KNOW

SIGNS
THE

A Guide to Gang Identification

A handbook for educators, community leaders

and law enforcement.

Contents
Definitions ...................................................................................1
Gangs in New Jersey .................................................................3
Common Terms ..........................................................................4
Gang Colors and Identifiers ........................................................5
Clothing .................................................................................... 11
Graffiti .......................................................................................13
Hand signs................................................................................15
Symbols ....................................................................................17
Folk and People Nation ............................................................18
Tattoos ......................................................................................19
Gang Writing.............................................................................20
Safety Issues ............................................................................24
Guidelines for Preventing Gangs..............................................25
Sample School Gang Policy .....................................................27
Sample Gang/Behavior Contract ..............................................30
Select New Jersey Gang Legislation ........................................31
Where to get help .....................................................................38

Definitions
New Jersey Criminal Statutes define a gang as:
Criminal street gang means three or more persons
associated in fact. Individuals are associated in fact if:
(1) two of the following seven criteria that indicate criminal
street gang membership apply: (a) self-proclamation;
(b) witness testimony or official statement; (c) written
or electronic correspondence; (d) paraphernalia or
photographs; (e) tattoos; (f) clothing or colors; (g) any
other indicia of street gang activity; and (2) individually
or in combination with other members of a criminal
street gang, while engaging in gang related activity, have
committed or conspired or attempted to commit, within the
preceding five years from the date of the present offense,
excluding any period of imprisonment, one or more
offenses on separate occasions of robbery, carjacking,
aggravated assault, assault, aggravated sexual assault,
sexual assault, arson, burglary, kidnapping, extortion,
tampering with witnesses and informants or a violation of
chapter 11, section 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 of chapter 35 or chapter
39 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes.
(NJSA 2C:33-29)
Schools, communities and other organizations may define gangs
differently than law enforcement agencies in order to address
their specific situation.
For example:
A group of juveniles and/or adults in a geographic area whose
activities include (but are not limited to) the unlawful use of force,
intimidation, and/or threats and violence to further the groups activities.
Additionally, the group should fulfill at least one of the following
criteria:
1.

The group must recognize itself as a distinct group (through

signs, symbols, etc.)

2.

The group must conduct enough illegal activity to get a consistent negative relationship from law enforcement and or
local school communities

3.

Community (local and/or school) recognition of the group

(Sample school district definition)

Keep in mind that gangs can range from large, nationally known
and organized groups (like the Bloods or Latin Kings) that can be
active throughout the country to small, unorganized groups that
do not venture outside their particular neighborhood. You do not
have to have the Bloods or Crips in your area to have a gang
problem. According to the definitions above, a gang is not even
required to have a name. As long as the group has some sort of
commonality between the members they should be classified as
a gang.

REMEMBER:
Gang members may be of ANY race, socioeconomic background, gender, or age. The
biggest mistake anyone can make when dealing
with gangs is thinking that gang members
adhere to some stereotype. Increasingly, gangs
are spreading to suburban and rural areas
and they have few, if any, ties to urban, inner
city gangs that most people think of when
discussing gangs.

Gangs and New Jersey

Over 282 distinct gangs have been

identified in New Jersey

Forty-three percent of all municipalities

in New Jersey have reported the presence
of gangs in their jurisdictions

43% of all gang members in

the state are under 18 years
of age

Gangs have been reported

active in rural, suburban and
urban areas throughout the state

Respondents to the 2004 NJSP Street Gang Survey

estimated that at least 532 gang-related incidents took
place on school grounds in 2003

The NJ Department of Education reported a decrease in

gang fights between the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 school
years, but an increase in the number of assaults, threats,
and incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Sources:
2007 New Jersey State Police Street Gang Survey and New Jersey Department of
Education Violence, Vandalism & Substance Abuse in New Jersey Public Schools
2003-2004 Report

