Frequently Asked Questions
Are there gangs in schools?
School Resource Officers are trained to deal with gangs. They are aware of the kids who are involved in gangs and monitor them while they are in school. School Resource Officers work closely with the Gang Unit and Community Policing Unit to ensure that gang activity in school is held to a minimum. Most gang activity happens outside of school.
Why do kids join gangs?
Kids join for many reasons and each case is individual. Some reasons can include: excitement and fun, a sense of belonging, companionship, peer pressure, attention or status, financial gain, intimidation, protection, power, and failure to realize what being in a gang means. Living in an area that high in gang issues or having a family member in a gang increases the possibility of gang involvement.
How do kids join gangs?
Kids normally join gangs by either committing a crime or being "jumped in." "Jumped in" is an initiation that involves other gang members beating the potential member as a test of his or her courage and fighting ability.
Do girls join gangs?
Gangs used to be a concern for boys only. But now, many girls are joining gangs or hanging out with male gang members. While not all gangs allow girls to become members, of those that do, 1 in 10 members are female.
What's the difference between a gang and a just a group of friends?
A gang is defined as "three or more people who form an allegiance to the exclusion of others and who engage in unlawful criminal behavior." A group of friends who are together and not acting in criminal behavior are not considered a gang. The important thing is labeling a group of friends as a gang is based on their criminal behaviors. Groups who commit crimes together are gangs, no matter what they may look like.
What should I know about graffiti?
Not all graffiti is gang related and it doesn't necessarily mean your neighborhood is unsafe and may include random markings, initials or social commentary. Gang related graffiti can be dangerous as it is used by gang members to mark their territory, list members, or send warnings to rival gangs.
What should I do if I see graffiti?
Graffiti is a serious issue and should be reported to your local police department. If graffiti is found on private property contact the Graffiti Task Force at 801-629-8752 to report where the graffiti is located. An independent organization uses resources from the Weber County Juvenile court to remove the graffiti, response times will vary.
If the Graffiti is on Ogden City property, please contact the Ogden City parks division at 801-629-8284, graffiti should be removed from City Property within 24 to 48 hours
School Resource Officers are trained to deal with gangs. They are aware of the kids who are involved in gangs and monitor them while they are in school. School Resource Officers work closely with the Gang Unit and Community Policing Unit to ensure that gang activity in school is held to a minimum. Most gang activity happens outside of school.
Why do kids join gangs?
Kids join for many reasons and each case is individual. Some reasons can include: excitement and fun, a sense of belonging, companionship, peer pressure, attention or status, financial gain, intimidation, protection, power, and failure to realize what being in a gang means. Living in an area that high in gang issues or having a family member in a gang increases the possibility of gang involvement.
How do kids join gangs?
Kids normally join gangs by either committing a crime or being "jumped in." "Jumped in" is an initiation that involves other gang members beating the potential member as a test of his or her courage and fighting ability.
Do girls join gangs?
Gangs used to be a concern for boys only. But now, many girls are joining gangs or hanging out with male gang members. While not all gangs allow girls to become members, of those that do, 1 in 10 members are female.
What's the difference between a gang and a just a group of friends?
A gang is defined as "three or more people who form an allegiance to the exclusion of others and who engage in unlawful criminal behavior." A group of friends who are together and not acting in criminal behavior are not considered a gang. The important thing is labeling a group of friends as a gang is based on their criminal behaviors. Groups who commit crimes together are gangs, no matter what they may look like.
What should I know about graffiti?
Not all graffiti is gang related and it doesn't necessarily mean your neighborhood is unsafe and may include random markings, initials or social commentary. Gang related graffiti can be dangerous as it is used by gang members to mark their territory, list members, or send warnings to rival gangs.
What should I do if I see graffiti?
Graffiti is a serious issue and should be reported to your local police department. If graffiti is found on private property contact the Graffiti Task Force at 801-629-8752 to report where the graffiti is located. An independent organization uses resources from the Weber County Juvenile court to remove the graffiti, response times will vary.
If the Graffiti is on Ogden City property, please contact the Ogden City parks division at 801-629-8284, graffiti should be removed from City Property within 24 to 48 hours
Helping youth transition into successful and self-reliant adults
CROSS Program 2471 Lincoln Ave Ogden, Utah 84401-801-334-8990
