I think it makes sense recruiting from the internet. It fits the type of person who could easily fall victim to be sucked into the world of gangs. Alone, unsupervised, surfing on the internet, and looking for some sort inclusion or belonging. The young are very skilled in the world of electronics, so it fits exceptionally well.
I did some research on a supremacy group called the world church of the creator or the creativity movement. They are now located out of Wyoming and have been using the internet for some time as a means of recruitment.
The gang recruitment of the young is no different than the recruitment of the young by pedophiles.... the children are pawns for the older kids' or adults' needs. Children need bonding and human stroking; and they will do whatever it takes to receive it. Acceptance is the key - if they have no bonding with family they will seek it elsewhere.
Gangs are predators that lure children in to their groups and they use them. It is not because 20 year olds want to hang out with 10 year old kids and have conversations with them. The home base can be Utah or Wyoming. Gangs no longer have regional boundaries. They are worldwide.
I feel that gang activity on and amongst the world wide web is more of a weaker area of secrecy for the gangs. If gangs and gang members want to try and keep in touch, work crime rings, or schedule gang meetings this only makes things a lot easier for anti-gang activists and law enforcement crack down on these particular gangs or gang members.
The problem with gangs and gang members building social network sites and posting images and activities on line is that this can "spark" interest in the youth of the world. On the other hand parent involvement in the children who are researching gangs with intent of joining, are the ones who are ultimately to blame. Allowing their child to have access to this type of explicit content and not being involved in their lives is where the problem starts.
Recruiting from the internet seems logical in many ways. For one you of course reach a much larger audience. The largest reason however, is the internet since its inception has been a safe haven for the many people in the world who find it difficult to function with the so called "normal" society. Kids who feel like outcasts have been seeking "friendship" and feelings from the internet for years. These kids are looking for acceptance and they turn to the internet to find the feelings they yearn for...yet it allows them to be whatever they want to be to escape what they really are or feel that they are percieved by the world. The anonymity of the internet has allowed people to live in a dream world to escape their own.
The desperation of these individuals make them easy targets for gangs, cults, scams, gimmicks and just about anything that can be found on the internet.
I completely agree with the previous post.... parents seem to be the biggest problem. If parents were showing the love these kids desire, or at the very least monitoring what these kids are doing whether on the internet or in the real world perhaps recruitment would be more difficult whether it is on the internet or in reality.
It was recently reported that the number of people living below the poverty level has increased to record levels. You would have to believe that these once middle class families, many of which are now homeless, would be easy targets for gang recruitment. Desperate times calls for desperate measures.
It's not unlike the drug wars in Mexico spilling over into U.S. If we don't get a handle on gang activity at its hub, it will continue to grow outward, eventually reaching everywhere.
Parents need to be more aware of what their children listen to and what they watch on t.v. As a society, we are letting the music and entertainment industry dictact what our value system is.
It makes sense what gangs are doing using the internet to try and recruit members. It is an easy way get a majority of people to join from different places which in turn can make the gang stronger not in numbers but in resources also. The internet is a great way for them to communicate among each other to order hits or to trade drugs and guns. It simple and easy to use and can easily get the young kids to join gangs with out effort. It is good to see efforts being made in order to stop this activity. The only to prevent gang activity is to start educating the young kids about the dangerous of gangs. It amazing how gangs have grown and are now using the internet in their criminal activities. There should be education at school about the importance of internet safety in order for kids not to fall victim to gangs. More and more communities should come together to share research on gangs from there area in order to gain knowledge to get a control on gang activity and prevent it. Overall more should be done on gang prevention just like drug prevention. It is horrible to think what other technologies gangs will use to their advantages.
The internet has, since its inception, been an instrument of great innovation and lawlessness. In the vastness of the world wide web, millions of crimes are being committed with only a small handful of individuals present to enforce the law. Social Networking Sites such as MySpace and Facebook as well as social tools such as Skype have allowed individuals to communicate with each other from all over the world as instantly as if they were present in person. This has allowed gangs and violent groups, who previously were weak and isolated, a means to coordinate group plans and commit crime on a larger scale. To deal with these crimes, the internet was be taken more seriously and much more effort must be put forth to capture and deal with criminals who advertise criminal actions of affiliation. As a boon to law enforcement, the internet has provided a means to gather evidence posted by users that can recorded and is almost impossible to destroy. Any admission of guilt on a website can be taken in as a confession and coordinated crime can be traced back to the members who planned the action out rather than just the pawns that were arrested. While the internet can contribute in causing growth in gang activity, law enforcement should step up and use modern technology to deal with internet crime effectively.
The internet was created by and for the Military. Now the internet is being used against the Military by the Al-queda and other terrorist groups. These terrorist groups are using the internet as a means to help recruit members and now street gangs and motorcycle gangs are following suit. As someone else stated, this is a method of communication that is going to attract possible new members and the authorities too. These groups are arrogant and boastful, so it doesn’t matter to them until an undercover agent makes a bust on them. The statement about their being second and third generation gang members doesn’t surprise me. With no positive social structure at home, children are having children. Three generations of gang members might only span forty five years or so. Could the actions of Madeline Murray O’Hare be partly the blame for the rise in second and third generations of gang membership? There was no prayer or speaking of God in public schools when I attended school and I find it sad that the warped values of parents are taught and passed on to their children. There is no moral structure and no positive moral structure at home. If good morals and virtue aren’t taught in the home or schools, what is going to discourage young people from becoming members of street gangs and supremacist groups? It’s disturbing to think that they might be idolizing gang leaders or possible the grand wizard of the KKK.
I am not shocked by the use of social media buy gangs for recruitment purpose, it seem a natural progression, but I am curious about the authenticity of it. I just don't see someone who is really down with a gang and doing dirt tweeting about it. I just wonder how many of these "social recruiters" are just wannabes? If that was the case then the FBI should have no problem finding out what is going on.
I think that social networking among gangs through the internet has become an issue in society.It helps gang members connect and socialize from a distance.This is an issue that I believe that authority will not be able to make come to an end.I think there is no way to stop gang members from socializing through the internet due to privacy laws. I think this is not as big of an issue as it is on and throughout the streets of different communities. I think that this should be a focus but I think we as people should focus more on what is actually being seen in the communities.This is an issue that we should definitely work on to try and eliminate.
Like nick said " the internet was created by and for the military". The internet is now available to everybody,and everybody uses it for their specific purposes, whatever they maybe. With social network sites like Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc it is easy for gang members to reach and connect with other gang members in different states. By using the internet gangs are able to relay information to each other, recruit children and adults into their gang, boast and brag about their gang, etc. Although the internet seems to give gangs an advantage, the use of the internet can have a disadvantage. Depending on how much information they are putting out, gangs can leave themselves open to attack from rival gangs or possibly being arrested by the police. Hopefully the police can use the information the gangs put on the internet to somehow decrease gang activity.
Considering the way technology is changing the way things are done amongst the world, it doesn’t supprise me in the slightest that gang members are recruiting via computer. Just about everything is done through some form of internet connection, like face book, chat sites, individuals own websites that they can make for free now. The fact that the internet can be used as a major connection source for gangs is a bit scary. It can be tracked but now it will be harder and more complex than the traditional follow gang members around or undercover agents. Plus, gangs can become smarter and take the violence from the streets to the internet. Who knows what they can do in years to come. Now that gangs are recruiting through the internet a younger group of people are subjected to it much easier because it will be there in sight when they are on the computer and younger generations will most likely think it is ok just because it is advertised amongst friends. No one will suspect a little kid in a gang so officers won’t think it pursue them as a threat or target. Plus one gang can make contact with anyone worldwide through the internet and can have the same gang clear across the country out of our district obviously.
As it was stated early and someone else said the same thing that I am about to say, the internet is used for social networking, and the Gangs have unlimted access to the net. So with being said, it is a easy way for them to get to our childern, and love one's . I think that we as people of our country should be more involved in trying to find was to stop the violence other than, letting it go on and the crime rate increase. There should be a type of service out there to keep up with what's going on in referance to online recurtining of gangs. So I think that it's good to have a network group to try and cut out the gang activity.
