Gang of One - Hot-line Process

Given the severity of this action, our Gang of One hotline offers the appropriate measures, resources and actions to assist someone in their efforts to leave a gang. With helpful bi-lingual volunteers to screen the incoming calls, each call is handled with professional care and then assigned to a member of the Gang Intelligence Unit after the proper information is recorded from the caller. The caller's collected information is then shared with the Gang of One director.  The director assigns the call to a Gang Intelligence detective, who then follows up with the caller to obtain additional information. The director and detective review the case and meet with the caller and/or youth at risk and related parties (school counselor, parent/guardian, court counselor).  This meeting is to determine alternative activities and resources to assist the youth and their family.  The director contacts local agencies (a.k.a. the Resource Network) that meet the criteria established by the youth and family to ascertain program availability.  A final meeting is held with the youth and related parties to share written information about the available activities and resources.

For more specific information on Gang of One's purpose, see below.

- Gang 101 For Parents - A look at what you can do to prevent your child from joining a gang

- Gang 101 For Students - A few suggestions on how to avoid joining a gang

Parent Resource Guide

 Gang of One, a program of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Gang Intelligence Unit, is a gang prevention and intervention initiative that utilizes a network of local resources to address youth needs related to gang membership and educates citizens about local gang trends.

 Criminal street gangs are one of our nation's most serious problems.  Charlotte's gang problem is small compared to other cities, but it is growing.  New members are recruited every day and many recruits become career criminals.

 How can you keep your child from joining a gang?  Here are a few ideas: 

• Get your child involved in special activities, such as sports, music, or art.
• Volunteer at your child's school.
• Establish rules; set limits; be consistent, firm, and fair.
• Get to know your child's friends and their parents.
• Listen to your child.  Talk with your child.  Show respect for your child's feelings and attitudes.
• Do not buy or allow your child to buy gang-style clothing.
• Educate yourself about gang and drug activity in your community.
• Know where your child is.  Be aware that 3-6 p.m. is not a safe time to leave your child unsupervised.
• Get your child involved in quality, out-of-school time activities.
• Demonstrate love and acceptance at home.  Many kids join gangs to feel a sense of connection and approval.

When should you be concerned about your child's possible involvement in a gang?  When s/he:

• Admits having friends who are gang members.
• Is obsessed with one particular color of clothing, particularly blue or red.
• Wears sagging pants (this in and of itself is not indicative of gang activity).
• Wears excessive jewelry with distinctive designs and may wear it only on either the right or left side of the body (fading).
• Withdraws from and shows disrespect toward your family.
• Associates with new, undesirable friends.
• Shows excessive need for secrecy and privacy.
• Is obsessed with gang-influenced music, videos, or movies to the point of imitation.
• Uses hand signals while with friends and practices them at home.

When should you be concerned about your child's possible involvement in a gang?  If there is evidence or the appearance of: 

• Physical injury (such as being beaten) and then the child lies about the events surrounding the injury.
• Peculiar drawings or language on school books (may appear later as tattoos or brands).
• Unexplained cash or goods, i.e. clothing or jewelry.
• Possible use of alcohol and drugs with an attitude change.

What if my child is already in a gang? 

• It is extremely difficult to get out, once s/he has been initiated.
• Don't try to handle the situation on your own.  Get help.
• Contact Gang of One, 24/7/365, at 704.432.GANG/4264 or gangofone@cmpd.org.  A network of local resources is available to you and your child.
• Let your child know that you are there for them.
• Let your child know that a network of resources is there for them to ensure their safety from gang activity.

Let your child also know that a network of resources is observing their behavior, sending a clear message that the community is not going to tolerate any gang infiltration.

Student Resource Guide

• Are you being pressured to join a gang?  
• Are you in a gang and tired of the "fake  love" your gang promises?  
• You are not alone. 
• A movement has started to help you. 
• By standing with us, you can accomplish anything .  
• Gang of One can help you fight gang pressure and give you alternatives to gang life. 
• You have the right to do what you want to do, without someone pushing you in a direction you do not want to go.

 Gangs Aren't the Answer.

1. Join an athletic team or club.
2. Join an arts program.
3. Participate in an out-of-school program.
4. Take a part-time job.
5. Talk with your parent(s).
6. Talk with your religious leader, school teacher, or guidance counselor.
7. Talk with someone you trust.
8. Look for a "safe zone" in your school or community.
9. Do not join a gang.
10. Contact Gang of One at 704.432.GANG (4264).

 

Already in a Gang?

1. Make a plan for getting out.
2. Never tell the gang that you plan to leave.  Your safety may be at risk.
3. Begin spending time doing other things instead of hanging out with the gang.
4. Look around—possibilities are everywhere: sports, recreation centers, clubs, arts programs, drama, school activities, even spending time with your family.
5. Try to stop looking like a gangster.  For many gang members, dressing down makes them feel safe because other people are afraid of the way they look.  As you learn to believe in yourself, you'll find you don't need to make others feel afraid to feel good about yourself.
6. Stop hanging out with gang members, talking like a gang member, and acting like a gang member.
7. Get good at making excuses. Your parents can help you with this, but if not, try a teacher or an older friend for help.
8. Find people who will support you and believe in you.

You Can Walk Away!

Getting out of a gang isn't easy, but it can be done.  Young people make the decision to have a better life everyday.  So can you.

Find people, especially caring adults, who you think are special and will keep reminding you that you are special.

In your mind, think of an adult you can touch base with if you have a problem or need to talk.  Then use these people to help support you as you change your life with good advice and assistance.

Begin believing in yourself and in your power to change.  No matter who you are, what you have done, or where you live, you deserve better.

We think so too.  Gangs are a dead-end street. 

Be your own Gang of One.