NCJ Number
200791
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: Spring 2003 Pages: 37-64
Date Published
2003
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the effects of gang violence in rural Gainesville/Hall County, GA.
Abstract
Gang violence is present in every inner city jurisdiction throughout America including rural areas, and citizens in Gainesville/Hall County GA, are experiencing gang graffiti and gang shootings. Describing gang graffiti as the drawing of signs, symbols, and written letters of the alphabet, often disrespecting another gang, the authors discuss the symbolic use of the numeric alphabet by gang members. A series of figures illustrating gang trouble spots in Hall County, disrespect graffiti, and various symbols and markings, is presented along with a brief literature review focusing on graffiti’s signs and symbolic meanings. The citizens of Gainesville/Hall County are even more concerned by gang related shootings than they are by gang related graffiti. The almost weekly drive-by shootings occur on the southside of the town and most of the gang members are from Hispanic, Mexican, Latin American, Puerto Rican, or El Salvadorian descent. Due to negative school experiences for many of the Latino school-aged youths and adolescents in Gainesville/Hall County, gangs are one way in which these individuals may band together in order to feel accepted. The citizens of Gainesville/Hall County are beginning to fight back against gang violence in their community by training and placing Resource Officers in the county’s schools. References