Take back your community
The Province
Published: Monday, September 17, 2007

Some questions Frank Roffel says communities need to ask themselves:

Is there a gang in my school/community?

- Do they have a name?

- Is there a leader?

- Do they claim a territory or turf?

- Have they used graffiti to mark their turf?

- Have members committed a criminal or violent act?

- Have members been witnessed associating with known gang members?

What does a dysfunctional community look like?

- People live in fear

- Parks and playgrounds are the territory of drug dealers, addicts and prostitutes

- Schools and other buildings are in disrepair

- Graffiti is allowed to exist unchallenged

- Community groups are weak or absent

What does a healthy

community look like?

- An anti-gang culture has developed

- People feel safe reporting concerns, crime, danger and bullying

- Graffiti is reported, recorded and removed

- Gang behaviour is investigated

- Youth, parents, schools, police, crown counsel, judges, social workers, probation officers, business and community groups are educated and committed to working together to stop gangs