FACTS:

Facts at a Glance:

· 100% of cities with population greater than or equal to 250,000 reported gang activity in 2001 

· 85% of cities with population between 100,000 and 229,999 reported gang activity in 2001 

· 65% of cities with population between 50,000 and 99,999 reported gang activity in 2001 

· 44% of cities with population between 25,000 and 49,999 reported gang activity in 2001 

· 20% of cities with population between 2,500 and 24,999 reported gang activity in 2001 

· 35% of suburban counties reported gang activity in 2001 

· 11% of rural counties reported gang activity in 2001

Tattoo's 

Tattoos have long been associated with gang membership, and connote the toughness desired by gang members as well as the permanence of gang affiliation. 
The designs used are frequently symbolic and represent particular deeds, such as murder. Burn marks may also be a way of recognition to a gang or a gang member.

Graffiti

      

Graffiti has also long been seen as a gang-related activity, and its use is closely connected to the fact that many gangs have particular areas that they always try to control. As above, the graffiti is often highly symbolic and may contain more information about the gang's activities, values, and their current opponents.

Hand Signs 

The original usage of hand sign can be traced back to the Pilgrims. They would use them as code not only to represent themselves, but to identify themselves to other members. "Throwing up" a gang sign with the hands is one of the most known and obvious forms of "claiming". It is used in many situations where other identifiers may not be possible or appropriate, and it can also show that a gang member is in the area to "do business" as opposed to just passing through. 

Usually these signs are made by formation of the fingers on one or both hands to make some sort of symbol or letter.^[1] It can also serve to relay more specific information, such as what set they represent within a larger gang or in which activities they are currently taking part. Individual letters can be used to tell stories when flashed in rapid succession, each representing a word beginning with that letter. These signs, because they are displayed only when wanted , are usually the most consistent across various areas. Many of these hand signals are quite close to other common hand signs, and this can cause confusion among gang members, non-gang members, and anti-gang authorities.

Gang Violence

Gang Violence - Animoto

Violence Statistics.

Published on Jun 26, 2012

CNN's Ted Rowlands talks to two teen gang members as he investigates the surging violence on the streets of Chicago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12FQ2YmPJnE

As the streets of Chicago get worse with violence, this reporter goes more in depth with 2 teens from streets.  Trying to figure out and investigate many shootings, killings, and robbery crimes.

Reasons

• Negative peer pressure
• A need for respect or attention
• Feelings of low self worth
• Feeling rejected by peers
• Childhood abuse or neglect
• Being the victim of violence
• Witnessing violence in their homes or community, or in the media
• Having easy access to weapons
• A history of aggression