THE LEYDEN COMMUNITY & GANGS

1. 1 THE LEYDEN COMMUNITY & GANGS An outline of gangs in the Leyden area and the programs and responses developed to address them. Presented by: West Leyden DeansEast Leyden Dean Tim Ruettiger Mike Grosch

2. 2 What is a gang? A street gang is an organized group that participates in criminal, threatening, or intimidating activity. It includes three or more individuals with recognizable symbols, a definable hierarchy, and geographical territory. Its members recognize a code of conduct, meet regularly, and engage in an organized, continuous course of criminal activity. Chicago Crime Commission

3. 3 Leyden High School District #212 Any organization, club, or group composed wholly or in part of students or in part by students, which seeks to perpetuate itself by acceptance of additional members from students enrolled in the district, which is assembled for the common purpose of: 1. Committing or conspiring to commit criminal offenses. 2. Engaging in conduct that is inimical to the public good. 3. Engaging in conduct that interferes with or disrupts the District’s educational process or programs. Membership in a gang, recruiting gang members, involvement in gang activities and display of gang symbols or paraphernalia are strictly prohibited. Leyden District #212, Student Code of Conduct

4. 4 Gangs in Chicago 75 – 100 gangs in Chicago Estimated gang membership 25,000 – 125,000 80% of gang membership is dominated by 7 “Super” street gangs. Gangster Disciple Nation (GDN) GD’s & BD’s Black Gangsters/New Breeds (BG) Latin Kings (LK) Black P Stone Nation Vice Lords (VL) Four Corner Hustlers Maniac Latin Disciples (MLDs)

5. 5 People & Folks People & Folks evolved along racial lines during the 1970’s in the Illinois prison system by incarcerated gang members for protection. Traditionally “People” gangs would represent to the left. Wearing hats tilted to the left side; earrings in the left ear; the left shoe tied a certain way; the left pant leg cuffed; the left pocket hanging out etc. Conversely the “Folks” gangs would represent to the right. While “People” & “Folks” alignments still exist these alliances mean less today than ever before.

6. 6 PEOPLE v FOLKS LOVE LIFE LOYALTY WISDOM KNOWLEDGE UNDERSTANDING LOVEHONOR OBEDIENCE SACRIFICE RIGHTEOUSNESS

7. 7 CHICAGO AREA GANGS “People” Gangs “Folks” Gangs 12th Street Players Bishops Black “P” Stone Nation Cobra Stones Cullerton Deuces El Rukn’s Four Corner Hustlers Gaylords Insane Popes (S) Insane Unknowns Jousters Kenmore Boys Kents King Cobras Laflin Lovers Latin Brothers La Familia Stones Latin Counts Latin Dragons Latin Kings Latin Pachucos Latin Saints Mickey Cobras Noble Knights Party Gents Party Players Puerto Rican Stones Spanish Lords Stoned Freaks Vice Lords (12 factions) Villa Lobos Warlords 22 Boys 26 or Gangster 26 Ambrose Ashland Vikings Black Disciples Black Gangsters/New Breeds Black Souls Braizers Campbell Boys “C” Notes City Knights Gangster Disciples Harrison Gents Imperial Gangsters Insane Deuces Insane Popes (N) Insane Spanish Cobras Krazy Get Down Boys La Raza Latin Disciples Latin Dragons Latin Eagles Latin Jivers Latin Lovers Latin Souls Latin Stylers Maniac Latin Disciples Milwaukee Kings Morgan Boys Orchestra Albany Party People Racine Boys Ridgeway Lords Satan Disciples Simon City Royals Sin City Boys YLO Cobras “Independent” Gangs Gangster Stones MS 13 Sureno 13

8. 8 LEYDEN AREA GANGS Latin Kings Imperial Gangsters Vice Lords Maniac Latin Disciples Latin Counts Ambrose Gang “infractions” at Leyden consistently run between 2% and 2.5% of the student body.* Gang “membership” %? 26 Latin Eagles Simon City Royals “The only gang members in Naperville are the ones getting off the tollway from Chicago going to Aurora.” Naperville Chief of Police Latin Souls La Raza

