Takoma Park Police Warn Teens About Gangs

Takoma Park Police took the time to educate the community on the dangers of gangs in the area.

Gangs are neither just a big city nor inner city problem, nor are they a problem of a particular race or culture, police said. Gangs cross all ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, gender, and geographic boundaries. They bring fear and violence to neighborhoods, traffic in drugs, destroy property, involve youth in crime, and drive out businesses. Gangs pull teens away from school and home into a life of violence, police said.

Some information was taken from the National Crime Prevention Council.

What causes some teens to join gangs? Among the most common reasonsare to:

• Belong to a group
• Receive protection
• Earn money
• End boredom and seek more excitement
• Be with friends and be more popular

Joining a gang is like entering enemy territory. Belonging to a gang has a warlike existence where beatings and shootings happen all the time. Typical scenarios of joining a gang involve violence and rape.

What does the future hold for a gang member?

• Gang members may be killed or injured.
• Many put themselves in danger of disease, prison and death.
• Many become dependent on alcohol and drugs.
• Gang members usually drop out of school, limiting their chances for higher education or good employment.
• They are likely to be involved in crime throughout the rest of their lives.
• They may commit serious and violent crimes that lead to lengthy jail time.

Once you are in a gang, it’s not easy getting out. You may risk your life if you leave a gang.

Take action

• If you are threatened by gang members, don’t overreact.  Stay cool and try not to act scared.
• Ignore their threats and tell them you have no argument with them.
• If threats from gangs continue, tell your parents, the police and/or school officials.
• Don’t be a “wannabe” by dressing or acting like you want to be in a gang.
• Hang out with kids who are not involved and don’t want to be in a gang.
• Get involved in activities that are not gang-related, such as organized sports, summer jobs, community organizations, volunteer groups, faith groups, or arts and drama groups.
• Start showing gangs you have zero tolerance for their activities.
• You can start a graffiti cleanup program in your community.