10 years ago some of the things we see and hear now over the airwaves would have been considered taboo. Now you can say 'ass' and 'bitch' on Dr. Phil and not get censored....

 

[Liebling:-)))]

You mean Juvenile detention facility? Yes for those who are under the age of 14, not those who are 17 or 18 years old, they're almost the adult legal age, and they should be with the adults in prison, but those who are under the age of 14 should be going to the Juvenile detention facility. This is what I agree, But I don't agree that all those ten teenagers should be sent to the Juvenile detention facility.

I just check google what Juvenile detention facitity is about. Yes, it´s what I am referring as secure home for youth crime. Thank you for put American word for me.

Oh I see, Juvenile detention facitiy (secure home for youth crime) are between 14 years old and 18 years old in most EU countries including Germany and Canada. UK to 21 years old. I know because my nephew was there before. It works on him good.
Yes, I can understand that US and EU system are different. Juvenile detention facitiy is about to train teenagers positive. It´s very hard training and strict.

I personally beleive that Juvenile detention facitiy is the best solution to train the teenagers until they are out of Juvenile detention facitiy and positive their behavior.

If they send to prison to share with adult and learn negative there - rape, volience, etc. then they will do the same when they are out of prison which is no good.

How would u know they will most likely repeat the same crime?

I am not saying all but depends.

it depends how much they're suffer in prison, and most likely won't want to ever go back there again. I know for matter of fact that the prosecutor will not want to appear to be soft on crime and will usually seek the harshest sentence depends on what type of violent crime it was committed. Those teenagers boys have done far the worst I've ever read, and I would not even care if they get the harshest sentence or should be sentenced as an adult. They're old and wise enough to know better, but decide anyways to do it beyond their thinking minds when they know it's wasn't right.

Teenager and adult are not same thing.

If Juillvie detention facitiy for teenagers to develop their positive behavioral... Juillvie detention faciity is not luxury for youth crimes. They will learn their lesson there to positive their life.

If they shared rape, volience or whatever with adult in prision then they will suffer mental illness and will repeat to hurt other victims.

Yes I has to agree that what and how teenagers did to mother and son are the mainly worst. They deserve hard punishment.

 

[Liebling:-)))]

How do they train them? What methods do they use? What kind of discipline is used to enforce obedience and respect? Has there been long-term follow-up to determine if this "training" makes life-long changes?

Just curious.

Check my post toward Cheri.

 

[Liebling:-)))]

You can blame MTV, VH1, and other teen oriented channels - they glamorize sex and violence to a degree that its nothing for a guy to think it is perfectly OK to beat a woman half to death, and the woman also thinks this is perfectly OK also.

dammit - we need a stricter FCC!! Even 10 years ago some of the things we see and hear now over the airwaves would have been considered taboo. Now you can say 'ass' and 'bitch' on Dr. Phil and not get censored....

I see no excuse to blame TV or whatever. It´s parent who should limit their children from watch which TV programms.

 

[Liebling:-)))]

What a disturbing and sad commentary on the state of society. There are just so many things wrong with the situation. We are creating a nation that has such an increased tolerance of the horror that these people are living in that rape actually is seen as no big deal. And, as much as I beleive these teenagers deserve the punishemnt they get, I can't get past the fact that they are a product of their environment. And it is an environment that society has created.

*nodding sadly*

 

[Cheri]

If Juillvie detention facitiy for teenagers to develop their positive behavioral... Juillvie detention faciity is not luxury for youth crimes. They will learn their lesson there to positive their life..[/COLOR]

The Juvenile Detention Facilities does help teens with their drug abuse, dealing with anger, How to get out of or stay out of gangs and etc.. But it not that easy to send those teens to the juvenile detention, it all depends upon the judge, how serious the crime was, and the age of the teens, and history of what they've been charge with in the previous past. Those teenagers who committed a crime on the mother and son would not most likely get any special friendly treatments from other teens who are staying in the Juvenile Detention especially those who are 12 and 13 years olds, not after what they hears what those teens did to the 12 years old son.