This issue is daunting. The rise of membership is an issue that is detrimental to all. The story stated that most members are 10 – 24 years old. I was totally shocked that members are as young as 10. When I was 10 I don’t even think that I knew what a gang was. These children are so young and impressionable and are drawn into gang life. I understand that many members join for a sense of family because they have none or have a bad family home BUT why go join another “family” that is no better and guarantees death or imprisonment. It makes no sense other than that their young age makes them so naïve. The children born into these situations, with their parents or parent being gang members, also have no chance and are literally born into a life of crime. The economic aspect plays a part to the rise of gang membership as well. People see money and people want money. Selling drugs is a big business and gains profit, people see that and they want a share of the profit and joining a gang gives them access. The rise of gang membership can be attributed to many things but the fact of the matter is that is needs to decline. The question is, how? One solution is that more programs should be implemented to help children keep from the temptation. Of course solving the problem brings in the issue of money and who is going to pay for it. I believe this is why there is not enough help to deter. Its all money.Gang are getting smarter and learning to recruit in new ways. Gang intervention should be a high priority because the numbering are rising.
I agree with the first post, kids these days have unsupervised access to the internet, whether at school or home, even personal phones that carry the internet. With social networking enticing younger generations to waste their time in front of a computer screen, on the internet, it only makes sense that their curiosity would lead them to look up information on gangs. Another problem with this are the amount of television shows that glorify gang life. Kids watching these show are left with a good impression about gangs.
It was only a matter of time before gangs took advantage of social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace to try and lure the vulnerable of the younger generation into their circles. The mass power and influence social networking sites have now is unmeasurable, as although these sites can count how many people have accounts on their site, you can also look at someone's facebook who has made their page public. In other words, the openness of these sites extends to a number of people beyond measurement. Just yesterday, I went to 6 different stores in which I purchased items. Before I left each store, the sales assistant said, "check us out on facebook!" This shows the belief companies have in social networking websites to market their products to a mass group of people, and they emphasis this by telling people to visit these sites. Social networking has taken on a market power of its own. This is a smart move by gangs who are looking to influence young people who can easily visit their site and be roped in by ideals that gangs follow, and become easily manipulated by them. It is now a social responsibility of these social networking sites to monitor their sites for such activity and ensure the safety of the younger generation that it so easily attracts.
Many things in this world are easily accessible through the web. All this ranges from raising awareness on issues to purchasing goods from around the world. Naturally, gangs would take advantage of these new advancements to promote their own agendas. As beneficial as these advancements are, they are having a negative impact. Through these social networking websites, gangs from all over the United States are able to communicate with one another, creating more of a cohesion between them. More cohesion means more of an organizational structure may form, and they will become more prominent. That's not to say that gang activity is low, but how often outside of our Gangsters course or these articles on the web do you hear about gangs? Not a lot. With these social networking websites, they are getting the word out that they exist and that they are very much interested in recruiting. It's a sad conclusion, but there is not much that we can do to fix this problem. Cracking down on all these gangs would take too much time and is just not possible with all the other crimes going on within our society. The web offers too much freedom and the ability to mask your identity.
Gangs are going to evolve with technology, they adapt and change their ways with the movement of technology. Gangs have changed their ways and recruit from from the web. we are able to do more and more every year on the web. gangs taking advantage of recruiting off of the web will happen and it will become more of a problem in the years to come. facebook and myspace are two of the biggest social networks, targeting young people becomes easier off of the web. These social networks also allow communication between gangs to become eaiser. Freedom on the web allows gangs to talk freely with eachoher. stopping the gangs using these websites is unstoppable.
And I thought Salt Lake City was only known for its large population of Mormons. Oh Social Networking, the crux of my generation. It can be good and it can be ever so crippling. It looks like a link can now be made with gangs and our current President, who both use social networking to campaign/recruit for their cause. It is wise for the law enforcement agencies to branch out and help each other provide information on the issue. By gangs using the internet to their advantage they have expanded their reach and recruiting has thus become easier. Also selling their goods has also just been opened up to others whom may have not known how to get ahold of the drugs or other things otherwise. As technology expands there is always the good and the bad that follows. It is now in the hands of the Criminal Justice System to keep pace with the new avenues provided by social networking for this to keep in hand. If nothing else it may make catching some younger and more naive (or stupid) members of gangs.
First off an very uneducated statement... Utah?? I thought only Mormons lived there?!?!
This article for me also ties into the one about gangs appearing in rural areas. With the use of technology it is not surprising that they are either relocating or reaching out to those living in these areas which, more than likely, law enforcement is typically not accustom to fighting against gang affiliated crimes and criminals.
There are plenty of factors that even the first few paragraphs present. The most obvious being that children who are born into gang families probably have a slim to none chance of getting out of this lifestyle. Unfortunately it is a fact that must to recognized. In order to prevent this from happening CPS could somehow manage to get involved... but how much would that really do except to targets on those case workers backs. Or law enforcement could be doing more prevention as a whole... if baby daddy is locked up no baby making would be occurring :) But to be honest this occurrence is more than likely not the first to target in preventing the climbing crimes rates. The second factor that jumped out to me personally is the fact that they listed the characteristics in which to look at when trying to identify a gang affiliated person. Although these are indeed the ideal characteristics the fact that teacher and law enforcement possibly wasn't previously aware of this knowledge could have something to do with the fact that crimes rate were even able to infiltrated the school systems. The third factors obviously that technology is allowing for gangs to reach out to other cross country does present a tasking job to detect. Depending on the age group at hand 10-possibly 15... what are these children doing possessing access to even be a potential target. Yes nieve, but it is shocking to me that either parents or some type of guardian is not regulating young children's internet access and activity. This use of technology is something that is clearly new to law enforcement officials therefore clearly more strategic branches of enforcement needs to be create. Until then those not readily educated on how to research/look for this specific type of activity will do little in fighting the newest wave of criminal activity presented.
CMS had mentioned stated that perhaps if these kids are "tweeting" their wrong doing perhaps the FBI could track them down. This has actually become a great research tool used by many cops. Not just only with gang members but a lot of times small time crooks will actually post a status stating what they have just done. Or on Craigslist they will post stolen items for sale...it seems the internet has many faces both good and bad.
The social network can work both ways, as a tool for the gangs to recruit both undercover and new members and a good hacker can use it as a tool to track the gang’s activity. This is rather like the Italian gangs who through family associations were born into this lifestyle. It’s not easy to break a strong family tradition. The sins of the father are imparted on the son, and the son does not have an option, to go against the family would bring shame, dishonor, or death. If it is an MS 13 gang, no option, death is the only way to leave this gang. When the members of MS 13 are captured they are sent off, or traded for other prisoners. The biggest gang deterrent is the high involvement of the local law enforcers; they may get lucky and have the gangs move to an area which the law is not so on top of things where their dysfunctional behavior can thrive.
What else is there to say about the free access to these social network programs, other than to say it just another mean to use in a negative way. Once someone learn how to manipulate resources to their advantages they are going to do it without any hesitation. Who would have thought such an ordeal is taking place right under our eyes. The problem is not these social network problem it is us. We are allowing to much freedom with our children to search these website and giving to much privacy to them while they are on the computer. But also, on the other hand, the government should be allowed to restrict such activities and pulled the plug on these type of recruitment....I am proactive for it. I must also say we should also be accountable of our behavior or involvement in these types of recruitment, its not just children getting involved in these type of program via website.
Hum, recruitment from the internet, what better way to reach a group of unsupervised, lonely children!!! To most of these kids the internet is an escape from life, it is an imaginary world where they can be what or who they want to be. In their heads they are joining an imaginary world where they are accepted for whom they are, but in reality they are messing with something that they know little or nothing about. Kathy said “Parents need to be more aware of what their children listen to and what they watch on TV. As a society, we are letting the music and entertainment industry dictate what our value system is.” This is so true, but the problem with today’s value system in America is that it is broken and scattered. Not many people have the same values as their friends and neighbors, gone is the time of a standard value system in America. Many of these kids are from families in which both parents work (not saying that is a bad thing) but these kids come home to empty houses, notes left on the fridge to tell them when to eat and when the parents will be home, ect. Many of today’s kids are being left to raise themselves and they crave a role model that is there for them when they need them. As with most internet predators, these gangs will move into that spot, listening to the children when they have had a bad day, offering to help them with a problem, and so on. The Gangs have once again found a nitch were they can move forward in the recruitment of new members and they are grabbing it with both hands.
It doesn't suprise me at all that gangs are recruiting through the internet. The internet is one of the most powerful resources we have today. Just about anything can be found on the internet. Its a great way for gangs to keep in contact with allied gang members across the country. A man can only be one place at a time, but the use of the internet allows these gang members to spread their word throughout the country. Now the downside to this tactic is that most of these kids looking to join a gang may not have access to a computer for the use of the internet. Remember, the majority of newly recruited gang members live in poverty and lack education. Computers are a valuable asset that many people cannot afford to have, especially with internet, and I do not see anyone living in these conditions to go out of their way frequently to find access to the internet if they can even find it. But once word gets to them of a gang recruiting through facebook, then that alone may give them the drive to find the details.
