WWL-TV.com Special Advertising
Local News National Weather Sports Frank Davis

KEEPING GANGS OUT OF OUR COMMUNITY

There are currently no signs of organized gang activity in the New Orleans area. As our city rebuilds, however, we need to make sure it doesn’t become an attractive place for gangs to occupy. Citizens should be vigilant for gang involvement warning signs:

 

  • Obsession with one color of clothing or a particular logo
  • Excessive jewelry worn only on either the right or left side of the body
  • Obsession with gangster-influenced music, videos and movies to the point of imitation
  • Withdrawal from family and a change in disposition
  • Consistently breaking rules (parental and/or legal)
  • Development of an unusual desire for privacy at home
  • Use of hand signs while with friends
  • Evidence of physical injury and lies about the events surrounding the injury
  • Gang-related drawings or language
  • Presence of unexplained cash or goods
  • Use of alcohol and drugs

If you suspect gang activity in your neighborhood, call the police. You can report this information without giving your name through Crimestoppers or through the FBI/New Orleans Police Department’s Help Stop Violent Crime Hotline at (504) 816-3000.

What Parents Can Do To Discourage Gang Involvement


  • Emphasize the importance of school, good study habits and good grades.
  • Spend quality time with your children and communicate with them.
  • Encourage your child to participate in activities with positive adult role models – like church, volunteering or athletics. If possible, get involved yourself too.
  • Establish rules, set limits and be consistent and fair in punishment.
  • Respect your child’s feelings and help them develop self-esteem.
  • Watch closely for negative influences.
  • Stress and model appropriate conflict resolution techniques such as:
    1. State feelings without being accusatory.
    2. Be slow to anger – especially over petty issues.
    3. Concentrate on what is being said to you, rather than on your response.
    4. Maintain eye contact.
    5. Ask questions to clarify what is said to you.
    6. Never put anyone down.
    7. If you find that you are wrong, admit it.
    8. Improve your own self-esteem and adjust your own behavior to encourage your child to imitate you – the best role model they could ever have.

Source: National Foundation for Abused and Neglected Children, www.gangfreekids.org

 

 
Withdrawal from family and a change in disposition