Gangs in the Suburbs
We usually associate gangs with inner-city neighborhoods; the suburbs are viewed as safe territory. That image, while comforting, is no longer true. Gangs are not limited to the Bloods and Crips. There are hundreds of known gangs, and new ones appear on law enforcement’s radar regularly. Gang membership can range from a small group of friends who dare each other to do increasingly dangerous things, to formal organizations involved with drugs and prostitution. The combination of highways, cars, and local teens with ready cash means that inner-city gang members – and drug dealers – have very easy access to local youths.
From the point of view of their members, gangs offer a positive refuge from a difficult world. They provide structure, “family”, emotional support, rewards for a job well done … but they also provide danger, access to drugs and violence, and—and if a member decides it’s not for them—can make departure from the group difficult at best.
More Information
New York State Gang Prevention
Questions and answers on gangs for parents, educators and law enforcement
And more links from Westchester CountyWhat parents can do to prevent gang involvement:
- Spend quality time with your child
- Get involved in your child's school activities
- Be a positive role model and set the right example
- Know your child's friends and their families
- Encourage good study habits
- Teach your child how to cope with peer pressure
- Help your child develop good conflict-resolution skills
- Encourage your child to participate in positive afterschool activities with adult supervision
- Take preventive action in your neighborhood – form a Neighborhood Watch program
- Talk with your child about the dangers and consequences of gang involvement
- Be aware if your child wears the same color all the time
- Take note if your child is making graffiti, use hand signs, symbols, or language