It’s funny how gang life will continue no matter what. It is sad to see that parent make the choice for their kids to be in a gang rather than wanting them to do better in life. I wander if police officers will consider using social Medias as a new way to police. It is amazing to see how Facebook will continue to get people in trouble, if you are a criminal you would think people would try to stay off the grid. I would hope that the kids of future generation/gangs would not continue the gang life of their children. I know I want better for my children, but at the same time that’s just my thought process. I remember when we were shown pictures of gang families, how they tattooed their faces and wear the same clothing. Parents don’t think of the hardships that they went through and the people they lost to gang life. Why would they want to continue this downward spiral to their kids? But maybe someone could show me that I’m over thinking or I’m wrong. I wish they could see the error of their ways. This is probably why no one really knows the true origin of gangs because they are just born into it.
Gangs using Facebook and Myspace to recruit, forshame Tom. I guess people should give Gangsters a little more credit for having the mental capability of using advance technology.
Gangs using the internet to recruit could actually be beneficially to Criminologist, Police Officers and Specialized gang units. Gangs are often known for their cryptic terminology, by using the internet this would allow outsiders like us, a better insight to their gang activity. Officers could infiltrate and apprehend gang members by posing as members themselves. Also messages that are posted on the internet could be used as Evidence, in court. Gangs are recruiting at a high level, and usually when you have an Economy on the down fall people often turn to other means, in order to survive.
In my opinion I feel like that it is very smart of the gangs to use the internet to connect to more people to get involved with their gang. We should of known that they would of already been doing that with the different technologys that we have out there. I find it sad that the parents are part of the biggest influence on gang members. I just feel like gang members have the wrong infuences and tend to take the easy way out of life. Im sure some gang members do not want to choose this path but have more less been born into choosing the wrong decisions. If they had more support from their parents they would have picked a different path. The use of interent for gangs creates and allows the gang members to have their opinions and express how they feel be more heard to the public and to the people who have no idea about some gangs. If you think about it, we can literally type in anything in the search bar on the internet and find out anypiece of information whether its "appropriate" or not. Even if it is not what we want to see or known it will pop up anyway. So theres really nothing we can do about it, and it is smart on the gangs part to use what they have.
there is no way to stop gangs these days. They are starting to get kids younger and younger and with all of the technological advances it seems smart to recruit through the internet. now though its pretty ridiculous how youg kids are geeting into gang life. i feel though most young kids dont really use the internet as much as they do thier peers so the internet i believe isnt really that helpful. Also because some kids are born into gangs
The gangs members are figuring out they can become stronger uniting with others around the U.S., but it goes the same for us trying to fight these gang members. We too can become stronger getting together to stop this. But I can’t help but be saddened that they are having children and bringing them into this crime this is going to create another even bigger problem, these children will grow up thinking this is the way. They aren’t going to see anything wrong so therefore they will probably be the hardest to correct and to get them to obey. While these new tactics of social networking are working for the gangs, then that means they could work in our favor too. Not to mention their social networking could just be used as an easier way to track and document their activity. This could help officers make arrest by narrowing down who is doing what. It also could open a window for law enforcement to impersonate someone to get inside info from the gangsters. As much as they think this is “helping” them, it’s helping us MORE.
It is not surprising to read about gang members spreading their words and boasting on the internet. Now days there are many of people on facebook and MySpace “meeting” new people. These new people could be gang members. The reason it is not surprising is because of the amount of people that are on the internet these days can be easily influenced. The internet is the way many people communicate as well as the way of cell phones. With the use of technology, gang members are attracting younger age groups into their gangs. As for the parents getting their children involved at such ages, I think that is just wrong. Although those children do not know any more than what they are raised, it is just sad to see these parents put these young children through the dangers of gang and gang violence. These children that are raised with parents involved in gangs do not raise their kids properly. The behavior in school is different because gangs involve violence and when these children are raised from that, they do not know any different. Should parents raise their children through the gang life? No because they shouldn’t be put in anything of that nature. The kids are put in dangerous situations.
First off… a 10 year old gang member needs to have his little butt whooped & put in time out! That literally makes NO SENSE! In all reality, if you have a child of any age claiming, portraying, acting, or giving off any sign of a gang member, it should be nipped in the bud as soon as possible. It all starts with the family at home and how much attention that child is being given. I view it as a cry for help or attention because if they aren’t getting that certain love and affection from their family then they turn to the outside world to find other sources.
“Generation gangs” are stupid. If your are a grandparent or a parent you should want your child to succeed in every LEGAL way possible and NOT pass down that generational curse of being affiliated with a gang. You’re setting them up for failure before they can even establish a positive look on life and what the world really has to offer. Honestly, if you’re a grandparent and your still in a gang, you should be slapped 15 times for being an idiot… your too old to be acting like that buddy. Grow up!
It's insane that the average age of gang members is dropping. Kids should be having fun with their childhood instead of being forced to live a dangerous gang lifestyle. And yes I do believe they are forced because at ten years old do you REALLY know what's wrong and right? It's sad to think these kids in bad neighborhoods with gangster parents, or bad childhoods will not have the same opportunities as other kids their age such as enjoying school, playing sports, and making friends that AREN'T involved in a gang. Unfortunately if they're taught these kinds of lifestyles at home it's hard to say how to steer them from the gang lifestyle. The best way I believe is to incorporate more programs in schools about gangs and work even harder to educate the youth about the dangers of being involved with gangs.
I think that it is great that somebody finally used their head and thought about teamwork outside their gang. What I mean is local law officials working with other jurisdictions to fight a problem. I did find it humorous that they have a Juggalo gang based of the band ICP. I have listened to ICP since I was a kid and I found it more comical than anything. They may have used violence in there lyrics but it is no different than a movie that shows violence. Most of the songs are funny and poke fun at something. Heck, I still listen to them almost every day. The problem is that communities don’t work together and we are all caught up in our daily routines to pay attention to those in need. We pass the blame on to the next person so why should our law enforcement be able to do the same thing. That’s a joke, but honestly that is what they do. For example, I went out on a ride out and we responded to a car being broke into. While on the scene I walked down the street and noticed about 10 to 15 more cars that had the same thing done to them. I informed the officer and he said that the next shift would get it because he got off in an hour. WOW! I could not believe it but it did just happen. So I came to the conclusion that his philosophy probably carries over into other cases. So, what does that mean? For those people that did come together to actively try to find a solution, I applaud you. Hope fully they will have officers that care about what is going on instead of what time they get off.
WOW!! Recruitment online, how much more pollution do we need? Using this source to pull in gangs and crimes is one thing, but to make available recruitment online is like allowing sexual predators access to lure in young children/adolescents. There is no type of guidelines or restrictions or supervision to block children from reaching such websites. The internet is used for many reasons to name, but allowing gang recruitment easy access, allows them more open choices to be able to reach out and make wrong choices, from a distance. These gangs online know that it's easier to lure in kids in middle school and high school through the internet because of the time they spend online, the challenges they are going through silently, maybe getting bullied or kids looking to come up fast in the world by making fast cash (the wrong way). They know that kids are already looking for some type of back up support or easy way out and rewarding them with money, drugs, and the wrong type of friendship is usually what troubled teens are looking for as answers.
Since the government and piracy laws can't keep up with blocking such websites, parents need to take the time now to get involved in their children's lives, whether it's monitoring computer use or noticing signs and behaviors in their child's daily routine, or just being involved more, things will just get worse, to a point that they can't change or prevent safety for themselves and their children.
unsupervised+lonely teens+appealing gang information= recruitment. honestly I am surprised they didn't think of this sooner. It is the perfect way to recruit, you don't have to be on the street all the time calling attention to yourself,you can post something online about what you are looking for and where to meet and normally the police are none the wiser, since this is not typically look at. Social networking sites are just now starting to get attention from the police and FBI as a way to recruit for things. Right now they are looking at it from a terrorism standpoint, trying to make sure terrorist arent using the internet to communicate. I dont think they believe gangs are this electronically savvy. but they have everything they need at their fingertips, the kids that want to belong to something and make some money with out having a real job, and the internet is the easiest way. there is no way to police the internet in full just portions as they come up, abd only then can sites be taken down or blocked by cyber-crime divisions, but they have to know the sites are there to begin with.