Imagining being a mother and your 12 years old son was held at the Juvenile Hall would you want your son to be in the same room with those teens that tortured, brutally beaten and poured household cleaning liquids into the 12 years old's eyes. I cannot imagine any mothers would want those teens in the same building or the same room as their sons/daughters.

 

[jillio]

You can blame MTV, VH1, and other teen oriented channels - they glamorize sex and violence to a degree that its nothing for a guy to think it is perfectly OK to beat a woman half to death, and the woman also thinks this is perfectly OK also.

dammit - we need a stricter FCC!! Even 10 years ago some of the things we see and hear now over the airwaves would have been considered taboo. Now you can say 'ass' and 'bitch' on Dr. Phil and not get censored....

MYV, VH1, etc. are also a reflection of the attitudes of society at large. The media just makes it accessible 24/7. It is the abject proverty, and the materialistic attitude that says we should all achieve the American dream, but prevents certain segments from having the means to obtain that which we tell them is desirable that contributes to this. This kind of behavior is rooted in extreme and pathological anger, not imitation.

 

[GarnetTigerMom]

Maybe because lack of evidence or DNA proof....

because lot of time in the court the DNA semen not admissble in court.

 

[Buffalo]

What world do you live in? Prisons are breeding grounds for both recidivism and mental illness.

I watched PBS program on Alcatraz prison that is on an island in San Franscisco Bay. It was closed in 1963 but now is open to visitors. I understand that prisoners were kept in cells 23 hours out of 24 hours. Another program on Rikers Island (NYC) where it shows men in one large room. When that rule has changed? I don't want to hear about prisoners' rights as they lost them when they commited crimes. I think being in the cell all the time (or 23 out of 24 hours) will cut down the HIV rates and the guards are safer. I would allow books and education materials. What will happens if we change it back?

I think 16 years old is old enough to know the difference of the right and the wrong. Lots of time I think they need their dad to teach them the right stuff. Too many men don't live up to it nowadays.

 

[Reba]

Check my post toward Cheri.

I did. That post doesn't answer these questions:

How do they train them? What methods do they use? What kind of discipline is used to enforce obedience and respect? Has there been long-term follow-up to determine if this "training" makes life-long changes?

 

[jillio]

I watched PBS program on Alcatraz prison that is on an island in San Franscisco Bay. It was closed in 1963 but now is open to visitors. I understand that prisoners were kept in cells 23 hours out of 24 hours. Another program on Rikers Island (NYC) where it shows men in one large room. When that rule has changed? I don't want to hear about prisoners' rights as they lost them when they commited crimes. I think being in the cell all the time (or 23 out of 24 hours) will cut down the HIV rates and the guards are safer. I would allow books and education materials. What will happens if we change it back?

I think 16 years old is old enough to know the difference of the right and the wrong. Lots of time I think they need their dad to teach them the right stuff. Too many men don't live up to it nowadays.

And that type of incarceration also leads tot he conditions that make the prisoners worse when we release them than they were when they went in. Segregation like that over a long period of time has been shown to cause mental illness, or to worsen conditions of mental illness that were there when the prisoner was incarcerated. I would suggest that you read the book about Alvin Ford, I believe it is called Competent to Die: The Case of Alvin Ford. It is a true story regarding how the conditions of incarceration exacerabated a mental illness, and how the illness went untreated until it resulted in his death. There are numerous cases just like Alvin Ford's.

I do not disagree that these individuals need to be punished. But, just as you said that they need their dad in their life, they are also a product of their environment. They chose to do the criminal behavior but they did not have a choice of environment.

The practices you saw on the PBS series have changed because they were considered to be inhumane and cruel.

 

[GarnetTigerMom]

You can blame MTV, VH1, and other teen oriented channels - they glamorize sex and violence to a degree that its nothing for a guy to think it is perfectly OK to beat a woman half to death, and the woman also thinks this is perfectly OK also.

dammit - we need a stricter FCC!! Even 10 years ago some of the things we see and hear now over the airwaves would have been considered taboo. Now you can say 'ass' and 'bitch' on Dr. Phil and not get censored....