Common Terms
187: Common gang term for murder or violence
ADR or Amor De Rey: Latin King affiliation
ALKN or ALKQN: Latin King affiliation
B/K: (Blood Killer) May be seen in a variety of different forms
including extensive use of products with BK in their names, i.e.
Burger King, British Knights, etc. (Crip affiliation).
B.O.S.: Beat on sight
Brick City: Newark, NJ
C/K: (Crip Killer) Same as B/K above (Blood affiliation)
Crabs: Derogatory term for Crips members by Bloods
Folk: Umbrella gang affiliation
G or OG: Refers to the named individual as a gangster or
original gangster.
Gat: Gun
Manito (or Hermanito): Brother or Brother of the Nation (Hispanic gangs)
M.O.B.: Money Over Bitches or Member of Bloods
People: Umbrella gang affiliation
Physical: Punishment for a gang member who breaks the gangs
rules. Usually a beating by one or members for a set period of
time.
Rocking or Representing: How gang members show affiliation for their gang. This may be done by wearing certain clothing,
showing hand signs, etc.
Slobs: Derogatory term for Bloods members by Crips
T.O.S.: Terminate on sight
Violation: Punishment for a gang member who breaks the gangs
rules. Usually a beating by one or multiple members for a set
period of time.
Whats Poppin?: Greeting among Bloods members.
Whats Crackin?: Greeting among Crips members
4

Gang Colors and Identifiers

Bloods:
Colors: Primary colors are red and black. Secondary colors are
brown, pink and green.
Cross out Cs in writing (to disrespect Crips)
Refer to each other as Dawgs or Dogz

Dog Paw
symbol used by
Bloods members.
Usually burned
onto the skin
with cigarettes.

Gang Colors and Identifiers

Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN):
Colors: Gold/Black
Use of 3 or 5 pointed crown
Use initials ALKN and ALKQN
The number 360 has special significance
ADR Amor De Rey or Love of the King

Gang Colors and Identifiers

Crips:
Colors: Blue/Black/Purple/Orange/Grey
Cross out Bs and Ps in writing (to disrespect the Bloods)
Refer to each other as Cuzz

Gang Colors and Identifiers

MS-13:
Colors: Blue and white
Mix of Roman and Arabic numerals (MS-X3, MSXIII, MS13)
Old English and Block Lettering font in graffiti/writing

Old English

Gang Colors and Identifiers

18th Street:
Colors: Blue
Dieciocho (18 in Spanish)
Mix of Roman and Arabic numerals (XV3, XVIII, 18th)
Old English font in graffiti/writing

Old English

Gang Colors and Identifiers

eta:
Colors: Red/White/Black or Blue
Use Puerto Rican flag extensively
The number 150 has special significance

10

Clothing
Use of bandannas, beads and hats with gang colors is common.
What side of the body these items are worn on may indicate what
gang the individual identifies with. Other indicators may include:
rolled up pants leg, one
shoe untied, hats cocked
to one side or jewelry
worn to one side of the
body.

Not all people who

adopt this style and
language are members of gangs.

Examples of how
bandannas may be
worn to signify gang
affiliation:

11

Clothing may be used to advertise gang affiliation, either through

colors, team symbols or particular brands.
Some gang members will have clothing custom made to advertise
their affiliation.

To avoid suspicion, members may use small items (shoelaces,

thread, etc.) to show gang colors.

Colored shoelaces used to

identify gang membership.

Team colors
and names used
to identify gang
allegiance.

12

Graffiti

Graffiti may be an indicator of gang activity.

Look for:
crowns, pitchforks, stars, etc.
$ indicates narcotics sales
names/initials

Example of Latin King

graffiti with a five
pointed crown and the
initials A.D.R. (Amor
de Rey Love of the
King). Quest is most
likely the Tag name of
the person who put up
this graffiti.

13

Virtually everything in gang graffiti has some sort of

meaning.
Cross-outs: Indicates disrespect for the crossed out group or
individual. May also indicate that the writer is going to attack the
disrespected person.

