Additional traits may include a gang name, common dress, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, or claim of a geographic location. Including all levels of membership, there are approximately 1000 gang members and associates in Fairfax County. In Fairfax County, gangs are prevalent in many communities. The predominance of Asian and Hispanic gangs is seen in some of the areas which have rapid population growth of those ethnic groups. African-American, white, and gangs with diverse ethnic youth also exist.
Officers can answer questions only about activity at the schools and communities they represent.
If we know where the turf is, we can find the gang members. Gangs develop in areas where they are not bothered - where no one pays attention to them such as shopping malls, playgrounds, parks and the house next door. Graffiti is used by gang members to identify turf, communicate threats and show allegiance. Graffiti is referred to as the newspaper of the streets. It always conveys a message.