Our School Advocacy Bureau, created in May 1997, will continue to give special attention to crimes committed within schools that are gang related. We’ve already brought criminal charges against individuals in a dozen cases where there are allegations of gang associations.

Working with the NYPD and the Community Prosecutions Bureau of my Office, we will continue to meet with community leaders throughout this county to develop gang enforcement strategies that identify gang members and their criminal activities.

We’ve successfully prosecuted gang members belonging to the "Esquadrons," the "Mexican Boys," aka "TMB", the "Latin Kings," the "Fu Ching," "Los Ninos Malos," the "Netas" and the "Bloods."

I am confident that the effective prosecutions and long jail sentences of gang members in the past will continue into the future. There will be a serious price to pay for any defendant who chooses to be a gang member in Kings County.

In the meantime, if you don’t want to join a gang or become involved with any gang members, here are some tips

 DON'T

• associate with gang members or "wannabe/gonnabe" gang members;

• identify or communicate with gangs;

• hang out near or where gangs congregate;

• wear gang-related clothing where gangs are known to gather or traverse;

• use words like "Crab" or "Slob" (localized lingo may develop) anywhere gangs may be; i.e., malls, sporting events, etc.;

• attend any party or social event sponsored by gangs or their associates;

• take part in any graffiti activity or hang around where graffiti is present;

• use any kind of finger or sign language in a public place.

So remember, before you join up - think once, think twice, think three times before you sign on the dotted line. If you need some more information, here are some useful links.

Coroner's Report

Chicago Crime Commission

Gang Activity At School: Prevention Strategies

If you’re thinking about joining a gang; know somebody who’s in one and wants to get out or want to help us stop gang activity call us at (718)250-2645. All information will be kept confidential.