Gang members are finding younger and younger member off the web. More and more kids have myspace facebook and they own there own computer there parents dont watch over to see who there talking to. The prey on the one who look out to one to talk to and they ask for thing and the kids are young and will offer up there address which will put there families at danger. I watch my kids I look at the history and block where they can go we can stop this a little at a time all we have to do is open our eyes and push a couple button may make the kids made but they will be safer
It seems pretty natural that gangs recruit online today. You can get anything from how to build bombs to how to poison people and not get caught off the internet so why not join the gang too. Kids are constantly connected today so what better way for the gang to bump up the recruits. Kids still want to be cool and be a part of something and sadly they are choosing gangs. Maybe if more parents stepped up and actually monitored what their kids are doing and who their friends are things would be different. It is probably just going to get worse though before it gets better.
The internet has given gangs a way to recruit even more individuals as well as publishing their beliefs and information on the particular gang. Technology has helped gangs communicate to one another as well. It is sad to think that one is “born into gangs” but yet is understandable due to their parents and grandparents involvement. Having your children (who might know the difference between what is legally right or wrong) commit crimes for you is outrageous and immoral. It is not shocking that these children end up engaging in gang activity as well. Both the theory of social learning and social bond can be applied to this issue among teens starting to engage in gangs. If they don’t get the “bond/attention” at home then they will learn to find it in other places and gangs show to be the perfect answer (or at least that is what they think). The only way that the knowledge of gangs and gang activity exists is due to the studies and care of those individuals who take the time to study and learn about them. The more known about each gang, the more can be done. Connections between gangs and the clothes they wear or what is represented by them is important into linking them to one another through a common attributes and symbols. If policing officials, communities, and schools keep the door to communication open, then hopefully the knowledge and understanding of gangs can be understood and help prevent those “who aren’t sure” from joining.
Internet is so easy to make contacts from any where in the country,what better way to recruit kids to join gangs.Kids all the see is the glamourous side new cars and money.Not knowing that their are the scapegoats who make these top gangster the money.Parents need to be observent of what their kids are doing on the internet and on their phones.Parents need to let these kids know they have the right to look into their computers and phone.I guess one could say a parent is over stepping their authority, but who better then the parent to monitor this then the law once your child gets involved with these gangs.
Seriously, how easy is reaching out to people via the internet?
I'm sorry to say, that I really feel that parents do not supervise children as much as they should now-a-days. Mostly because, in most cases, both parents have to work in order to support their family.
Back in the 50's (no, I wasn't born yet), one parent, usually the mother, was able to stay home and raise their children. The high rise of the cost of living has changed that drastically.
In the 90's, I remember a friend of mine just turning on the TV for her kids and saying "okay, they'll be fine now".
Now, with the internet, kids have free reign of any kind of knowledge they can soak up! Yes, there are parental controls, but gangs can certainly find their way around that via safety keywords through search engines.
Kids are very impressionable. Gangs can sound appealing. Unless the parent is standing over their shoulder, it's almost impossible to stop kids from learning more about gangs or, anything else, for that matter.
Maybe more funds need to be routed to cyber crimes. No, recruiting isn't necessarily the crime, but gang activities are.
first of all the authorities should of saw this coming because everything is done over the internet now. The authorities should provide the younger kids that these gangs are targeting with after school programs that teaches acceptance of other races, what violence does to other people involved, and that there are other options in the world then gang banging and selling drugs. If there are programs that are undoing the teachings that their parents are having them learn it would give them the benefit of the children being able to make their own choices. When children grown up in gang households, the parents take away their choice to make something of their life. They expect the children to go into the "family business" instead of setting their own goals,hopes, and dreams. If there is a program made available to them and show them that there are other things they can be and they can strive for a life where they are not constantly looking behind their back to see if a rival gang is after them. Options could be good for a child!
I'm not surprised that gangs have reached out to recruiting on the internet. It is an easy access to a wide range of individuals. Getting out their message on the internet will definitely gain some interest in youths or teens that are looking for a sense of belonging.
What I find harder to understand is that how some of these parents are so naive to what their children are getting into. The internet is a powerful source for information. You can find anything on the web. I think parents should pay more attention to what their children are viewing and searching. They need to have more restrictions and limits to what they can access.
Absolutely not surprised with gangs recruiting people on line. Its reality, as parents we should have more control over what our children are watching and doing online. We have elementary school kids with cell phones, really? I had my first cell phone when I was a freshman in high school.
It’s all about networking. I agree with Vanessa, the internet is a VERY POWERFULL source of information. Kids don’t know any better. It’s the job of the parents; the gang recruiters are just doing their job.
Wow! Jessica you are so smart. I like the way you use theories to try to analyze the article. I like that they are using the computer to make claims and to recruit members. The more they do online the more we can trace, track, and document their activities. It is up to the families to protect their kids from this kind of recruitment. The social networks have already made their way into courtrooms and polygraphs so precedence has already been set. Keep it up masters of disguise.
The electronic expansion of gangs will undoubtably led to better communication and a higher membership rate in gangs. The internet has several social network features, which allow Gangs in two different cities, counties, or even state, to instantly communicate plans, information, and ideas to each other. These social network sites can also contribute to the recruitment of new gang members. An example is how the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (blessings and peace upon their name) has their own Facebook page. The part of this article that I find so encouraging is that law enforcement agencies are going to begin communicating with each other more. A lack of communication has been a constant problem with our criminal justice system. This new communication should, hopefully, contribute to a streamlined process for capturing, convicting, and confining criminals, which will lead to less of a strain on taxes payers and provide more protect for citizens.
Well said Demetre. You took everything I wanted to say and put it into an educated paragraph. It would be a shame to put legislation on what can go on the computer. What happens if they put laws against the gangs communicating on social networks? Does anyone think they will or should put laws against the activities that people can have on these sites? The idea that we can learn off of what they put on these sites is great and we can also catch them maybe a little easier as well as prosecuting them comes at a price. We can’t stop those innocent children that are more susceptible due to the bad environment at home in seeing this and becoming a new victim of gangs. We are playing with fire by allowing these people to do this but at the same time what if it lessens the real violence we see on the streets. They can use the computer to become this alter ego like a real life sims game and not actually live the life. That would be nice.
Liz S It was only a matter of time before gangs began to recruit from the Internet. With social sites like Facebook, Myspace, and You Tube it is easy for them to do this. Kids are so vulnerable and they often fall prey to gang recruitment. Gangs do not need any more easy ways to exploit children/ young adults to them. Technology is great and these social sites are a fantastic way of communication but not if they are going to be used for negative purposes. It is bound to happen of course, but it’s a shame. I guess this is when parents need to be monitoring what sites or what friends their children are making in Facebook and My Space. They do not want to fall victim to gang predators.
First and foremost, these kiddos have access to the internet pretty much anywhere. One rule in my house that I set with my kids is that THERE IS NO PRIVACY. We have 1 computer and that is in a spot which the whole family uses. I have 2 TV's. The big one in the living room (the family shares) and 1 in my room so my little one can watch her kids shows. I monitor what they do. I monitor their social network site and monitor what kind of status updates they post. I am not saying my boys 19 and 14 yo will not fall prey to something like that, but so far my 19 yo has a good head on his shoulders. To me so many of the problems we face in our culture is because the family home is somehow broken (and no excuse if its a single parent home. What kind of role models is momma or Dad exposing the kids to?). Communication is the key. As a parent you have to set the precedent for your children. Many of the gangs members can blame their participation in a gang because of broken bonds. As a community we are responsible for many of the issues going on around us. It is easy to say, that's not my kid and not my problem. But it is our problem because crime affects everyone. Part of the solution is that these kids need to know that yeah, you have sorry parents, but we (the community) are with you. Not an easy task to do though.
Every time I hear about gang members recruiting my stomach turns because I know that they are mostly targeting young kids. It hurts me to know that some kids do not have parents involved in their life to even notice what kind of lifestyle they potentially getting themselves into. A neglected kid is what the gang wants. This is the perfect subortinate to train and brainwash with the gangs warped ideaology. A lot of these kids play on the internet for fun or to be social but it has become a playground for the deviant as well. I think the internet is an incredibly dangerous place for children of an impressinable age. Any internet usage should be highly monitered
Gangs are using myspace, facebook and other internet social websites to create networks in which they can reach a larger audience. They are using the Internet to broadcast information much the same they use a wall and a c spray paint to get messages out into the community. I think law enforcement will use the information on these websites to gain information and gather intelligence on the gangs. I wouldn’t be surprised if law enforcement set up fake accounts posing as interested recruits in an attempt to infiltrate the gangs
I think it makes sense recruiting from the internet. It fits the type of person who could easily fall victim to be sucked into the world of gangs. Alone, unsupervised, surfing on the internet, and looking for some sort inclusion or belonging. The young are very skilled in the world of electronics, so it fits exceptionally well.
ReplyDeleteI did some research on a supremacy group called the world church of the creator or the creativity movement. They are now located out of Wyoming and have been using the internet for some time as a means of recruitment.
