Warning Signs of Youth Gang Involvement
Source: The New York Times
Information below provided by National Gang Center and
COLORS
Gangs use certain colors to represent their affiliation and unity.
Source: Stop Houston Gangs
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
This includes items in certain colors such as: bandanas, t-shirts, hats, shoes, shoelaces, hair bands, and jewelry, such as beaded necklaces or belts.
Source: Huffington Post
HAND SIGNS
Gangs use gestures, handshakes, and slang to communicate their affiliation.
Source: Daily WIre
TATTOOS & SYMBOLS
Gang tattoos show affiliation, rank, crimes committed, and loyalty to a particular gang.
Source: Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine
Source: Police: The Law Enforvement Magazine
This is an example of an MS-13 tattoo. Source: News.com.au
This tattoo depicts the name of MS-13, Mara Salvatrucha, as well as the devil horns, which is typically associated with this gang. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
Bloods sometimes brand their bodies with dog paws, three dots, meaning blood oath, blood burden, and blood set. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
This individual marked the words "Bloods" and "B-man" on his fingers, signifying the Bloods. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
This is an example of a tattoo associated with the Neta gang. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
This tattoo says "M.O.B.," which stands for "Member of Bloods." Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
This tattoo says, "Money over Bitches," which is another tattoo referencing the Bloods. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
This tattoo says "M.O.B.," standing for "Member of Bloods." Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
This is a tattoo depicting a king, signifying the Latin Kings. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
This tattoo depicts a 5-pointed star, which is associated with the Bloods. Source: Sgt. Webb Collection
This tattoo shows the 6-pointed star, which is a symbol associated with the Crips. There is also a "C" for Crips. Source: Sgt. Webb Collection
This is a Crips' tattoo, which shows the 6-pointed star and pitch forks pointed up, all symbols of the Crips. Source: Sgt. Webb Collection
GRAFFITI
Graffiti is a way for gangs to mark their territory or show allegiance. Youth may have spray paint, markers, or sketch books.
Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
This graffiti is showing gangs disrespecting each other by going back and forth crossing off graffiti and writing a different gang name, claiming territory. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
This school's sign was defaced by 18th Street gang graffiti. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
Netas' graffiti is depicted on a street sign. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
Surenos' graffiti depicted here is marking territory. Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
White Supremacists' graffiti shows Nazi symbols and "White Power." Source: Sgt. Webb Collection
Latin Kings' graffiti shows a king with a crown, which are symbols the gang uses. Source: Sgt. Webb Collection
This is an example of MS-13 graffiti. Source: Sgt. Webb Collection
Source: Sgt. Webb Collection
Crips show their territory by using symbols, such as the 6-pointed star and "Folk Life," which is part of their gang's history. Source: Sgt. Webb Collection
This graffiti shows "MOB," meaning "Member of Blood," and Piru, which is part of the gang's history. Source: Sgt. Webb Collection