Gang Awareness for Parents & Schools

General Gang Information

What is a gang?

According to the Tennessee penal code in section 40-35-121, a “Criminal gang” means a formal or informal ongoing organization, association, or group consisting of three (3) or more persons that has: (A) As one (1) of its activities the commission of criminal acts; and (B) Two (2) or more members who, individually or collectively, engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity.

How old are gang members?

The average age of gang members is from 14 to 21 years of age. Gang members, however, can be as young as 8 years old or as old as into their mid 30’s. Recruitment into the gang usually starts in the middle school where the age group is between 10 and 13. Some recruitment has also been seen in elementary school and into the early years of high school. Most gangs target youth that are easily talked into doing work for the gang.

Why do kids join gangs?

The following is a list of some of the reasons why kids join gangs:

• Acceptance - Many kids feel that they are not getting the attention they feel they deserve at home. They start looking for this attention and love in other places and often find what they are looking for in a gang. The gang essentially becomes their family.
• Excitement - This group of kids love the high of committing crimes and getting away with it. They often do their crimes just to be chased by the police. These individuals are adrenaline junkies and love the thrill of criminal activity.
• To earn money - More and more, we are seeing gang members turn towards using the gang to make a profit through illegal activities. Selling narcotics, robberies, burglaries, auto thefts, and other property crimes are common in many gangs. Many gangs specialize in certain criminal activity.
• Peer Pressure - If your kids are hanging around gangs and gang members you can almost guarantee that they are being pressured to join the gang. It is important to know who your children are associating with.
• Protection - In poor neighborhoods and neighborhoods with high gang activity, kids often have to join a gang just to survive. It is often easier to join the gang than to be victimized on a daily basis.
• To Socialize - The best parties in town are gang parties. Easy access to liquor, narcotics, and girls are attractive to potential gang recruits. Young males who have a hard time socializing and talking to girls find girls often like gang members.

What else should parents look for?

Click here to learn more about how children are recruited and what to look for.