The gang recruitment of the young is no different than the recruitment of the young by pedophiles.... the children are pawns for the older kids' or adults' needs. Children need bonding and human stroking; and they will do whatever it takes to receive it. Acceptance is the key - if they have no bonding with family they will seek it elsewhere.
Gangs are predators that lure children in to their groups and they use them. It is not because 20 year olds want to hang out with 10 year old kids and have conversations with them. The home base can be Utah or Wyoming. Gangs no longer have regional boundaries. They are worldwide.
I feel that gang activity on and amongst the world wide web is more of a weaker area of secrecy for the gangs. If gangs and gang members want to try and keep in touch, work crime rings, or schedule gang meetings this only makes things a lot easier for anti-gang activists and law enforcement crack down on these particular gangs or gang members.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with gangs and gang members building social network sites and posting images and activities on line is that this can "spark" interest in the youth of the world. On the other hand parent involvement in the children who are researching gangs with intent of joining, are the ones who are ultimately to blame. Allowing their child to have access to this type of explicit content and not being involved in their lives is where the problem starts.
Recruiting from the internet seems logical in many ways. For one you of course reach a much larger audience. The largest reason however, is the internet since its inception has been a safe haven for the many people in the world who find it difficult to function with the so called "normal" society. Kids who feel like outcasts have been seeking "friendship" and feelings from the internet for years. These kids are looking for acceptance and they turn to the internet to find the feelings they yearn for...yet it allows them to be whatever they want to be to escape what they really are or feel that they are percieved by the world. The anonymity of the internet has allowed people to live in a dream world to escape their own.
ReplyDeleteThe desperation of these individuals make them easy targets for gangs, cults, scams, gimmicks and just about anything that can be found on the internet.
I completely agree with the previous post.... parents seem to be the biggest problem. If parents were showing the love these kids desire, or at the very least monitoring what these kids are doing whether on the internet or in the real world perhaps recruitment would be more difficult whether it is on the internet or in reality.
It was recently reported that the number of people living below the poverty level has increased to record levels. You would have to believe that these once middle class families, many of which are now homeless, would be easy targets for gang recruitment. Desperate times calls for desperate measures.
ReplyDeleteIt's not unlike the drug wars in Mexico spilling over into U.S. If we don't get a handle on gang activity at its hub, it will continue to grow outward, eventually reaching everywhere.
Parents need to be more aware of what their children listen to and what they watch on t.v. As a society, we are letting the music and entertainment industry dictact what our value system is.
It makes sense what gangs are doing using the internet to try and recruit members. It is an easy way get a majority of people to join from different places which in turn can make the gang stronger not in numbers but in resources also. The internet is a great way for them to communicate among each other to order hits or to trade drugs and guns. It simple and easy to use and can easily get the young kids to join gangs with out effort. It is good to see efforts being made in order to stop this activity. The only to prevent gang activity is to start educating the young kids about the dangerous of gangs. It amazing how gangs have grown and are now using the internet in their criminal activities. There should be education at school about the importance of internet safety in order for kids not to fall victim to gangs. More and more communities should come together to share research on gangs from there area in order to gain knowledge to get a control on gang activity and prevent it. Overall more should be done on gang prevention just like drug prevention. It is horrible to think what other technologies gangs will use to their advantages.
ReplyDeleteThe internet has, since its inception, been an instrument of great innovation and lawlessness. In the vastness of the world wide web, millions of crimes are being committed with only a small handful of individuals present to enforce the law. Social Networking Sites such as MySpace and Facebook as well as social tools such as Skype have allowed individuals to communicate with each other from all over the world as instantly as if they were present in person. This has allowed gangs and violent groups, who previously were weak and isolated, a means to coordinate group plans and commit crime on a larger scale. To deal with these crimes, the internet was be taken more seriously and much more effort must be put forth to capture and deal with criminals who advertise criminal actions of affiliation. As a boon to law enforcement, the internet has provided a means to gather evidence posted by users that can recorded and is almost impossible to destroy. Any admission of guilt on a website can be taken in as a confession and coordinated crime can be traced back to the members who planned the action out rather than just the pawns that were arrested. While the internet can contribute in causing growth in gang activity, law enforcement should step up and use modern technology to deal with internet crime effectively.
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ReplyDeleteThe internet was created by and for the Military. Now the internet is being used against the Military by the Al-queda and other terrorist groups. These terrorist groups are using the internet as a means to help recruit members and now street gangs and motorcycle gangs are following suit. As someone else stated, this is a method of communication that is going to attract possible new members and the authorities too. These groups are arrogant and boastful, so it doesn’t matter to them until an undercover agent makes a bust on them. The statement about their being second and third generation gang members doesn’t surprise me. With no positive social structure at home, children are having children. Three generations of gang members might only span forty five years or so. Could the actions of Madeline Murray O’Hare be partly the blame for the rise in second and third generations of gang membership? There was no prayer or speaking of God in public schools when I attended school and I find it sad that the warped values of parents are taught and passed on to their children. There is no moral structure and no positive moral structure at home. If good morals and virtue aren’t taught in the home or schools, what is going to discourage young people from becoming members of street gangs and supremacist groups? It’s disturbing to think that they might be idolizing gang leaders or possible the grand wizard of the KKK.
ReplyDeleteI am not shocked by the use of social media buy gangs for recruitment purpose, it seem a natural progression, but I am curious about the authenticity of it. I just don't see someone who is really down with a gang and doing dirt tweeting about it. I just wonder how many of these "social recruiters" are just wannabes? If that was the case then the FBI should have no problem finding out what is going on.
ReplyDeleteI think that social networking among gangs through the internet has become an issue in society.It helps gang members connect and socialize from a distance.This is an issue that I believe that authority will not be able to make come to an end.I think there is no way to stop gang members from socializing through the internet due to privacy laws. I think this is not as big of an issue as it is on and throughout the streets of different communities. I think that this should be a focus but I think we as people should focus more on what is actually being seen in the communities.This is an issue that we should definitely work on to try and eliminate.
ReplyDeleteLike nick said " the internet was created by and for the military". The internet is now available to everybody,and everybody uses it for their specific purposes, whatever they maybe. With social network sites like Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc it is easy for gang members to reach and connect with other gang members in different states. By using the internet gangs are able to relay information to each other, recruit children and adults into their gang, boast and brag about their gang, etc. Although the internet seems to give gangs an advantage, the use of the internet can have a disadvantage. Depending on how much information they are putting out, gangs can leave themselves open to attack from rival gangs or possibly being arrested by the police. Hopefully the police can use the information the gangs put on the internet to somehow decrease gang activity.
ReplyDeleteConsidering the way technology is changing the way things are done amongst the world, it doesn’t supprise me in the slightest that gang members are recruiting via computer. Just about everything is done through some form of internet connection, like face book, chat sites, individuals own websites that they can make for free now. The fact that the internet can be used as a major connection source for gangs is a bit scary. It can be tracked but now it will be harder and more complex than the traditional follow gang members around or undercover agents. Plus, gangs can become smarter and take the violence from the streets to the internet. Who knows what they can do in years to come.
ReplyDeleteNow that gangs are recruiting through the internet a younger group of people are subjected to it much easier because it will be there in sight when they are on the computer and younger generations will most likely think it is ok just because it is advertised amongst friends. No one will suspect a little kid in a gang so officers won’t think it pursue them as a threat or target.
Plus one gang can make contact with anyone worldwide through the internet and can have the same gang clear across the country out of our district obviously.
As it was stated early and someone else said the same thing that I am about to say, the internet is used for social networking, and the Gangs have unlimted access to the net. So with being said, it is a easy way for them to get to our childern, and love one's . I think that we as people of our country should be more involved in trying to find was to stop the violence other than, letting it go on and the crime rate increase. There should be a type of service out there to keep up with what's going on in referance to online recurtining of gangs. So I think that it's good to have a network group to try and cut out the gang activity.