I don't see how you can blame the T.V. stations shows. It really should be the parnets responbility what tv show is proper to watch for kids. I don't let my kids watch TV all day no way. Lot of parents I know let kids watch too much tv that can make them behind their school work, education and copy off other people about how they dress from the tv show. TV should be limited for kids and it the same with video games as well. I only limited like one hour show and encourage them to go play with something else, do their homework , join sport activites then watching too much tv. we all know tv is a power thing.

 

[GarnetTigerMom]

What a disturbing and sad commentary on the state of society. There are just so many things wrong with the situation. We are creating a nation that has such an increased tolerance of the horror that these people are living in that rape actually is seen as no big deal. And, as much as I beleive these teenagers deserve the punishemnt they get, I can't get past the fact that they are a product of their environment. And it is an environment that society has created.

Many young people in the juvenile justice system have serious mental health problems that need treatment; and many young people with such problems end up in juvenile justice facilities because they lack access to treatment in their communities. CFK has compiled information on the challenges and effective solutions.


Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse, Juvenile Justice and the Children Left behind the National Center on Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that of the 2.4 million juvenile arrests in 2000, 1.9 million involved substance abuse and addiction but that only 68,600 of those arrested received any substance abuse treatment. The reported suggests modifications that would improve the way the nation treats juvenile offenders and ultimately result in fewer juvenile substance abusers and addicts. It gets worst now then it was in the past.

 

[GarnetTigerMom]

The police's definition of a gang is: a group of individuals, juvenile and or adult, who associate on a continuous basis, form an allegiance for a common purpose, and are involved in delinquent or criminal activity. This definition is simple and functional. It allows the police departments to take proactive law enforcement action normally before the gang gets an organized structure. The gang may range from a loose knit group of individuals who hang around together and commit crimes together, to a formal organization with a leader or ruling council, gang colors, gang identifiers, and a gang name.


What is a gang?

The police's definition of a gang is: a group of individuals, juvenile and or adult, who associate on a continuous basis, form an allegiance for a common purpose, and are involved in delinquent or criminal activity. This definition is simple and functional. It allows the police departments to take proactive law enforcement action normally before the gang gets an organized structure. The gang may range from a loose knit group of individuals who hang around together and commit crimes together, to a formal organization with a leader or ruling council, gang colors, gang identifiers, and a gang name.

Back to Gangs Index

How do they join?

Many kids are intrigued by the lifestyle of the gangsters and are drawn to them like magnets. They will "hang" with them constantly trying to prove their allegiance. They may be asked to commit crimes to "prove" themselves. Once they and proven themselves, they will be initiated.

Initiation consists of a process that is referred to as being V'd in. There is usually a time limit set of ten minutes in which time the inductee will be beat on by a set number of members. They are allowed to kick and punch. Some gangs have rules where you are allowed to hit the victim anywhere on the body, while others don't allow blows to the head. The only reason the blows to the head are not permitted is so the beating can be easier to hide. The inductee is not allowed to block any blows. If he survives the beating, he (or she) becomes a member of the gang.

It never ceases to amaze me the violence and rules that the kids are willing to put up with in order to join and to belong to a gang. That is why once they become a member, it is very difficult to get them out. So the obvious solution is to try to prevent their involvement in the first place. This can be done by having a "ZERO TOLERANCE" attitude towards gang attire and gang affiliation. Keeping the child involved in sports or other activities will help to keep them occupied so they wont be tempted because of idle time. Knowing where they go and who they go with, and keeping in touch and having an open line of communication with their friend's parents will also help. But probably the most important thing you can do as a parent is to be educated and know what to look for.


1. O.G.s, original gangster. They are in it forever.

2. Hardcore. Comprise approximately 5-10% of the gang. These are the die-hard gangsters, who thrive on the gang's lifestyle and will always seek the gang's companionship. The hardcore gangsters will most always be the leaders and without them the gang may fall apart. The gang's level of violence will normally be determined by the most violent hardcore members. They are usually the shooters.

3. Regular Members (or Associates). Usually range from 14 to 17 years old; their jobs are robbing and stealing. They are money oriented. They are initiated into the gang and will back up the "hardcore" gang members. If they stay in the gang long enough, they will become hardcore. They usually join the gang for status and recognition. They will wear gang colors, attend gang functions, and may even participate in some gang related criminal activity all to fulfill their emotional need of belonging.

