Gangs in the
Workplace
Detective Gus Klinkenberg #1948
Arlington Police Department Gang Unit
ACK 01/14/08
OBJECTIVES
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Define Gang
Identify 5 different types of gang flags/
identifiers
Identify 5 common gangs across the U.S.
Determine if gangs are in your workplace
Decide what to do
Definition of Gang
(Texas Penal Code) Three or more
persons having a common identifying sign
or symbol or an identifiable leadership who
continuously or regularly associate in the
commission of criminal activities.
Criteria for Gang - APD
A gang member is someone who meets at
least two of the criteria below:
 1. Self Admission;
 2. Identification as a gang member by
reliable informant;
 3. A corroborated identification as a
member by an informant or other
individual of unknown reliability;
Criteria for Gang – APD (continued)
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4. Evidence that the individual frequents
documented area of a criminal street gang,
associates with known criminal street gang
members,
5. Uses criminal street gang dress, hand signals,
tattoos, or symbols; or
6. Evidence that the individual has been arrested
or taken into custody with known criminal street
gang members for an offense or conduct
consistent with criminal street gang activity.
Diagnostic criteria for 301.7
Antisocial Personality Disorder
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A. There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for
and violation of the rights of others occurring
since age 15 years, as indicated by three (or
more) of the following:
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(1) failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful
behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that
are grounds for arrest.
(2) deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of
aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
Diagnostic criteria for 301.7
Antisocial Personality Disorder (cont.)
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(3) impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
(4) irritability and aggressiveness, an indicated
by repeated physical fights or assaults
(5) reckless disregard for safety of self or others
(6) consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by
repeated failure to sustain consistent work
behavior or honor financial obligations
Diagnostic criteria for 301.7
Antisocial Personality Disorder (cont.)
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(7) lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or
rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from
another
B. The individual is at least age 18 years.
C. There is evidence of Conduct Disorder with
onset before age 15 years.
D. The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not
exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia
or a Manic Episode.
GANG IDENTIFIERS
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Wearing Mardi Gras beads or beads in hair.
Shaved slits in eyebrows.
Tattoo’s signifying gang affiliation
Use of strange hand signs.
Bandannas, hats, or wave caps hanging from
pockets.
Anything else that can be used for gang
identity.
GANG IDENTIFIERS (continued)
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Always wears the same type of clothing
Gang graffiti on personal items
Using unusual hand signs
Discipline problems at school or home or
work
Unexplained income
Use of strange nicknames or street language
New group of friends
COMMON GANGS
Crips
Crips (continued)
Bloods
Bloods (continued)
18 St
Major
36
49
21
Chicago Influence
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Gangs in Chicago and the Midwest
traditionally belong to one of two alliances,
the “People Nation” or the “Folk Nation”.
Both gangs were established in prison
during the early 1980’s. Unlike traditional
street gangs, these alliances cross all racial
lines.
People Nation
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Members of the People Nation wear their
identifiers to the left side of the body such
as an earring in the left ear, the left pant leg
rolled up, or the cap tilted to the left.
“People” use the five pointed star along
with the drawing of a pitchfork pointing
down. This is a sign of disrespect to the
Folk Nation.
People Nation
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Hat tilted to the left
5 pointed star
3 or 5 pointed crown
tattoo
Left shoe string tied
Folk Nation
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Members of the Folk
Nation wear their
identifiers to the right side
of the body. Folk Nation
members use the six
pointed Star of David in
honor of the founder of the
Black Gangster Disciple
Nation, David Barksdale.
“Folks” also use a
pitchfork symbol running
through the Star of David
in an upward Fashion.
Folk Nation
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Hat tilted to the right
Right pant leg rolled
up
Right coverall strap is
up
Latin Kings
Gangster Disciples
MS 13
Asian Gangs
Mexican Mafia
Nuestra Familia
Texas Syndicate
Aryan Brotherhood
ARE GANGS IN YOUR
WORKPLACE?
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The National School Safety Center has
developed an assessment tool to help
determine if there is a gang presence or
gang activity in your area.
Things to look for:
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Graffiti (new or crossed out)
Colors being worn either through clothing,
bandanas, anything signifying a gang style
(sagging pants, un-tucked shirts, clothes not
appropriate to setting, clothing set to a certain
side of the body) jersey’s
Keep on eye on break areas. Specifically look for
illegal activity, gambling, selling of illicit drugs,
hand signs, music.
Look for shop to be set up to sell illicit drugs.
Look for bullying.
Things to look for: (continued)
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Retail business’ need to be on the lookout for
increases in theft, loss of merchandise or cash.
Drive By’s (Actual shooting, either in the air or at
location, at people)
Show Up’s (opposing gang shows up, drives
through, makes their presence known)
Stare down’s (workers stare each other down,
increased tension, possibly lead to a fight)
What to do:
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Do thorough background checks.
Learn signs and symbols that gang members use
and educate your employees.
Stay in contact with your local law enforcement
agency.
Take security seriously.
Adopt a zero tolerance approach toward
workplace violence.
RESOURCES
Local Police Department Gang Unit
www.gangsorus.com
www.streetgangs.com
www.knowgangs.com
www.historychannel.com, search for “gangland” (TV
series)