Definition of Gang

The legal definition in Tennessee is a formal or informal group consisting of three or more people that is involved in the commission of criminal acts (as one of its activities), or has two or more members who engage in criminal gang activity.

There are other criteria such as having a name, leadership structure, "turf", etc., but that is it in a nutshell. The crimes can be as simple as vandalism and as heinous as murder, but often narcotic trafficking is involved as it funds gang operations.


So your question, as a parent, should be: Is my child already involved in gang activity or at-risk of joining?

Signs to look for:
1. Graffiti on school folders, desks, walls, furniture, and  buildings.
2. Changing appearance with special haircuts, tattoos.
3. Purchase or desire to buy clothing of all one color or  style, and altered hats     
    (gang info often written inside hatband).
4. Insisting on being called by a new nickname.
5. Sudden drop in school grades, disinterest in school, hostility toward teachers,
    absenteeism.         
6. Changing friends, withdrawal from family activities, evidence of drug abuse, desire
    for excessive privacy.
7. Sudden affluence, staying out later than usual.

Who joins Gangs?
This one is simple: kids from every economic and social background have joined gangs in our area. We have seen children as young as 9-year-old "jumped in" to gangs.

Common Denominators
1. Have low self-esteem
2. Feel unloved at home
3. Do poorly in school
4. Have a hard time making decisions and communicating with others
5. Often come from single-parent homes.
6. Most are boys, but 10% are girls and their numbers are increasing!

Why do they join?
Every child is different, but they join gangs to "fix" the common denominators listed above.

1. Gain self-esteem and status by being a member
2. Get love from other gang members
3. Have fun and excitement breaking the law
4. Make money, have protection, get easy sex from female members
5. They live in a gang-infested area or have an older sibling in the gang

How can you help?
Take responsibility for your own children. Be aware of who their friends are, what they do when you're not around, etc. Become more involved in their lives and build their self-esteem by showing your love and concern for them.


1. Become informed. Find out about drug and gang activity in your neighborhood and
     county. Research gang activities on the internet.
2. Get involved. Get active in your child's education. Notify law enforcement of any
     illegal activity in your neighborhood.
3.  Know your children's friends. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of
     monitoring your child's peer groups and associations.
4.  Communicate. Tell your children you love them, develop open lines of communication.
5.  Spend time with them. Get your family involved in a good church. Plan family
     activities with variety. Let your child know you want to be with them.
6.  Set limits. Say "no" to graffiti and other anti-social signs and posters in their rooms
     and on their clothing and school supplies. Don't let them stay out late. The county has    
     no curfew, but you should set your own.
7. Teach good values and responsibility. Give them responsibilities and reward them
     for a job well done.
8. Monitor media. Kids see an average of 8,000 murders on TV by the time they are 10.
     Viewing violence makes kids insensitive to it. Music and video games which glorify
      violence also encourage it. Know what your kids are seeing, playing, and hearing
.    Say No to violent media.
9.  Encourage healthy activities. Introduce them to athletics and other outdoor activities.
10. Be a role model. It's hard to convince your kids to be model citizens when you have a
      drug or alcohol problem yourself, have low self-esteem, and can't manage your anger.
11. Say no to gangs. Don't let your children dress in gang styles. Read stories to them
      about the consequences of gang crime. Let them know you strongly disapprove.
12. Avoid denial. Be alert to signs of possible gang member-ship. Be ready to recognize
      gang membership in your children and act upon the information.

Why is gang membership dangerous to your child and you?
Gangs are a culture of violence, driven by desire for profits in the narcotic trade or other illegal activity.

1. Gangs often have copious amounts of drugs and weapons available. Both are
    exceedingly dangerous if used improperly, and gangs often fight and kill over drug turf.
2. The homes of adolescent gang members are often targeted for drive-by shootings,
    fire-bombings, etc.
3. Gangs are anti-school which can lead to a poor academic record, which, coupled with
    an extensive police record limits employment possibilities in the future.

NUMBERS TO CALL

If you suspect your child may be involved in gang activity, or see evidence of gang activities in your neighborhood, please call the following numbers to speak with investigators:

Det. Sgt. Larry Pace --  615-898-7908
Det. Bill Sharp        --  615-898-7909
Det. Todd Sparks    --  615-898-7915
Det. Mark Dinardo   --  615-898-7784