4. Wanna-be's. Usually 11 to 13 years old; their jobs are tagging and stealing. They are not yet initiated into the gang, but hang around with them and usually will do most anything the gang members ask of them so that they may prove themselves worthy of belonging.

5. Could-be's. Usually under the age of 10. Children of this age are at more risk when they live in or close to an area where there are gangs or have a family member who is involved with gangs. It is important to find alternatives for these children in order that they may avoid gang affiliation completely. Generally, the further into a gang that someone is, the harder it is to get out.

6. Scavenger Gangs (Wanna-be's): Have no backing from the "real" gangsters. They get killed for using sect names. They are usually trouble makers. They are commonly found in the suburbs. They join gangs because they want to be cool and are nick-named "weekend gangsters". They are usually white and usually join the gang for the intimidation factor.

7. Territorial Gangs: They protect their block, neighborhood, or city. They are usually Latino or Spanish, but sometimes are black. Their purpose is to keep their gangs in their neighborhoods and they join for respect.

8. Hardcore: They want all rival gangs dead. Their main objective is to make money and to get rid of their rivals. They are mostly black, but some can be Spanish.

Some gang names: Bloods, Kings, Counts, Vice Lords, TMV's, TMC's.

They dress to the right.

Symbol: Pitchfork turned down, also, a 5 point star which stands for love, truth, peace, freedom and justice.

Predominant colors: red, black and white.

Latin Kings use a 3 point crown which is usually black and gold, or just black.

They are called Slobs by Folk.

When tagging they always cross out the "C's" (for "crip") and X out the "O's" (for rolling).

The structure of the beads are as follows:

They are red, white and black.

All red beads mean simply: gangster.

Multicolor beads alternating six of each means your moving up in rank.

Multicolor beads means that you have killed someone.

Red and black beads mean your a Vice Chief.

Black and white beads mean your a Chief or retired.

The Vice Lords use the colors of black and white.

Counts and Kings are from the same sect, but they are rivals. This is unusual since they are from the same sect.

Folks

Gang names: Crips, Cobras, Folks Incorporated, Black Gangsters Disciples, Young Guns.

They dress to the left.

Pitchfork turned up.

6 point star: stands for love, unity, money, loyalty, wisdom, and understanding.

B.G. Kings were the first Folk gang. They were black. It originated in a Chicago prison.

Predominant colors: Blue, green and black.

The Cobras use a diamond.

The folk symbol is the Insane Heart: The horn for the voice of their tribe, the heart for the heart of their nation and the wing is for the rise of their people.

They are called "Crabs" by the People sect.

Crips always cross out the "B's" when tagging: "B" standing for "blood".

Black is for Black Gangster Disciples and Young Guns.

Blue is for Crip, Cash Flo, and Folks Incorporated.

The beads are as follows:

All blue means gangster.

Multicolor alternating every six, means moving up in rank.

Multicolor (blue, white and black) means a regular soldier: the only way to get them is to kill someone.

Blue & black: vice chief

All black: retired or chief.

Family

Gang name: Cash flo

They are territorial

Their symbol is a triangle with a dot at each point and a "F" beneath it.

Their colors are blue and black

They are a small sect trying to be independent from the other sects; a spin-off sect if you will.

Back to Gangs Index

Gang attire.

Dressing to the right or the left. brim of hat turned to the left or right, pant leg rolled up, shirt collars turned up on one side only, any predominance of colors, colors displayed in wrist or ankle bands, shoe laces, rubber bands, barrettes, and bandannas, tongues hanging out of one shoe, earrings worn on one side only, bandannas or scarves hanging from belt loops, pockets, or tied to the leg. Eyebrows shaved or lines shaved through them. Small tattoos on the inside of the hand or between the thumb or index finger. Burn marks (brands) on the arms, hands, or chest. Look for writing on the inside of hat, or under the brims for gang writing.

