Like other cities, our youths were influenced by non-residents, and believed joining a gang would be fun and exciting. Some of today's popular music and movies glorify gang activity. Gang members have been seen in the local high school, middle schools and even at the elementary schools getting our youths interested in what they are doing. The police have identified several active gangs in the Leavenworth area. In some cases the gang members are proud of their affiliation and freely admit their gang membership.
Many members openly display tattoos, brands and wear their gang colors visible for all to see.
In other cases the police learn of their identities through affiliation and where they hang out. During this time the gang members can be seen using hand signals which are a form of silent communication, and displays their affiliation which they belong or associate with. There are many reasons our youth join gangs. These reasons include the excitement of gang activity, peer pressure, attention and the financial benefits. In some cases the youths are not actively discouraged from participating in the activities by their parents.