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ReplyDeleteThis issue is daunting. The rise of membership is an issue that is detrimental to all. The story stated that most members are 10 – 24 years old. I was totally shocked that members are as young as 10. When I was 10 I don’t even think that I knew what a gang was. These children are so young and impressionable and are drawn into gang life. I understand that many members join for a sense of family because they have none or have a bad family home BUT why go join another “family” that is no better and guarantees death or imprisonment. It makes no sense other than that their young age makes them so naïve. The children born into these situations, with their parents or parent being gang members, also have no chance and are literally born into a life of crime. The economic aspect plays a part to the rise of gang membership as well. People see money and people want money. Selling drugs is a big business and gains profit, people see that and they want a share of the profit and joining a gang gives them access. The rise of gang membership can be attributed to many things but the fact of the matter is that is needs to decline. The question is, how? One solution is that more programs should be implemented to help children keep from the temptation. Of course solving the problem brings in the issue of money and who is going to pay for it. I believe this is why there is not enough help to deter. Its all money.Gang are getting smarter and learning to recruit in new ways. Gang intervention should be a high priority because the numbering are rising.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the first post, kids these days have unsupervised access to the internet, whether at school or home, even personal phones that carry the internet. With social networking enticing younger generations to waste their time in front of a computer screen, on the internet, it only makes sense that their curiosity would lead them to look up information on gangs. Another problem with this are the amount of television shows that glorify gang life. Kids watching these show are left with a good impression about gangs.
ReplyDeleteIt was only a matter of time before gangs took advantage of social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace to try and lure the vulnerable of the younger generation into their circles. The mass power and influence social networking sites have now is unmeasurable, as although these sites can count how many people have accounts on their site, you can also look at someone's facebook who has made their page public. In other words, the openness of these sites extends to a number of people beyond measurement. Just yesterday, I went to 6 different stores in which I purchased items. Before I left each store, the sales assistant said, "check us out on facebook!" This shows the belief companies have in social networking websites to market their products to a mass group of people, and they emphasis this by telling people to visit these sites. Social networking has taken on a market power of its own. This is a smart move by gangs who are looking to influence young people who can easily visit their site and be roped in by ideals that gangs follow, and become easily manipulated by them. It is now a social responsibility of these social networking sites to monitor their sites for such activity and ensure the safety of the younger generation that it so easily attracts.
ReplyDeleteMany things in this world are easily accessible through the web. All this ranges from raising awareness on issues to purchasing goods from around the world. Naturally, gangs would take advantage of these new advancements to promote their own agendas. As beneficial as these advancements are, they are having a negative impact. Through these social networking websites, gangs from all over the United States are able to communicate with one another, creating more of a cohesion between them. More cohesion means more of an organizational structure may form, and they will become more prominent. That's not to say that gang activity is low, but how often outside of our Gangsters course or these articles on the web do you hear about gangs? Not a lot. With these social networking websites, they are getting the word out that they exist and that they are very much interested in recruiting. It's a sad conclusion, but there is not much that we can do to fix this problem. Cracking down on all these gangs would take too much time and is just not possible with all the other crimes going on within our society. The web offers too much freedom and the ability to mask your identity.
ReplyDeleteGangs are going to evolve with technology, they adapt and change their ways with the movement of technology. Gangs have changed their ways and recruit from from the web. we are able to do more and more every year on the web. gangs taking advantage of recruiting off of the web will happen and it will become more of a problem in the years to come. facebook and myspace are two of the biggest social networks, targeting young people becomes easier off of the web. These social networks also allow communication between gangs to become eaiser. Freedom on the web allows gangs to talk freely with eachoher. stopping the gangs using these websites is unstoppable.
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought Salt Lake City was only known for its large population of Mormons. Oh Social Networking, the crux of my generation. It can be good and it can be ever so crippling. It looks like a link can now be made with gangs and our current President, who both use social networking to campaign/recruit for their cause. It is wise for the law enforcement agencies to branch out and help each other provide information on the issue. By gangs using the internet to their advantage they have expanded their reach and recruiting has thus become easier. Also selling their goods has also just been opened up to others whom may have not known how to get ahold of the drugs or other things otherwise. As technology expands there is always the good and the bad that follows. It is now in the hands of the Criminal Justice System to keep pace with the new avenues provided by social networking for this to keep in hand. If nothing else it may make catching some younger and more naive (or stupid) members of gangs.
ReplyDeleteFirst off an very uneducated statement... Utah?? I thought only Mormons lived there?!?!
ReplyDeleteThis article for me also ties into the one about gangs appearing in rural areas. With the use of technology it is not surprising that they are either relocating or reaching out to those living in these areas which, more than likely, law enforcement is typically not accustom to fighting against gang affiliated crimes and criminals.
There are plenty of factors that even the first few paragraphs present. The most obvious being that children who are born into gang families probably have a slim to none chance of getting out of this lifestyle. Unfortunately it is a fact that must to recognized. In order to prevent this from happening CPS could somehow manage to get involved... but how much would that really do except to targets on those case workers backs. Or law enforcement could be doing more prevention as a whole... if baby daddy is locked up no baby making would be occurring :) But to be honest this occurrence is more than likely not the first to target in preventing the climbing crimes rates.
The second factor that jumped out to me personally is the fact that they listed the characteristics in which to look at when trying to identify a gang affiliated person. Although these are indeed the ideal characteristics the fact that teacher and law enforcement possibly wasn't previously aware of this knowledge could have something to do with the fact that crimes rate were even able to infiltrated the school systems.
The third factors obviously that technology is allowing for gangs to reach out to other cross country does present a tasking job to detect. Depending on the age group at hand 10-possibly 15... what are these children doing possessing access to even be a potential target. Yes nieve, but it is shocking to me that either parents or some type of guardian is not regulating young children's internet access and activity. This use of technology is something that is clearly new to law enforcement officials therefore clearly more strategic branches of enforcement needs to be create. Until then those not readily educated on how to research/look for this specific type of activity will do little in fighting the newest wave of criminal activity presented.
CMS had mentioned stated that perhaps if these kids are "tweeting" their wrong doing perhaps the FBI could track them down. This has actually become a great research tool used by many cops. Not just only with gang members but a lot of times small time crooks will actually post a status stating what they have just done. Or on Craigslist they will post stolen items for sale...it seems the internet has many faces both good and bad.
ReplyDeleteThe social network can work both ways, as a tool for the gangs to recruit both undercover and new members and a good hacker can use it as a tool to track the gang’s activity. This is rather like the Italian gangs who through family associations were born into this lifestyle. It’s not easy to break a strong family tradition. The sins of the father are imparted on the son, and the son does not have an option, to go against the family would bring shame, dishonor, or death. If it is an MS 13 gang, no option, death is the only way to leave this gang. When the members of MS 13 are captured they are sent off, or traded for other prisoners. The biggest gang deterrent is the high involvement of the local law enforcers; they may get lucky and have the gangs move to an area which the law is not so on top of things where their dysfunctional behavior can thrive.
ReplyDeleteWhat else is there to say about the free access to these social network programs, other than to say it just another mean to use in a negative way. Once someone learn how to manipulate resources to their advantages they are going to do it without any hesitation. Who would have thought such an ordeal is taking place right under our eyes. The problem is not these social network problem it is us. We are allowing to much freedom with our children to search these website and giving to much privacy to them while they are on the computer. But also, on the other hand, the government should be allowed to restrict such activities and pulled the plug on these type of recruitment....I am proactive for it. I must also say we should also be accountable of our behavior or involvement in these types of recruitment, its not just children getting involved in these type of program via website.
ReplyDeleteHum, recruitment from the internet, what better way to reach a group of unsupervised, lonely children!!! To most of these kids the internet is an escape from life, it is an imaginary world where they can be what or who they want to be. In their heads they are joining an imaginary world where they are accepted for whom they are, but in reality they are messing with something that they know little or nothing about.
ReplyDeleteKathy said “Parents need to be more aware of what their children listen to and what they watch on TV. As a society, we are letting the music and entertainment industry dictate what our value system is.” This is so true, but the problem with today’s value system in America is that it is broken and scattered. Not many people have the same values as their friends and neighbors, gone is the time of a standard value system in America. Many of these kids are from families in which both parents work (not saying that is a bad thing) but these kids come home to empty houses, notes left on the fridge to tell them when to eat and when the parents will be home, ect. Many of today’s kids are being left to raise themselves and they crave a role model that is there for them when they need them. As with most internet predators, these gangs will move into that spot, listening to the children when they have had a bad day, offering to help them with a problem, and so on.
The Gangs have once again found a nitch were they can move forward in the recruitment of new members and they are grabbing it with both hands.
It doesn't suprise me at all that gangs are recruiting through the internet. The internet is one of the most powerful resources we have today. Just about anything can be found on the internet. Its a great way for gangs to keep in contact with allied gang members across the country. A man can only be one place at a time, but the use of the internet allows these gang members to spread their word throughout the country. Now the downside to this tactic is that most of these kids looking to join a gang may not have access to a computer for the use of the internet. Remember, the majority of newly recruited gang members live in poverty and lack education. Computers are a valuable asset that many people cannot afford to have, especially with internet, and I do not see anyone living in these conditions to go out of their way frequently to find access to the internet if they can even find it. But once word gets to them of a gang recruiting through facebook, then that alone may give them the drive to find the details.