Some clothes that have strong gang affiliation:

Chicago Bulls: People

North Carolina: Crip Nation, or Cobra Nation

Detroit Tigers Hat: Disciples

University of Texas/Long Horn: Insane Folk Heart; looks like heart with horns coming out of it.

L. A. Kings: Latin Kings

Green Bay Packers: "G" stands for gangster.

Georgetown: "G" stands for gangster

Seattle Mariners: "S" stands for rolling 60 Crip

Houston Astros: "H" stands for Hoover; folk.

These are just a sample of some of the gang affiliated clothing . One thing to remember: No one wants to be mistaken for a gangster if they are not one. If your child absolutely refuses to part with an article of clothing because you suspect it could be gang related then chances are they want to be recognized as a gang member. Gang graffiti should not be tolerated; writing is common on school books, paper, etc. Hand signs are another way of identifying gang members. Any unusual hand gestures should be questioned.

Back to Gangs Index

Girls and gangs.

Girls are attracted to gangsters because of the respect they think they will acquire once people realize who they are going out with. Little do they know that the guys are only using them for their sexual enjoyment. Very rarely will a gangster have a serious relationship with a girl who "hangs" with the gang. And in almost all cases where the girl gets pregnant, they guy will ditch her and the baby.

Girls do form their own gangs, and also belong to spinoffs of the guys' gangs. The girl gangsters can be just as dangerous and just as organized. They also are initiated in the same manner as the boys; by being V'd in. And don't think for a minute that these beatings aren't every bit as vicious as the beatings that the guys take. In some cases, if a girl wants to hang with the guy's gang, she has to be V'd-in in order to associate with them. This is done by one of several ways. The most popular of those ways being that the girl have sex with every guy in the gang (never using protection); and in some cases, the girl has to have sex with a guy who is HIV infected to prove her loyalty.

Back to Gangs Index

Miscellaneous info.

How to treat a gangster? Treat them with kindness and respect and they will treat you the same way. It is all about respect. If you have a problem with them, you will accomplish more by talking nice to them and trying to get them to see your position than by being rude, disrespectful, or intimidating.

Remember that the "Real Gangsters" do have standards they live by. Their code of ethics are: Never mess with small children, old people, religious people, or innocent people. It is the "scavengers or wannabes" that act without remorse or guidelines in most cases. I have found that for that reason, the hardcore gangsters are willing to work with people like myself to get these scavengers out of the gang life. They have a tendency to cause more trouble and attention than they are worth.

Gang activity is more rampant in cities that have highway access; thus making it easier to escape from the police after committing a crime; etc.

Girls and gangs.

Girls are attracted to gangsters because of the respect they think they will acquire once people realize who they are going out with. Little do they know that the guys are only using them for their sexual enjoyment. Very rarely will a gangster have a serious relationship with a girl who "hangs" with the gang. And in almost all cases where the girl gets pregnant, they guy will ditch her and the baby.

Girls do form their own gangs, and also belong to spinoffs of the guys' gangs. The girl gangsters can be just as dangerous and just as organized. They also are initiated in the same manner as the boys; by being V'd in. And don't think for a minute that these beatings aren't every bit as vicious as the beatings that the guys take. In some cases, if a girl wants to hang with the guy's gang, she has to be V'd-in in order to associate with them. This is done by one of several ways. The most popular of those ways being that the girl have sex with every guy in the gang (never using protection); and in some cases, the girl has to have sex with a guy who is HIV infected to prove her loyalty.

 

[Angel]

Yes I has to agree that what and how teenagers did to mother and son are the mainly worst. They deserve hard punishment.

If you think they deserves a hard punishment, then 20 years is the answer...

 

[jillio]

Many young people in the juvenile justice system have serious mental health problems that need treatment; and many young people with such problems end up in juvenile justice facilities because they lack access to treatment in their communities. CFK has compiled information on the challenges and effective solutions.


Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse, Juvenile Justice and the Children Left behind the National Center on Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that of the 2.4 million juvenile arrests in 2000, 1.9 million involved substance abuse and addiction but that only 68,600 of those arrested received any substance abuse treatment. The reported suggests modifications that would improve the way the nation treats juvenile offenders and ultimately result in fewer juvenile substance abusers and addicts. It gets worst now then it was in the past.

