Title: Perspectives on Gangs and Gang Violence – Nonprofit Risk Management Center
Headings: Perspectives on Gangs and Gang Violence
Perspectives on Gangs and Gang Violence
Use of Weapons
Risk Management Considerations for Controlling Gang Influence

Content: Gang members will drive by brandishing weapons to demonstrate their capacity for deadly violence. Racial conflict — There is a high correlation between racial conflict and gang membership. Many gangs are formed along racial and ethnic lines for protection and affiliation. Community history of gangs — Communities with a history of gangs are more likely to have an established gang presence with gang membership including representation from several generations. Increasing presence of informal groups calling themselves a “posse,” “crew,” or some other socially questionable name — Informal groups with seemingly benign, yet revealing, names may be the first step to becoming involved with a gang. Tattoos — Often, gang members have tattoos that symbolize their gang affiliation. Use of Weapons
Weapons are a cause as well as a response to the violence that young people perceive in the world around them. In 1997, nearly one-fifth of high school students reported carrying a weapon (gun, knife, or club) in the prior month. Males are more likely than females to carry weapons and Latinos and African-Americans are more likely to carry weapons than their white counterparts. Often, young people carry weapons to protect themselves from the violence that they fear.