The NCGIA is proud to present the Partnership for a Gang Free North Carolina

Gang Free North Carolina is a gang prevention, intervention, suppression and policy organization committed to developing, promoting and sustaining state-wide strategies, policies and laws that will reduce criminal gangs and the associated criminal activity, to include injury and death. Most importantly, a Gang Free North Carolina will aid and assist North Carolinians in every capacity in strategies and recommended programs to reduce gangs and gang violence.

A Gang Free North Carolina is committed to educating citizens and community leaders about the dangers of gangs by sharing our knowledge, resources and experience with them in order to prevent or eliminate gang activity in our state.

Recognizing Street Gangs | Preventing Gangs | Resource Downloads | Resource Archive

What is a Gang?

A gang is a group or association of three or more persons who may have a common identifying sign, symbol, or name and who individually or collectively engage in, or have engaged in, criminal activity which creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Criminal activity includes juvenile acts that, if committed by an adult, would be a crime.

How to Identify a Potential Gang Member

Youth who are on the fringe of gang involvement usually display some of the following behaviors and characteristics. While these guidelines are not written in stone, a combination of these signs indicate a child is more likely to become involved in a gang.

* Poor academic progress in school
* Lack of interest in school activities
* Large blocks of unsupervised time
* Signs of increased conflict at home
* Frequent disciplinary issues
* Frequent contact with Police
* Drawing graffiti
* Imitating gang dress or behavior
* Tattoos drawn on the body
* Uses hand signs adopted by the gang

Click Here for an Explanation of Varying
Levels of Gang Involvement

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Are there gangs in your
neighborhood?

Gang Presence Checklist

Is graffiti showing up in your neighborhood or school?

Has any graffiti been crossed out by other graffiti?

Do some students or young people in the neighborhood wear noticeable colors, bandanas or tattoos?

Do some students or neighborhoods display behavior that may be gang related, such as meeting in groups?

Do some students or neighborhood kids flash hand signals?

Are drugs available on or near schools or neighborhood?

Has there been a significant increase in physical confrontation or "stare downs" in the last year?

Are weapons increasingly present in the community?

Do students use or have beepers, pagers, phones?

Have there been "drive by" shows or displays of weapons?

Have there been any "drive by" shootings in the neighborhood or near the school?

Has the truancy rate noticeably increased during the past year?

Have the number of racial incidents increased in the community and/or school?

Does the community have a history of gang presence or activity?

Is there an increasing presence of “informal” social groups with unusual names such as "SUR" or "East Side"?

Have your children come home with bruises for no reason?

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How to Minimize Gang Violence in Your Community

Teach Children how to reduce their risk of being victims of violent crimes.

Get Involved. Volunteer to help in community and neighborhood anti-crime and other community improvement efforts. Encourage groups you belong to – religious, social, civic - to help stop crime.

Use common sense tips to reduce your risk of being a crime victim. Stay in well-lighted, busy areas; travel with a friend if possible, walk in a confident, assured way. Avoid known trouble spots.

Report crimes and suspicious activities to police; agree to testify when necessary. Stand up for what you believe in if you want a safe community.

Get to know your neighbors and agree to look out for each other. Get organized; work with the police.

Find ways to settle arguments without violence. If you resort to violence to settle disputes, this is what you teach children. Be a good role model.

Use common courtesy. It helps ease tensions that can lead to violence. Teach kids that good manners are important.

Don’t carry a weapon. You lose, whether you use it or it’s used on you.

Don’t support illegal activities, like buying stolen property or using illegal drugs. It’s the wrong message to send to children, and it involves you in criminal activity.

Volunteer your home as a reliable source of help for kids who are scared or need assistance.

--- Published by the National Crime Prevention Council

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NFL Youth Tackle Football Program

NFL Youth Tackle Football programs help children and their families enjoy the football experience every time they step on a field. Our programs are also a resource for coaches, helping them promote a positive experience for all participants.

Carolina Football Development League

All across the State of North Carolina, dedicated community volunteers have pulled together to form local CFDL teams in their communities. They have implemented the CFDL program to address the many issues confronting our young men and boys today. Using football as a catalyst, the local CFDL teams provide hope and an opportunity for many young men and boys to achieve their dreams and goals.