I agree with you. If our juvenile justice system acted appropriately, these kids would be receiving the treatment they need, and thus would be rehabilitated at the time in their lives when it would have the most impact. Unfortunately, rather than recognizing and treating the core problems that lead these kids into criminal behavior, they are slapped on the wrist, or locked up in juvenile detention centers where they receive no mental health or rehabilitative services. The result is that our prisons are full of young men and women that began their criminal behaviors as children, and the system neglected them.

 

[Angel]

You can blame MTV, VH1, and other teen oriented channels - they glamorize sex and violence to a degree that its nothing for a guy to think it is perfectly OK to beat a woman half to death, and the woman also thinks this is perfectly OK also.

dammit - we need a stricter FCC!! Even 10 years ago some of the things we see and hear now over the airwaves would have been considered taboo. Now you can say 'ass' and 'bitch' on Dr. Phil and not get censored....

I respectfully disagree because I believe the blame should be pointing at the parents for not disciplining their children enough and if the parents doesn't stick to the rules and consequences that they set up, then their children isn't going to learn anything..I know that some children learn other things by watching bad movies, play violence games too often, hanging around with bad group of friends etc but it is particularly the parents' fault for not keeping it under control or put a stop to it, sometimes the parents ignore the bad behaviors or not following through on it...Discipline is not only about punishment, it also helps children to recognizing what is right and wrong..All they need to do is set up rules and stick to it!..

 

[jillio]

The police's definition of a gang is: a group of individuals, juvenile and or adult, who associate on a continuous basis, form an allegiance for a common purpose, and are involved in delinquent or criminal activity. This definition is simple and functional. It allows the police departments to take proactive law enforcement action normally before the gang gets an organized structure. The gang may range from a loose knit group of individuals who hang around together and commit crimes together, to a formal organization with a leader or ruling council, gang colors, gang identifiers, and a gang name.


What is a gang?

The police's definition of a gang is: a group of individuals, juvenile and or adult, who associate on a continuous basis, form an allegiance for a common purpose, and are involved in delinquent or criminal activity. This definition is simple and functional. It allows the police departments to take proactive law enforcement action normally before the gang gets an organized structure. The gang may range from a loose knit group of individuals who hang around together and commit crimes together, to a formal organization with a leader or ruling council, gang colors, gang identifiers, and a gang name.

Back to Gangs Index

How do they join?

Many kids are intrigued by the lifestyle of the gangsters and are drawn to them like magnets. They will "hang" with them constantly trying to prove their allegiance. They may be asked to commit crimes to "prove" themselves. Once they and proven themselves, they will be initiated.

Initiation consists of a process that is referred to as being V'd in. There is usually a time limit set of ten minutes in which time the inductee will be beat on by a set number of members. They are allowed to kick and punch. Some gangs have rules where you are allowed to hit the victim anywhere on the body, while others don't allow blows to the head. The only reason the blows to the head are not permitted is so the beating can be easier to hide. The inductee is not allowed to block any blows. If he survives the beating, he (or she) becomes a member of the gang.

It never ceases to amaze me the violence and rules that the kids are willing to put up with in order to join and to belong to a gang. That is why once they become a member, it is very difficult to get them out. So the obvious solution is to try to prevent their involvement in the first place. This can be done by having a "ZERO TOLERANCE" attitude towards gang attire and gang affiliation. Keeping the child involved in sports or other activities will help to keep them occupied so they wont be tempted because of idle time. Knowing where they go and who they go with, and keeping in touch and having an open line of communication with their friend's parents will also help. But probably the most important thing you can do as a parent is to be educated and know what to look for.


1. O.G.s, original gangster. They are in it forever.

2. Hardcore. Comprise approximately 5-10% of the gang. These are the die-hard gangsters, who thrive on the gang's lifestyle and will always seek the gang's companionship. The hardcore gangsters will most always be the leaders and without them the gang may fall apart. The gang's level of violence will normally be determined by the most violent hardcore members. They are usually the shooters.

