These aren’t definite proof that someone is in a gang.  However, it’s helpful to know what to look for since gang activity tends to be higher in lower-income neighborhoods.

• Staying out late
• Unexplained injuries
• Withdrawal from family or friends
• Secretive about new friends
• Abrupt change in personality
• Unexplained new possessions or money
• Preference for certain colour of clothing (gang colours)
• Graffiti on personal items such as notebooks or bedroom walls
• Tattoos or markings of gang symbols on hands or body
• Frequent run-ins with the law

1. Let your roomates/family know your whereabouts and plans at all times. Lone rangers do not last long in the city. Put up a dry-erase board in your house and let people know where you are and when you’ll be home. And give yourself some extra time so that people don’t panic if you’re late, and call home if that lateness will be more than 30 minutes.

2. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Neighborhoods can change by the block, meaning one can get caught in a real bad position real fast and not even realize it. Pay attention and do not go into unfamiliar regions without someone from the community you know.

3. Walk purposefully and with confidence. Even if you are nervous, do not act nervous. People tend not to approach those who look like they know what they are doing, and where they are doing it.

4. Dress modestly. This is not to excuse the boorish behavior of some towards those who dress immodestly. It is simply to avoid such behavior, if and whenever possible.

5. Keep valuables and money in a living area strictly off limits to visitors.

6. Don’t tempt them to sin by showing them all your stuff. They may not think about how stealing will damage their relationships with you until it is too late.

7. Lock your car doors and make sure valuables are not visible (i.e. Ipods, Cd’s, Cell phones, nice jackets, etc.)

8. As women, do not walk or run (even for exercise) alone.

9. Have someone watch you get in/out of your car after dark if someone is available to do so.

10. Call the police if you see anything suspicious or potentially dangerous (drug activity, prositution, fights, loitering, etc.)

1. Do not respond to questions or comments from potentially dangerous strangers, except to return a hello and politely move on.

2. Do not walk past alleys or other hidden areas when you feel insecure. Walk down the center of the street instead.

3. Do no be loud, boisterous, or silly on the street. Such behavior calls unnecessary attention to your self, which is dangerous. This does not mean one must be boring, but it does mean behaving like an adult in full control at all times.

4. Do not carry large sums of money or jewelry. People get mugged in the city all the time, so do not carry what you cannot afford to lose. It is wise to carry a five dollar bill wrapped around two singles apart from your wallet, however, to give a mugger as you flee.

5. Do not give money to panhandlers. Some people will make up savvy excuses and fake scenarios to try to get you to give them money. Others will really need help. At times it may be appropriate to stop and share a meal or a conversation, but rarely is it wise to give cash. It is dangerous, patronizing, and generally the opposite of helpful. Respectfully apologize to the person asking for money.

6. Do not take photos of homes, neighborhoods, or people you do not know. Be careful with your camera. Think how you might feel being ‘documented’ like some kind of sideshow attraction. Take photos to celebrate your friends and neighbors, not just to show off the harshness of where you are.

7. Do not accept rides with strangers or acquaintances. Sounds obvious, but we’ve seen it done.

8. Do not enter a new or unfamiliar home alone. Part of the reason Jesus sent people out in pairs was to keep them safe. Sadly enough, today we also sometimes need witnesses and alibis to protect against false accusations.

9. Do not allow strangers into your home. If they have an emergency, offer to call 911, but leave them outside the door.

10. Do not involve yourself in violent altercations or angry disputes under any circumstances. Things are not always as they seem in the city, and you can never trust your judgment when it comes to other people’s quarrels. You do not know enough to intervene in such situations, most especially in domestic disputes. If you see someone in danger simply call 911 immediately and pray.