Post on 14-Dec-2015
Gangs of Utah
Which Gangs are present in Utah? How do they recruit members and is there a way out?
Table of Contents
1. Gangs of Utah
2. What are their origins?
3. How many members are male vs. female?
4. Risk factors that lead to gang involvement?
5. Is there a way out?
Active gangs in Utah
Hispanic: Nortenos and Surenos
Crips & Bloods: Tongan Crips, Sons of Samoa, and Kearns Town Bloods.
Straight Edge: SXE and Straight Edge Vegans
Skinheads: Non-racist and Racist
Unaligned: Oquirrh Shadow Boys and Varrio Loco Town
Origins of a few
Surenos are a Mexican gang that is strongest in Southern California.
Straight Edge began in NY in the mid-1980’s as moral watchdogs. California Straight Edger’s are tolerant, while Salt Lake City members are violent.
Tongan Crips – 1st identified in 1989. They are heavily influenced by Los Angeles based Crips. Pacific Islander immigrants moved to LA, then to Utah to escape gang violence, thus bring the gang to Utah.
Members Male vs. Female
Mal
e vs
. Fem
ale
Juve
nile
vs. A
dults
Impr
ison
ed0%
20%40%60%80%
100%
MaleFemalePercentage
Factors that increase gang involvement
Unsuccessful academic achievements.
Low self-esteem.
Lack of involvement in positive after-school activities.
Friends that are juvenile delinquents.
Behavioral disorders.
How can you leave a gang?
Believe you deserve better. Desire change.
Spend time with family, and focus on other recreational activities.
Change the way you dress.
Disassociate yourself with your gang friends.
Find a good support system, friends and adults.
Sources
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/05/26/tonga-crips-gang-utah/9463661/
http://articles.latimes.com/1998/jan/29/news/mn-13171
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sureños
http://www.helpinggangyouth.com/statistics.html
http://updsl.org/divisions/metro_gang_unit/local_gangs
http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CommunityPolicing/OrganizedCrime/Gangs/GettingOutOfAGang.aspx