Gangs

Introduction

When most of us think of the word “gang”, we think of the most extreme type of gang: a group of people who routinely commit crimes and engage in acts of violence. Public Safety Canada defines youth gangs as “an organized group of adolescents and/or young adults who rely on group intimidation and violence, and commit criminal acts in order to gain power and recognition and/or control certain areas of unlawful activity”.

Facts

  • Organized crime groups sometimes hire youth gangs to collect on their gambling and drug debts, steal cars, commit violent acts and/or intimidate others (RCMP Environmental Scan 2006).
  • In Canada, the use of firearms among youth is generally becoming more prevalent and is especially acute in larger urban areas such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
  • Once thought just to be in larger cities like Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal, youth gangs are now found in more rural areas as well (Public Safety Canada).

In general, youth gangs:

  • Are involved in graffiti and vandalism, drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, prostitution and money laundering. Smuggling people and weapons are emerging trends in some areas.
  • Rely on group intimidation and violence.
  • Commit criminal acts to gain power and recognition or to control certain areas of unlawful activity, especially regarding the illicit distribution of drugs (Public Safety Canada).
  • Are involved in criminal activity to varying degrees: some are involved only in low-level activity while others pose a serious criminal or violent threat.
  • Are highly diverse. They differ in size structure, sophistication, age range, racial and ethnic diversity, gender composition and permanency.

Indicators

It is difficult to define gang violence, but some possible indications of gang activity are:

  • Use of aggression to exert power in the community and to solve problems.
  • Use hostility to control members, protect turf and/or for revenge.
  • Members often carry and use weapons. Knives, machetes and hammers are commonly used and guns are becoming more popular with gang members.

Why do some people join gangs?

  • For power, money, respect and status;
  • For the emotional, physical or social need to feel part of a community and to feel accepted by others;
  • Gangs are prevalent in their neighbourhood;
  • They have friends or family who are involved in a gang;
  • Lack of family, cultural or institutional support;
  • They feel a need for protection.

(Source: RCMP Environmental Scan 2006)

What can you do… to stay clear of gang?

  • Know that there’s always a choice whether to join a gang or not. Think about the advantages and disadvantages of joining a gang before joining (it becomes harder to leave the gang the longer you stay in it).
  • Seek out friends who are not part of a gang.
  • Have a positive role model in your life that is not involved in unlawful activities like a teacher, a counsellor, older sibling, a coach, neighbour, etc.
  • If you are fearful about your environment, talk to people around you, particularly parents, teachers or the police. Think about what actions you need to take in order to make yourself feel safe and remember that joining a gang will probably not keep you safe in the long run.
  • Choose to get involved in activities like sports, clubs, youth centres or volunteering. In doing so, you are both engaging in your community and keeping yourself away from gang activity.
  • If you are being threatened by a person to commit an illegal act on behalf of a gang, call your local police or the Kids Help Phone. If you are afraid, you don’t have to tell them exactly who the person is, but they may be able to get you some support.
  • If you think a friend might be getting involved in a gang, talk to him or her about why he or she feels the need to join, let him or her know that the behaviour in the gang may hurt others or be illegal, and encourage him or her to talk to a professional who may be able to help.

Need Help?

If you are part of gang…

  • There is a life for you outside of the gang. Exiting a gang can be very challenging; talk to a parent, guardian, trusted adult or your local police service – they may be able to offer you support and assistance. People specializing in gang exit strategies can help you get out safely.
  • If you are not sure what to so, call the anonymous line of Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. They have all the information you need and can put you in contact with professionals who can help you get out of the gang.

If you suspect or know someone who is part of a gang…

  • Don’t get involved with the gang. Ask your friend to hang out separately.
  • Encourage your friend to seek help to get out of the gang. Let him/her know that you are scared for them and want to help. Show your support and make sure he/she knows you have their safety at heart.
  • Talk to professionals (like police officers) who can deal with gang related problems. They can help you get your friend out. Don’t hesitate to give Kids Help Phone a call; they have a lot of information on gang exiting they will be in the position to give you tips on how to help your friend.

Links

RCMP Environmental Scan 2006- Feature Focus: Youth Gangs and Guns
RCMP – Serious and Organized Crime
Public Safety Canada- Youth Gangs in Canada: What do we know?
SPVM – Street Gangs
Get a life
Kids Help Phone: Gangs

Related Articles