In recent years however, the outward display of gang jackets or hats has become a rarity because police and citizens have become very aware of this type of clothing. Gang involved youth have also realized this clothing draws too much attention to them. It has become fashionable for non-gang youth to wear team jackets and hats which, in the past, had been identifiers for a gang. With the onset of new anti-gang laws, members are now reluctant to admit their involvement with a gang. Gang graffiti on notebooks, hats, and in bedrooms, as well as tattooing on hands, arms and faces are telltale signs of gang involvement.
Members still use a wide variety of hand signs for showing respect and disrespect for another gang.
Look for tattoos of stars or pitchforks. Look for jewelry with gang symbols on them. Be aware is now fashionable to walk and talk like gangsters. Look for graffiti on bedroom walls, notebooks and other personal belongings. Frequent negative contact with police.