ReplyDeleteIt’s funny how gang life will continue no matter what. It is sad to see that parent make the choice for their kids to be in a gang rather than wanting them to do better in life. I wander if police officers will consider using social Medias as a new way to police. It is amazing to see how Facebook will continue to get people in trouble, if you are a criminal you would think people would try to stay off the grid. I would hope that the kids of future generation/gangs would not continue the gang life of their children. I know I want better for my children, but at the same time that’s just my thought process. I remember when we were shown pictures of gang families, how they tattooed their faces and wear the same clothing. Parents don’t think of the hardships that they went through and the people they lost to gang life. Why would they want to continue this downward spiral to their kids? But maybe someone could show me that I’m over thinking or I’m wrong. I wish they could see the error of their ways. This is probably why no one really knows the true origin of gangs because they are just born into it.
ReplyDeleteGangs using Facebook and Myspace to recruit, forshame Tom. I guess people should give Gangsters a little more credit for having the mental capability of using advance technology.
ReplyDeleteGangs using the internet to recruit could actually be beneficially to Criminologist, Police Officers and Specialized gang units. Gangs are often known for their cryptic terminology, by using the internet this would allow outsiders like us, a better insight to their gang activity. Officers could infiltrate and apprehend gang members by posing as members themselves. Also messages that are posted on the internet could be used as Evidence, in court. Gangs are recruiting at a high level, and usually when you have an Economy on the down fall people often turn to other means, in order to survive.
In my opinion I feel like that it is very smart of the gangs to use the internet to connect to more people to get involved with their gang. We should of known that they would of already been doing that with the different technologys that we have out there. I find it sad that the parents are part of the biggest influence on gang members. I just feel like gang members have the wrong infuences and tend to take the easy way out of life. Im sure some gang members do not want to choose this path but have more less been born into choosing the wrong decisions. If they had more support from their parents they would have picked a different path. The use of interent for gangs creates and allows the gang members to have their opinions and express how they feel be more heard to the public and to the people who have no idea about some gangs. If you think about it, we can literally type in anything in the search bar on the internet and find out anypiece of information whether its "appropriate" or not. Even if it is not what we want to see or known it will pop up anyway. So theres really nothing we can do about it, and it is smart on the gangs part to use what they have.
ReplyDeletethere is no way to stop gangs these days. They are starting to get kids younger and younger and with all of the technological advances it seems smart to recruit through the internet. now though its pretty ridiculous how youg kids are geeting into gang life. i feel though most young kids dont really use the internet as much as they do thier peers so the internet i believe isnt really that helpful. Also because some kids are born into gangs
ReplyDeleteThe gangs members are figuring out they can become stronger uniting with others around the U.S., but it goes the same for us trying to fight these gang members. We too can become stronger getting together to stop this. But I can’t help but be saddened that they are having children and bringing them into this crime this is going to create another even bigger problem, these children will grow up thinking this is the way. They aren’t going to see anything wrong so therefore they will probably be the hardest to correct and to get them to obey. While these new tactics of social networking are working for the gangs, then that means they could work in our favor too. Not to mention their social networking could just be used as an easier way to track and document their activity. This could help officers make arrest by narrowing down who is doing what. It also could open a window for law enforcement to impersonate someone to get inside info from the gangsters. As much as they think this is “helping” them, it’s helping us MORE.
ReplyDeleteIt is not surprising to read about gang members spreading their words and boasting on the internet. Now days there are many of people on facebook and MySpace “meeting” new people. These new people could be gang members. The reason it is not surprising is because of the amount of people that are on the internet these days can be easily influenced. The internet is the way many people communicate as well as the way of cell phones. With the use of technology, gang members are attracting younger age groups into their gangs.
ReplyDeleteAs for the parents getting their children involved at such ages, I think that is just wrong. Although those children do not know any more than what they are raised, it is just sad to see these parents put these young children through the dangers of gang and gang violence. These children that are raised with parents involved in gangs do not raise their kids properly. The behavior in school is different because gangs involve violence and when these children are raised from that, they do not know any different. Should parents raise their children through the gang life? No because they shouldn’t be put in anything of that nature. The kids are put in dangerous situations.
First off… a 10 year old gang member needs to have his little butt whooped & put in time out! That literally makes NO SENSE! In all reality, if you have a child of any age claiming, portraying, acting, or giving off any sign of a gang member, it should be nipped in the bud as soon as possible. It all starts with the family at home and how much attention that child is being given. I view it as a cry for help or attention because if they aren’t getting that certain love and affection from their family then they turn to the outside world to find other sources.
ReplyDelete“Generation gangs” are stupid. If your are a grandparent or a parent you should want your child to succeed in every LEGAL way possible and NOT pass down that generational curse of being affiliated with a gang. You’re setting them up for failure before they can even establish a positive look on life and what the world really has to offer. Honestly, if you’re a grandparent and your still in a gang, you should be slapped 15 times for being an idiot… your too old to be acting like that buddy. Grow up!
It's insane that the average age of gang members is dropping. Kids should be having fun with their childhood instead of being forced to live a dangerous gang lifestyle. And yes I do believe they are forced because at ten years old do you REALLY know what's wrong and right? It's sad to think these kids in bad neighborhoods with gangster parents, or bad childhoods will not have the same opportunities as other kids their age such as enjoying school, playing sports, and making friends that AREN'T involved in a gang. Unfortunately if they're taught these kinds of lifestyles at home it's hard to say how to steer them from the gang lifestyle. The best way I believe is to incorporate more programs in schools about gangs and work even harder to educate the youth about the dangers of being involved with gangs.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is great that somebody finally used their head and thought about teamwork outside their gang. What I mean is local law officials working with other jurisdictions to fight a problem. I did find it humorous that they have a Juggalo gang based of the band ICP. I have listened to ICP since I was a kid and I found it more comical than anything. They may have used violence in there lyrics but it is no different than a movie that shows violence. Most of the songs are funny and poke fun at something. Heck, I still listen to them almost every day. The problem is that communities don’t work together and we are all caught up in our daily routines to pay attention to those in need. We pass the blame on to the next person so why should our law enforcement be able to do the same thing. That’s a joke, but honestly that is what they do. For example, I went out on a ride out and we responded to a car being broke into. While on the scene I walked down the street and noticed about 10 to 15 more cars that had the same thing done to them. I informed the officer and he said that the next shift would get it because he got off in an hour. WOW! I could not believe it but it did just happen. So I came to the conclusion that his philosophy probably carries over into other cases. So, what does that mean? For those people that did come together to actively try to find a solution, I applaud you. Hope fully they will have officers that care about what is going on instead of what time they get off.
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Recruitment online, how much more pollution do we need? Using this source to pull in gangs and crimes is one thing, but to make available recruitment online is like allowing sexual predators access to lure in young children/adolescents. There is no type of guidelines or restrictions or supervision to block children from reaching such websites. The internet is used for many reasons to name, but allowing gang recruitment easy access, allows them more open choices to be able to reach out and make wrong choices, from a distance. These gangs online know that it's easier to lure in kids in middle school and high school through the internet because of the time they spend online, the challenges they are going through silently, maybe getting bullied or kids looking to come up fast in the world by making fast cash (the wrong way). They know that kids are already looking for some type of back up support or easy way out and rewarding them with money, drugs, and the wrong type of friendship is usually what troubled teens are looking for as answers.
ReplyDeleteSince the government and piracy laws can't keep up with blocking such websites, parents need to take the time now to get involved in their children's lives, whether it's monitoring computer use or noticing signs and behaviors in their child's daily routine, or just being involved more, things will just get worse, to a point that they can't change or prevent safety for themselves and their children.
unsupervised+lonely teens+appealing gang information= recruitment. honestly I am surprised they didn't think of this sooner. It is the perfect way to recruit, you don't have to be on the street all the time calling attention to yourself,you can post something online about what you are looking for and where to meet and normally the police are none the wiser, since this is not typically look at. Social networking sites are just now starting to get attention from the police and FBI as a way to recruit for things. Right now they are looking at it from a terrorism standpoint, trying to make sure terrorist arent using the internet to communicate. I dont think they believe gangs are this electronically savvy. but they have everything they need at their fingertips, the kids that want to belong to something and make some money with out having a real job, and the internet is the easiest way. there is no way to police the internet in full just portions as they come up, abd only then can sites be taken down or blocked by cyber-crime divisions, but they have to know the sites are there to begin with.
