NCJ Number
136292
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In the United States, gangs pose a greater threat today to public safety and order than at any time in recent history, and schools can do much to reduce the level of gang activity on campus.
Abstract
Actions schools can take to reduce the level of gang activity include providing a stimulating extracurricular program, establishing clear behavior guidelines that prohibit gang activity and encourage responsible behavior; forbidding the wearing gang paraphernalia or apparel; instituting model discipline and dress policies; involving students, parents, law enforcement, the courts, and local community leaders in the process of developing a local gang prevention and intervention plan; and removing graffiti as soon as possible. Common myths about gangs must be dispelled if gang-suppression activities are to work effectively. Nine gang myths are identified along with the 15 criteria that police agencies in Ventura County, California use for identifying gang members.