Bloods 031

Example of disrespect to
the Bloods by crossing
out their name

When you observe graffiti you should:

1)

Document it. Photograph it and note the time and place it

was discovered.

2)

Remove it. As quickly as possible, have the graffiti removed.

3)

Monitor it. Monitor that location for further evidence of gang

activity.

The longer graffiti stays up the more graffiti it will attract.

Local gang
name and
symbol.
Tag, or nickname of
individual putting up graffiti.

Tag name along with 3 point

crown that may indicate gang
affiliation.

14

Hand Signs
Hand signs are used by gangs to identify their gang and as a
form of communication. They may also be flashed as a warning
or threat to rival gangs. They are often thrown quickly, making
interpretation difficult for the non-expert.

Blood Killer

West Coast

15

Crip Killer

Crip for Life

5 Pointed Star

Latin King Crown

Blood Handsign

eta Handsign

16

SYMBOLS

Pitchforks (pointing up or down)

Stars (5 or 6 pointed most common)

Crowns (3 or 5 pointed most common)

17

Folk & People Nations

Folk and People Nations are loose umbrella organizations originally formed in Chicago. Many gangs throughout the nation claim
to fall under one of these groupings.
It is therefore possible for someone to be a member of a gang
and a nation. For example, a member of the Black Gangster
Disciples could be a member of that gang AND also a member of
the Folk Nation.
Theoretically, gangs belonging to the same nation should be allies and cooperate. In reality however, these bonds tend not to
be particularly strong. It is not uncommon for gangs belonging to
the same nation to be in conflict with each other.
Not all gang members belong to the Folk or People Nations (especially the further from the Chicago gang influence they are).
Many, in fact may not even be aware of the existence of Folk and
People even though they may use some of the symbology of the
groups.

18

Tattoos
Common themes of gang-related tattoos are:

Dogs
Thugs
Gang symbols (crowns, pitchforks, etc.)
Lions
Money
Gangsters
M.O.B
Dog Paw: Found most commonly
on the right arm. Usually done by
cigarette or cigar burns. Favored by
Bloods members who refer to each
other as dog.

No Rules 2 Thug Life Thugs and

gangsters are common themes in
gang tattoos and literature.

19

Gang Writing
Gang members frequently put gang-related information in writing. The more organized the gang, the more rules, oaths, etc. will
exist. It is important to remember that most gang members are
proud to be in a gang and will advertise their affiliation whenever
they can. Notebooks, homework, clothing, and anything else that
can be drawn on should be checked for gang markings. Photocopy everything if you arent going to confiscate it.
Bloods Code List

20

Gang Writing

Members frequently possess gang-related writing which may

be on notebooks, cards, or scrap paper.

21

Gang Writing
Many members write their own rap lyrics which describe
their gang and criminal activity.

I roll wit jus Gs, lead the life of a thug / fighten, haten,
shootin guns over drugs...

We protect whats ours by any means / even if that means

Im shatterin your dreams / Your assll scream when our
poison enters your blood stream

22

Gang Writing

Rules from a gang of intermediate school-age youth

Latin King graffiti (Five-pointed crown, yellow & black

colors of the bee are same colors of Latin Kings)
23

Safety Issues
Gang members are known to sometimes carry and use firearms.
They also carry and use other types of weapons as well.
Blades are sometimes used as weapons by gang members. Box
cutters and razor blades are popular because they are easy to
acquire and conceal.
Gang members may carry blades in their mouths, hat brims, bandannas, or similar areas.
When dealing with suspected gang members:
1)

Attempt to talk with them individually.

Groups of gang members tend to be more uncooperative,
unpredictable and dangerous than individual members.

2)

Dont refer to the gang as a gang.

Many gang members find the term gang disrespectful.
Other terms frequently used: Set, Nation, Organization, Association, Crew, Clique or Posse.

3)

Treat gang members with respect.

Respect is very important for most gang members. If they
think you respect (as opposed to fear) them you are more
likely to get positive results from them. For example: If you
have a policy against the wearing of bandannas or flags,
you will be showing the member respect by allowing him or
her to remove the flag and give it to you rather than forcibly
taking it from them.