ReplyDeleteGang members are finding younger and younger member off the web. More and more kids have myspace facebook and they own there own computer there parents dont watch over to see who there talking to. The prey on the one who look out to one to talk to and they ask for thing and the kids are young and will offer up there address which will put there families at danger. I watch my kids I look at the history and block where they can go we can stop this a little at a time all we have to do is open our eyes and push a couple button may make the kids made but they will be safer
ReplyDeleteIt seems pretty natural that gangs recruit online today. You can get anything from how to build bombs to how to poison people and not get caught off the internet so why not join the gang too. Kids are constantly connected today so what better way for the gang to bump up the recruits. Kids still want to be cool and be a part of something and sadly they are choosing gangs. Maybe if more parents stepped up and actually monitored what their kids are doing and who their friends are things would be different. It is probably just going to get worse though before it gets better.
ReplyDeleteThe internet has given gangs a way to recruit even more individuals as well as publishing their beliefs and information on the particular gang. Technology has helped gangs communicate to one another as well. It is sad to think that one is “born into gangs” but yet is understandable due to their parents and grandparents involvement. Having your children (who might know the difference between what is legally right or wrong) commit crimes for you is outrageous and immoral. It is not shocking that these children end up engaging in gang activity as well. Both the theory of social learning and social bond can be applied to this issue among teens starting to engage in gangs. If they don’t get the “bond/attention” at home then they will learn to find it in other places and gangs show to be the perfect answer (or at least that is what they think). The only way that the knowledge of gangs and gang activity exists is due to the studies and care of those individuals who take the time to study and learn about them. The more known about each gang, the more can be done. Connections between gangs and the clothes they wear or what is represented by them is important into linking them to one another through a common attributes and symbols. If policing officials, communities, and schools keep the door to communication open, then hopefully the knowledge and understanding of gangs can be understood and help prevent those “who aren’t sure” from joining.
ReplyDeleteInternet is so easy to make contacts from any where in the country,what better way to recruit kids to join gangs.Kids all the see is the glamourous side new cars and money.Not knowing that their are the scapegoats who make these top gangster the money.Parents need to be observent of what their kids are doing on the internet and on their phones.Parents need to let these kids know they have the right to look into their computers and phone.I guess one could say a parent is over stepping their authority, but who better then the parent to monitor this then the law once your child gets involved with these gangs.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, how easy is reaching out to people via the internet?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to say, that I really feel that parents do not supervise children as much as they should now-a-days. Mostly because, in most cases, both parents have to work in order to support their family.
Back in the 50's (no, I wasn't born yet), one parent, usually the mother, was able to stay home and raise their children. The high rise of the cost of living has changed that drastically.
In the 90's, I remember a friend of mine just turning on the TV for her kids and saying "okay, they'll be fine now".
Now, with the internet, kids have free reign of any kind of knowledge they can soak up! Yes, there are parental controls, but gangs can certainly find their way around that via safety keywords through search engines.
Kids are very impressionable. Gangs can sound appealing. Unless the parent is standing over their shoulder, it's almost impossible to stop kids from learning more about gangs or, anything else, for that matter.
Maybe more funds need to be routed to cyber crimes. No, recruiting isn't necessarily the crime, but gang activities are.
first of all the authorities should of saw this coming because everything is done over the internet now. The authorities should provide the younger kids that these gangs are targeting with after school programs that teaches acceptance of other races, what violence does to other people involved, and that there are other options in the world then gang banging and selling drugs. If there are programs that are undoing the teachings that their parents are having them learn it would give them the benefit of the children being able to make their own choices. When children grown up in gang households, the parents take away their choice to make something of their life. They expect the children to go into the "family business" instead of setting their own goals,hopes, and dreams. If there is a program made available to them and show them that there are other things they can be and they can strive for a life where they are not constantly looking behind their back to see if a rival gang is after them. Options could be good for a child!
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised that gangs have reached out to recruiting on the internet. It is an easy access to a wide range of individuals. Getting out their message on the internet will definitely gain some interest in youths or teens that are looking for a sense of belonging.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find harder to understand is that how some of these parents are so naive to what their children are getting into. The internet is a powerful source for information. You can find anything on the web. I think parents should pay more attention to what their children are viewing and searching. They need to have more restrictions and limits to what they can access.
Absolutely not surprised with gangs recruiting people on line. Its reality, as parents we should have more control over what our children are watching and doing online. We have elementary school kids with cell phones, really? I had my first cell phone when I was a freshman in high school.
ReplyDeleteIt’s all about networking. I agree with Vanessa, the internet is a VERY POWERFULL source of information. Kids don’t know any better. It’s the job of the parents; the gang recruiters are just doing their job.
Wow! Jessica you are so smart. I like the way you use theories to try to analyze the article. I like that they are using the computer to make claims and to recruit members. The more they do online the more we can trace, track, and document their activities. It is up to the families to protect their kids from this kind of recruitment. The social networks have already made their way into courtrooms and polygraphs so precedence has already been set. Keep it up masters of disguise.
ReplyDeleteThe electronic expansion of gangs will undoubtably led to better communication and a higher membership rate in gangs. The internet has several social network features, which allow Gangs in two different cities, counties, or even state, to instantly communicate plans, information, and ideas to each other. These social network sites can also contribute to the recruitment of new gang members. An example is how the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (blessings and peace upon their name) has their own Facebook page. The part of this article that I find so encouraging is that law enforcement agencies are going to begin communicating with each other more. A lack of communication has been a constant problem with our criminal justice system. This new communication should, hopefully, contribute to a streamlined process for capturing, convicting, and confining criminals, which will lead to less of a strain on taxes payers and provide more protect for citizens.
ReplyDeleteWell said Demetre. You took everything I wanted to say and put it into an educated paragraph. It would be a shame to put legislation on what can go on the computer. What happens if they put laws against the gangs communicating on social networks? Does anyone think they will or should put laws against the activities that people can have on these sites? The idea that we can learn off of what they put on these sites is great and we can also catch them maybe a little easier as well as prosecuting them comes at a price. We can’t stop those innocent children that are more susceptible due to the bad environment at home in seeing this and becoming a new victim of gangs. We are playing with fire by allowing these people to do this but at the same time what if it lessens the real violence we see on the streets. They can use the computer to become this alter ego like a real life sims game and not actually live the life. That would be nice.
ReplyDeleteLiz S
ReplyDeleteIt was only a matter of time before gangs began to recruit from the Internet. With social sites like Facebook, Myspace, and You Tube it is easy for them to do this. Kids are so vulnerable and they often fall prey to gang recruitment. Gangs do not need any more easy ways to exploit children/ young adults to them. Technology is great and these social sites are a fantastic way of communication but not if they are going to be used for negative purposes. It is bound to happen of course, but it’s a shame. I guess this is when parents need to be monitoring what sites or what friends their children are making in Facebook and My Space. They do not want to fall victim to gang predators.
First and foremost, these kiddos have access to the internet pretty much anywhere. One rule in my house that I set with my kids is that THERE IS NO PRIVACY. We have 1 computer and that is in a spot which the whole family uses. I have 2 TV's. The big one in the living room (the family shares) and 1 in my room so my little one can watch her kids shows. I monitor what they do. I monitor their social network site and monitor what kind of status updates they post. I am not saying my boys 19 and 14 yo will not fall prey to something like that, but so far my 19 yo has a good head on his shoulders. To me so many of the problems we face in our culture is because the family home is somehow broken (and no excuse if its a single parent home. What kind of role models is momma or Dad exposing the kids to?). Communication is the key. As a parent you have to set the precedent for your children. Many of the gangs members can blame their participation in a gang because of broken bonds. As a community we are responsible for many of the issues going on around us. It is easy to say, that's not my kid and not my problem. But it is our problem because crime affects everyone. Part of the solution is that these kids need to know that yeah, you have sorry parents, but we (the community) are with you. Not an easy task to do though.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I hear about gang members recruiting my stomach turns because I know that they are mostly targeting young kids. It hurts me to know that some kids do not have parents involved in their life to even notice what kind of lifestyle they potentially getting themselves into. A neglected kid is what the gang wants. This is the perfect subortinate to train and brainwash with the gangs warped ideaology. A lot of these kids play on the internet for fun or to be social but it has become a playground for the deviant as well. I think the internet is an incredibly dangerous place for children of an impressinable age. Any internet usage should be highly monitered
ReplyDeleteGangs are using myspace, facebook and other internet social websites to create networks in which they can reach a larger audience. They are using the Internet to broadcast information much the same they use a wall and a c spray paint to get messages out into the community. I think law enforcement will use the information on these websites to gain information and gather intelligence on the gangs. I wouldn’t be surprised if law enforcement set up fake accounts posing as interested recruits in an attempt to infiltrate the gangs
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