3. Regular Members (or Associates). Usually range from 14 to 17 years old; their jobs are robbing and stealing. They are money oriented. They are initiated into the gang and will back up the "hardcore" gang members. If they stay in the gang long enough, they will become hardcore. They usually join the gang for status and recognition. They will wear gang colors, attend gang functions, and may even participate in some gang related criminal activity all to fulfill their emotional need of belonging.

4. Wanna-be's. Usually 11 to 13 years old; their jobs are tagging and stealing. They are not yet initiated into the gang, but hang around with them and usually will do most anything the gang members ask of them so that they may prove themselves worthy of belonging.

5. Could-be's. Usually under the age of 10. Children of this age are at more risk when they live in or close to an area where there are gangs or have a family member who is involved with gangs. It is important to find alternatives for these children in order that they may avoid gang affiliation completely. Generally, the further into a gang that someone is, the harder it is to get out.

6. Scavenger Gangs (Wanna-be's): Have no backing from the "real" gangsters. They get killed for using sect names. They are usually trouble makers. They are commonly found in the suburbs. They join gangs because they want to be cool and are nick-named "weekend gangsters". They are usually white and usually join the gang for the intimidation factor.

7. Territorial Gangs: They protect their block, neighborhood, or city. They are usually Latino or Spanish, but sometimes are black. Their purpose is to keep their gangs in their neighborhoods and they join for respect.

8. Hardcore: They want all rival gangs dead. Their main objective is to make money and to get rid of their rivals. They are mostly black, but some can be Spanish.

Some gang names: Bloods, Kings, Counts, Vice Lords, TMV's, TMC's.

They dress to the right.

Symbol: Pitchfork turned down, also, a 5 point star which stands for love, truth, peace, freedom and justice.

Predominant colors: red, black and white.

Latin Kings use a 3 point crown which is usually black and gold, or just black.

They are called Slobs by Folk.

When tagging they always cross out the "C's" (for "crip") and X out the "O's" (for rolling).

The structure of the beads are as follows:

They are red, white and black.

All red beads mean simply: gangster.

Multicolor beads alternating six of each means your moving up in rank.

Multicolor beads means that you have killed someone.

Red and black beads mean your a Vice Chief.

Black and white beads mean your a Chief or retired.

The Vice Lords use the colors of black and white.

Counts and Kings are from the same sect, but they are rivals. This is unusual since they are from the same sect.

Folks

Gang names: Crips, Cobras, Folks Incorporated, Black Gangsters Disciples, Young Guns.

They dress to the left.

Pitchfork turned up.

6 point star: stands for love, unity, money, loyalty, wisdom, and understanding.

B.G. Kings were the first Folk gang. They were black. It originated in a Chicago prison.

Predominant colors: Blue, green and black.

The Cobras use a diamond.

The folk symbol is the Insane Heart: The horn for the voice of their tribe, the heart for the heart of their nation and the wing is for the rise of their people.

They are called "Crabs" by the People sect.

Crips always cross out the "B's" when tagging: "B" standing for "blood".

Black is for Black Gangster Disciples and Young Guns.

Blue is for Crip, Cash Flo, and Folks Incorporated.

The beads are as follows:

All blue means gangster.

Multicolor alternating every six, means moving up in rank.

Multicolor (blue, white and black) means a regular soldier: the only way to get them is to kill someone.

Blue & black: vice chief

All black: retired or chief.

Family

Gang name: Cash flo

They are territorial

Their symbol is a triangle with a dot at each point and a "F" beneath it.

Their colors are blue and black

They are a small sect trying to be independent from the other sects; a spin-off sect if you will.

Back to Gangs Index

Gang attire.

Dressing to the right or the left. brim of hat turned to the left or right, pant leg rolled up, shirt collars turned up on one side only, any predominance of colors, colors displayed in wrist or ankle bands, shoe laces, rubber bands, barrettes, and bandannas, tongues hanging out of one shoe, earrings worn on one side only, bandannas or scarves hanging from belt loops, pockets, or tied to the leg. Eyebrows shaved or lines shaved through them. Small tattoos on the inside of the hand or between the thumb or index finger. Burn marks (brands) on the arms, hands, or chest. Look for writing on the inside of hat, or under the brims for gang writing.

