Common sense and an ability to develop a short-term plan of action. Calm under pressure and not given to hysteria. An ability to relate to youths and establish trust if the strategist is going to interact directly with the affected youth. Establish communication with a youth. Identify reasons why a youth might disengage.
Crimes committed by gang youths are often random and seemingly without rationale.
For this reason, direct gang intervention efforts should be left to those with experience engaging these youths such as juvenile officers, youth ministries, etc. Below is a sampling of potential indicators which might indicate gang interest. If in doubt, local juvenile officers, school teachers, social workers, and youth pastors are good sources of information regarding local gang attire, activities, etc. Severe change in grooming, such as shaved or spiked hair. Severe change in attire, such as baggy pants always worn below a youth's underwear waist bank.