4)

If you arent sure if something is gang relatedask.

Sometimes gang members will discuss gang information
openly.
24

Guidelines for Preventing

Gangs
1)

Establish good communication with your children.

Open, frequent and positive in tone
Encourage children to ask questions.
Ask your children about gangs in their school and the
neighborhood.

2)

Be aware of whats going on in your childrens lives.

Who are their friends?
What do they do when away from school or home?
What are their major influences and interests?
Monitor their internet use (MySpace, Facebook, etc.).

3)

Occupy your childrens free time.

Get them involved in school, sports, community, or
recreational activities.
Give them responsibilities at home.
Praise them for doing well and encourage them to do
their best.

4)

Set the example.

Help your children to identify positive role models and
heroes especially those in your family or community.
Demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy for gang
involvement at home or in the community.
Do not buy or allow your children to dress in gang
style clothing.

5)

Participate in the education of your children.

Visit your childrens school, meet their teachers, and
attend parent/school meetings.
25

 Inform your children about the dangers of gang

involvement.
6)

Participate in the community.

Know your neighbors.
Report suspicious groups and graffiti to the local
police.
Talk with other parents and exchange information.

7)

Learn about gang activity in your community.

How do gang members behave? What sort of activity
are they involved in?
Attend police, community and/or school informational
meetings.
Read current articles on gang activity.
Conduct research online.

Establish rules, set limits,

and be CONSISTENT!

26

Sample School Gang Policy

1)

The board recognizes that a school campus is a place that

has appropriate rules and regulations to ensure a safe and
healthy environment, which is conducive to learning for all
students. All persons shall be knowledgeable of the conduct
and expectations on which this School District operates.

2)

It is the policy of this District that membership or affiliation in

secret fraternities or in other clubs or gangs not sponsored
by established agencies or organizations and recognized by
this School District is strictly prohibited.

3)

Persons who initiate, advocate, or promote activities, openly

or otherwise, which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property, which disrupt the school environment and/
or are harmful to the education process will be dealt with as
if they committed an offense of the most serious category.
The use of hand signals, written or oral comments, stances,
stares, graffiti or the presence or use of any apparel, jewelry, accessory or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its
color, arrangement, trademark, symbol or any other attribute
which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with a
gang or group, whether real or implied, presents a clear and
present danger to the school environment, its staff and students, and the educational objectives of the community and
State and is strictly prohibited.
Any incident involving initiations, intimidation and/or related
activity of such gangs affiliates will hereby be considered actions which present the danger or likelihood of bodily danger,
physical harm or personal degradation or disgrace resulting
in physical or mental harm to students or staff and is strictly
prohibited.
Any person wearing, carrying, distributing, displaying gang/
group paraphernalia; exhibiting behavior or gestures which
symbolize gang/group membership; or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance or sense of personal safety or well-being of another
student or staff member will be subject to disciplinary action
including suspensions and/or permanent expulsions.
27

4)

Delegation of Responsibility
The building administrators of all district facilities shall
ensure that:
1)

Gang affiliation and activities are included in printed

rules and regulations provided to staff, students and
parents.

2)

Students identified as possibly involved in gang-related

activities receive counseling to enhance self-esteem,
encourage interest and participation in wholesome activities, and promote membership in authorized student
organizations.

3)

Parents/Guardians will be notified of the schools concerns

4)

Staff in-service training regarding gang activities, methods of operation, and current methods of identification
is available to staff.

5)

All gang affiliation or gang type incidents are referred

to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

6)

Affiliation with a gang, gang activities or claiming gang

membership by students is considered exceptional
misconduct and subject to penalties that may include
suspension or expulsion

7)

Any student disciplined for gang activities or affiliation

may be required to sign a negotiated behavior contract
between the student, parent and administrator before
he/she will be re-admitted.