Some clothes that have strong gang affiliation:

Chicago Bulls: People

North Carolina: Crip Nation, or Cobra Nation

Detroit Tigers Hat: Disciples

University of Texas/Long Horn: Insane Folk Heart; looks like heart with horns coming out of it.

L. A. Kings: Latin Kings

Green Bay Packers: "G" stands for gangster.

Georgetown: "G" stands for gangster

Seattle Mariners: "S" stands for rolling 60 Crip

Houston Astros: "H" stands for Hoover; folk.

These are just a sample of some of the gang affiliated clothing . One thing to remember: No one wants to be mistaken for a gangster if they are not one. If your child absolutely refuses to part with an article of clothing because you suspect it could be gang related then chances are they want to be recognized as a gang member. Gang graffiti should not be tolerated; writing is common on school books, paper, etc. Hand signs are another way of identifying gang members. Any unusual hand gestures should be questioned.

Back to Gangs Index

Girls and gangs.

Girls are attracted to gangsters because of the respect they think they will acquire once people realize who they are going out with. Little do they know that the guys are only using them for their sexual enjoyment. Very rarely will a gangster have a serious relationship with a girl who "hangs" with the gang. And in almost all cases where the girl gets pregnant, they guy will ditch her and the baby.

Girls do form their own gangs, and also belong to spinoffs of the guys' gangs. The girl gangsters can be just as dangerous and just as organized. They also are initiated in the same manner as the boys; by being V'd in. And don't think for a minute that these beatings aren't every bit as vicious as the beatings that the guys take. In some cases, if a girl wants to hang with the guy's gang, she has to be V'd-in in order to associate with them. This is done by one of several ways. The most popular of those ways being that the girl have sex with every guy in the gang (never using protection); and in some cases, the girl has to have sex with a guy who is HIV infected to prove her loyalty.

Back to Gangs Index

Miscellaneous info.

How to treat a gangster? Treat them with kindness and respect and they will treat you the same way. It is all about respect. If you have a problem with them, you will accomplish more by talking nice to them and trying to get them to see your position than by being rude, disrespectful, or intimidating.

Remember that the "Real Gangsters" do have standards they live by. Their code of ethics are: Never mess with small children, old people, religious people, or innocent people. It is the "scavengers or wannabes" that act without remorse or guidelines in most cases. I have found that for that reason, the hardcore gangsters are willing to work with people like myself to get these scavengers out of the gang life. They have a tendency to cause more trouble and attention than they are worth.

Gang activity is more rampant in cities that have highway access; thus making it easier to escape from the police after committing a crime; etc.

Girls and gangs.

Girls are attracted to gangsters because of the respect they think they will acquire once people realize who they are going out with. Little do they know that the guys are only using them for their sexual enjoyment. Very rarely will a gangster have a serious relationship with a girl who "hangs" with the gang. And in almost all cases where the girl gets pregnant, they guy will ditch her and the baby.

Girls do form their own gangs, and also belong to spinoffs of the guys' gangs. The girl gangsters can be just as dangerous and just as organized. They also are initiated in the same manner as the boys; by being V'd in. And don't think for a minute that these beatings aren't every bit as vicious as the beatings that the guys take. In some cases, if a girl wants to hang with the guy's gang, she has to be V'd-in in order to associate with them. This is done by one of several ways. The most popular of those ways being that the girl have sex with every guy in the gang (never using protection); and in some cases, the girl has to have sex with a guy who is HIV infected to prove her loyalty.

Girl gangs are the fastest growing segment of the juvenile deliquent population.

 

[Angel]

I agree with you. If our juvenile justice system acted appropriately, these kids would be receiving the treatment they need, and thus would be rehabilitated at the time in their lives when it would have the most impact. Unfortunately, rather than recognizing and treating the core problems that lead these kids into criminal behavior, they are slapped on the wrist, or locked up in juvenile detention centers where they receive no mental health or rehabilitative services. The result is that our prisons are full of young men and women that began their criminal behaviors as children, and the system neglected them.

I agree, I believe more should be done for these children even to the ones that are innocents...