NCJ Number
164626
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1996) Pages: 39-42
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a localized laser tattoo-removal program for former gang members in DuPage County, Ill., and discusses one of the possible consequences of such a program for law enforcement officials.
Abstract
Realizing that many youths have left their gangs over the years and still were branded by the physical reminder of that lifestyle in the form of tattoos, Project G.A.I.N. (Gang Awareness in Naperville) helped establish a free laser tattoo- removal program for former gang members. Project G.A.I.N. worked with the Edward Hospital and DuPage Prevention Partnership to develop a strategy for a host location, resources, criteria, and screening component. This article outlines participant criteria, the program process, and the screening process. Recognizing that obtaining specific data could reveal factors not currently known regarding gangs in DuPage County, the program collects the following data: sex, race, employment and/or educational status, age range, origin of affiliation, former gang affiliation, educational level, current city or town of residency, total number scheduled for screening, total keeping appointment, total qualified, and total disqualified after screening/review of tattoo. The author notes that one of the disadvantages of the tattoo-removal program is that gang members who are still active in criminal activity may slip through the screening process to have identifying tattoos removed. Consequently, police officers who may rely on tattoo information for suspect identification could be hampered in their work. This problem might be addressed by providing information from the tattoo-removal program to the STAGIS System, which is available to all Illinois police departments through the Illinois State Police network.