Gangs

Prevention and Intervention Measures In order to discourage the influence of gangs, school staff shall take the following measures: - Any student displaying behavior, gestures, apparel or paraphernalia indicative of gang affiliation shall be referred to the principal or designee. - The student's parent/guardian shall be contacted and may be asked to meet with school staff. - The student may be sent home to change clothes if necessary. - Staff members shall be provided with the names of known gang members. - Students who seek help in rejecting gang associations may be referred to community-based gang suppression and prevention organizations. - Any gang graffiti on school premises shall be removed, washed down or painted over as soon as discovered. - Daily checks for graffiti shall be made throughout the campus. - Graffiti shall be photographed before it is removed. These photographs shall be shared with local law enforcement authorities and used in future disciplinary or criminal action against the offenders. - Classroom and after-school programs at each school shall be designed to enhance individual self-esteem, provide positive reinforcement for acceptable behavior, and foster interest in a variety of constructive activities. These programs shall also: - Explain the dangers of gang membership - Provide counseling for targeted at-risk students - Include lessons or role-playing workshops in gang avoidance skills and nonviolent conflict resolution, including communication skills, anger management, ethnic/cultural tolerance, and mediation skills - Provide positive interaction with local law enforcement staff Gang prevention lessons may be taught jointly by teachers and law enforcement staff. - Staff shall actively promote membership in authorized student organizations which can provide students companionship, safety, and a sense of purpose and belonging, including: - Positive sports and cultural activities and affiliations with the local community - Structured, goal-oriented community service projects Community Outreach Gang prevention classes or counseling offered for parents/guardians shall address the following topics: - The dangers of gang membership - Warning signs which may indicate that children are at risk of becoming involved with gangs - The nature of local gang apparel and graffiti - Effective parenting techniques - Conflict resolution techniques Community programs shall address: - The scope and nature of local gang problems - Strategies by which each segment of the community may alleviate gang problems