As evident by recent events throughout the Houston metropolitan area, this country is facing a dramatic resurgence in gang activity, the likes of which hasn’t been seen for 20 years. There has been a dramatic jump in homicides nationwide and all indications are that gang members are responsible. In the Houston area there has been a 23% increase in murders that are gang/drug related. Given the state of the national economy, and the fact that we have more at risk children than documented in the latter part of the last century, this nation is paying the price for cuts made in after school programs and for neglecting our youth. Gang members that were rounded up, prosecuted and incarcerated in the 80’s and 90’s are now being released from prison. They understand that our young people yearn to be with people who “care about” and support them; thus, they are recruiting our children in unprecedented numbers.

Fort Bend County has NOT had a tremendous problem with gangs, While we, in the Fort Bend area, would like to believe that gangs exist only within the inner city, that would be pure folly. Territorial markers mean nothing to thugs. They do not make a u-turn at the “entering Sugar Land/Missouri City/Richmond” signs. There are gang members on virtually every secondary campus within FBISD and many elementary school children are being exposed to and are idolizing the gang culture. Other local school districts are also dealing with this increase in recruitment.

While most gang violence occurs on the streets, in our parks, and at the malls; campuses are left to deal with the “aftermath” of emotions when the students return to school after a tragic event.

As a community, we can, however, rest somewhat easier knowing that this increase in gang activity has been duly noted by all local law enforcement agencies within Fort Bend County. They have taken a pro-active stand. Aware of the alarming spike in gang activity nationally, The Fort Bend Independent School District Gang Prevention Committee has been meeting regularly for the past two years. FBISD’s Student Support Services initiated training for district staff. Teachers have been given training and information on identifying gang members by way of gang symbols, signs and clothing. I have witnessed the time and resources given to the subject by all concerned. The committee, originally made up of district employees, has expanded during that time period. The committee has been joined by Victor Gonzalez, of the Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office (City of Houston). Victor is an expert on gang activity and identification. The City of Sugar Land Police Department, the City of Missouri City Police Department and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, Probation Officials, as well as the Constables, have representation at these meetings. Mayors for all cities served by FBISD have also been invited to join these meetings. Last spring, the committee requested the involvement of Justices of the Peace and a few key community members.

A multi-agency task force has been formed which includes the FBISD Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in an effort to share information as quickly as possible regarding gang identification and activity. The County has formed a grant funded Gang Task Force and the City of Sugar Land has a street crime unit which will remain on top of gang activity within the city limits. In addition to housing four Sugar Land PD officers, the city of Missouri City, Stafford and the Sheriff’s Department are expected to have officers assigned to this unit. Officers expect to saturate high crime areas and form relationships with at risk groups of young people. They will target specific areas where crime is increasing and will share information that will assist in arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.

Contrary to the perception that their heads were buried in the sand during the 90’s, local law enforcement agencies and school districts are gearing up to face the gang challenge head on. Violence prone areas in Fort Bend County will be targeted

They need our help. We, as parents and community members, must have on-going discussions with our children about what they see and hear on campus daily. Do not make the mistake of believing that gang members reside only in less affluent areas.

If your child sees or hears signs of gang activity, he or she must report it. Fort Bend ISD has an anonymous tips telephone line (281-491-TIPS)

We all want our homes and our schools to be safe refuges for our children and ourselves. We must be involved in the solution.

PART 2

Research indicates that parents play a pivotal role in keeping young people out of gangs. Parents must recognize and prevent gang involvement. There are many factors that increase the risk of kids joining up with organized groups. It is imperative that parents protect their children from gang activity by taking positive actions, such as monitoring their children’s activities, fostering close relationships with them, and using positive discipline strategies. Often times, parents lack factual information about gangs.

The middle school years are a crucial time for students. These years are often emotionally and physically confusing for both boys and girls. Parents should make note that youth who are becoming involved in a gang may exhibit the following behaviors:

Unusual interest in one or two particular colors of clothing or a particular logo.
Interest in gang-influenced music, videos, and movies.
Uses and practice of hand signals to communicate with friends.
Peculiar drawings or gang symbols on schoolbooks, clothing, notebooks or even walls.

Gang members also exhibit negative changes in behavior. While the following behaviors are somewhat normal in adolescents, some of the demonstrable negative behaviors we need to watch for are: a decline in school attendance, performance or behavior, staying out late without reason, an unusual desire for secrecy, confrontational behavior and disrespect for parents, and withdrawal from the family. Negative opinions about law enforcement or adults in positions of authority (including you) are also warning signs. More alarming would be drastic changes in hair or dress style and/or having a group of friends who have the same hair or dress style. If your child withdraws from longtime friends and forms bonds with an entirely new group of friends, it would be prudent to monitor the relationships.

Kids are very savvy. Gang clothing trends, as well as gang signs, modify almost as soon as authorities are able to pigeon-hole them. This makes identifying gang members more difficult for law enforcement and school officials.

Parents must talk to their children about gangs and ways to avoid them. Children need to be told not to associate with gang members. They should not be permitted to hang out where gangs congregate. They need to be told that wearing clothing that may have meaning to gangs in the area puts them in danger. Set firm limits with them. Listen to your children when they speak to you. Best of all, spend time doing things together as a family.

If your child is in possession of firearms, ammunition or other weapons, has unexplained cash, clothing or jewelry, or if you even think your child is using drugs such as alcohol or narcotics; it is time to get in touch with professionals for assistance.

If you suspect your child may be involved in gang activity, or just need more information regarding identifying indicative behaviors, you may contact local law enforcement and ask to speak with their organized crime unit or contact the Gang Task Force officer of your school district.

For Part 2 – The information contained in this article comes from a publication published by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Office of the U.S. Department of Justice.