Pampa Police Department

A gang is a loosely organized group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which has a common name, signs, symbols or colors, whose members engage, either individually, or collectively, in violent or other forms of illegal behavior.

The Pampa Police Department has identified more than 4 gangs in Pampa, with an unknown membership total. The age range is generally between 12 and 22 years. Identified gang members only represent less than 2% of the youth in Pampa, however, many members are not in school and membership is increasing.

Most gangs in Pampa will claim an area as its "Turf" or "Territory" and mark it with their graffiti. The turf concept in Pampa is different than in Los Angeles and Chicago, where street gangs claim a defined neighborhood. Pampa gangs are mobile and seem to use public events as their focal point. Many claim a geographic area as their turf and incorporate the area into the gang's name, such as Southside, Eastside, Westside, etc. As a member moves, or switches schools he simply starts the gang in a new area. Gang activity has been detected in many sectors of the city.

Gang members like to frequent the same places as most of us...shopping centers, parks, special events. They're showing up everywhere. When a gang attends a public event, the potential for violence and criminal activity is great. The resulting violence often claims innocent victims, which is why everyone is impacted by gang activity. Parents need to become aware of gang members, their characteristics and activities, to protect their children and to enable parents to intervene if gang involvement is detected.

Many gang members have a history of troubled family lives. Many have been abused and have no background to give them an understanding of the value of human life.. Young people of all socio-economic levels and ethnic backgrounds are members of gangs. In gangs they find a form of support, attention, and the common ground they may not have with their families. They are young people looking for "respect," protection and adventure, who are willing to risk all by joining a gang in the mistaken belief that a gang will provide these things to them.

Change in hairstyle/dress

New friends with the same hairstyle/dress, bandannas and caps

Secretive behavior about friends and activities

Use and recognition of hand signs by youth and friends

New interest in graffiti symbols, and displaying symbols in bedroom

Change in routine when with new friends giving no explanation

Change in places frequented

Going out with unusually large groups of friends

Suspected drug use indicated by things such as mood changes and smell of inhalants on breath

Increase of possessions such as cloths, hats, money

Change in attitude about school and hobbies

New discipline problems

Phone threats to family directed against child

A new fear of the police

A new found sense of bravery

Insist on meeting teen's friends and their parents

Know where your child is going, with who, how he's traveling, and when to expect him home

Set rules and enforce them. The same teens who resist their parents' wishes will conform to a gang's wishes-because a gang will tolerate nothing else

Ask school personnel to make you aware of gang-type behavior

Encourage legitimate out of school interests to make youth feel he or she is part of a group