The cost of gang activity to Fort Worth is very high. The quality of life in the neighborhoods where gangs are active is greatly affected. In dollars, gang activity costs us through the property crimes committed, through vandalism and graffiti, as well as the cost to the taxpayer for agencies tasked with addressing this problem. In human suffering, the costs are astronomical. There have been several innocent victims of drive-by shootings, as well as all types of violence directed at gang members and innocent citizens, and it is usually the families of these victims and society that carry the scars.
Prevention is the key to keeping our youth from joining gangs.
If the warning signs are identified early, then the youth can be directed away from gang activity. While each of these indicators, viewed separately, are not signs of gang involvement, viewed together they may indicate gang involvement. Associating with a new set of friends while ignoring old friends. Usually will not talk about new friends, who they are or what they do together. Indications of drug, alcohol or inhalant abuse.