Gang Prevention & Community Awareness
Beginning in July, 2009, the Gang Prevention and Community Awareness Program was launched at GSSAC as a resource to bring gang education and awareness to the Spokane community. One of the first orders of business for the program was to develop the first and, at that time, only comprehensive gang assessment in the State of Washington.
The Spokane County Comprehensive Gang Assessment, 2009–2010, was a collaboration between GSSAC, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, and numerous other local agencies which describes the current state of gang activity in Spokane County and identifies the resources which are available to help at-risk youth. This assessment chronicles the history of gangs in Spokane as well as outlining the steps in place to reduce the impact of gangs. Considered a "living document," this assessment will be updated annually as new information and statistics become available.
Community education is a cornerstone of prevention and an integral part of the Gang Prevention and Community Awareness Program, GSSAC has created a presentation about gangs in Spokane County. According to the 2008 Healthy Youth Survey, nearly ten percent of Spokane's high school and middle school students say they are members of some gang. Though it may not be popular to admit, Spokane does struggle with a rising gang problem. Because of this fact, Spokane County is proactively addressing the gang issue through prevention and intervention, in addition to suppression by law enforcement. Studies have shown that prevention is the most cost-effective way to combat gangs.
"Gang Prevention NEVER TOO LATE" a 30-minute informational video that highlights the 10 life-changing consequences proven to be associated with gang life and features local Spokane community members who have either been gang members themselves, have family members they have lost due to gang violence, or are gang experts describe these consequences through sharing their personal experiences and stories.
Web Resources
To answer your questions about gangs and gang graffiti, do gang research, or to view gang photos visit: www.knowgangs.com
For general information on street gang activity in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States: www.nwgangs.com
Northwest Gang Investigators Association has many interesting links, resources and information regarding gangs and Security Threat Groups in the Pacific Northwest: www.nwgia.com
Gangs OR Us offers complete gang identification and training information: www.gangsorus.com
This project is supported by a grant awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the National Institute of Justice, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office of Victims of Crime. Points of view or opinions in this document do not represent the official position or the policies of the United States Department of Justice.