9. 9 Who are gang members? Male & female: The common perception is that most gang members are male; however, female gang members in Chicago number between 16,000 & 20,000. Problems at School: Many gang members have experienced academic difficulties, truancy problems, and other discipline issues. Police contact: Many gang members have had previous police contact. Family problems: Economic difficulties, lack of parental supervision, abuse, neglect. Family legacy. Multi-ethnic: Gang membership crosses racial and ethnic lines.*

10. 10 Warning signs Changes in: Attitude: No longer cares about school, sports, etc. Behavior: Getting into trouble. Friends: New friends, friends you haven’t met. Appearance: Baggy, oversize clothes, certain color combinations prevalent. Grades: Sudden drop in grades. Drugs or alcohol: Sudden use or increased use. Graffiti: Gang symbols, characters, or drawings. Tattoos: Symbols, characters, or drawings.

11. 11 Why join a gang? Identity & recognition: Those who do not “fit in” to the dominant culture will find other places to “fit in.” Status: The gang member becomes someone to be feared and respected. Protection: Protection from rival gangs and from the one joined. Money: Access to drugs and money. Family: Where family support is lacking, the gang can become the surrogate family. Family legacy. Popular culture: Movies, television, video games, music videos, all glamorize gang culture.

12. 12 Gang Member Identification Admission of gang affiliation. Gang related tattoos. Gang nickname. Associates w/known gang members. In gang photograph(s). I.D. as gang member by parent or guardian. Victims are rival gang members. Wears “colors.” I.D. by law enforcement I.D. by rival gang. Named in gang graffiti or other documents. Draws or possesses gang symbols.

13. 13 Gang graffiti – the 4 “R”s Read it –gang writing offers valuable intelligence about gangs active in the area. Record it – take a photograph for future reference. Report it – to local law enforcement for police report and for removal. Remove it – graffiti left in place promotes more graffiti.

14. 14 Common Gang Symbols A “A” = Almighty e.g., “Almighty” Imperial Gangsters Pointed crown (P) Rounded crown (F) Six point “Star of David” for David Barksdale the founder of the original Black Disciples. (F) Five point star (P) Rabbit’s head Dice Martini glass Top hat & cane Pyramid & crescent moon Numbers & letters 26 74 197 88 22 24 Pitchforks pointed up (P) The cross is used by several gangs.

15. 15 Examples of common gang symbols LATIN KINGS IMPERIAL GANGSTERS AIGN LKN A 5

16. 16 Gang Symbol Interpretation - 101

17. 17 Responding to Gangs & Gang Activity Minor, non-violent 1st offense *10 day suspension. Parent conference REQUIRED. Police notification. “Final Warning” contract. Referral to Y.O.S. *10 day suspension may be reduced if the student successfully completes Y.O.S. program. Violent, recruiting, or 2nd offense 10 day suspension - possible recommendation for expulsion.

18. 18 Final Warning A behavior contract signed by the student, the parent(s), the counselor, and dean. Two years in length. Restricts behavior & apparel. Consequences clearly spelled out. Offers a path to change.

19. 19 Youth Outreach Services – Y.O.S. CHOICES Program Community based. Parent involvement required. Holistic approach. School notified of student progress. 10 days suspension reduced to 3 upon agreement to enroll in CHOICES. Remaining suspension days are held in abeyance until program completed.

20. 20 Epilogue Gangs are a fact of life. They exist (to some extent) in every community. Gangs are constantly changing & evolving. Effective gang interventions involve schools, community groups, & law enforcement. “The best way to make sure little gang-bangers become big gang-bangers is to do nothing.” To learn more about gangs…… • gangresearch.net/ChicagoGangs/chiroomnew.html • www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/chicago3.html •  www.19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us/juveniles/gangs.htm • http://www.adl.org/hate_symbols/neo_nazi_symbols.asp