8)

Building administrators have the authority to reduce

long-term suspension to a shorter duration provided
the building administrator is convinced that a plan is
in progress which will result in elimination of future involvement with gangs.

Students who have been expelled or suspended for gang-related

activities may be subject to emergency expulsion and may lose
their right to remain in school during the appeal process.

28

Gang Policy and Contract

The gang contract gives school administrators the ability to take
a clear, proactive stance toward gangs and gang activity in their
school. Creating a detailed gang policy (see the provided sample) is a required first step in creating an anti-gang school environment. The policy should, at a minimum, define both gangs
and gang members, what gang behavior is not acceptable on
school grounds and procedures to be taken in the event there is
a breach of policy.
The gang contract is used when a student is engaging in gangrelated activity on school grounds or at school sponsored events.
The contract allows the school administrators to specifically point
out what behavior is not acceptable at the school. Further, a
parent or guardian is usually required to sit down with both the
school administrator and the student to discuss the schools findings and courses of action before the student is allowed back into
school.
Coordination with local law enforcement is critical in this process.
Occasionally, it may be necessary for a member of the local law
enforcement to speak with parents in order to convey the seriousness of their childs activities.

29

Gang/Behavior Contract (sample)

Student Name

_______________________________

Date

_________

Contract Conditions and Expectations

1.

<Students Name> is not to wear any gang-affiliated clothing to

school; specifically anything which says <Crips> or <Bloods>.

2.

<Students Name> is not to associate with any known or suspected gang affiliates while in school or at school-related activities when on <name of school> School District Property who do
not attend the <name of school> School District.

3.

<Students Name> is to refrain from all harassing behaviors

while attending <name of school>. This includes threats or intimidation of others by exhibiting identified gang behaviors.

4.

<Students Name> is expected to refrain from all gang-related

activity while a <name of school> student. This includes writing
in gang-style script, hand signs, stances, slang talk, and other
identified gang behaviors.

5.

<Students Name> must comply with all school policies regarding attendance and disciplinary procedures.

***These terms are specified for the purpose of providing a safe

and orderly environment for both <students name> and all <name
of school> students so that they may be permitted to achieve their
maximum educational potential.***
I understand the above conditions and understand the consequences of failing to abide by those conditions.
Any violations of this contract will subject the student to suspension,
up to and including the remainder of the semester.

_________________________ _________________________
Student

Parent/Guardian

_________________________ _________________________
Date

Administrator

30

Selected New Jersey Gang

Legislation
New Jersey 2C:33-28. Solicitation, recruitment to join
criminal street gang; crime, degrees
1. a. An actor who solicits or recruits another to join or actively participate in a criminal street gang with the knowledge or purpose that the
person who is solicited or recruited will promote, further, assist, plan,
aid, agree, or attempt to aid in the commission of criminal conduct by
a member of a criminal street gang commits a crime of the fourth degree. For purposes of this section, the actor shall have the requisite
knowledge or purpose if he knows that the person who is solicited
or recruited will engage in some form, though not necessarily which
form, of criminal activity. Criminal street gang shall have the meaning set forth in subsection h. of N.J.S.2C:44-3.
b. An actor who, in the course of violating subsection a. of this section, threatens another with bodily injury on two or more separate occasions within a 30-day period commits a crime of the third degree.
c. An actor who, in the course of violating subsection a. of this section, inflicts significant bodily injury upon another commits a crime of
the second degree.
d. Any defendant convicted of soliciting, recruiting, coercing or threatening a person under 18 years of age in violation of subsection a., b.
or c. of this section shall be sentenced by the court to an extended
term of imprisonment as set forth in subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-7.
Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8, N.J.S.2C:44-5 or
any other provision of law, a conviction arising under this section
shall not merge with a conviction for any criminal offense that the actor committed while involved in criminal street gang related activity,
as defined in subsection h. of N.J.S.2C:44-3, nor shall the conviction
for any such offense merge with a conviction pursuant to this section
and the sentence imposed upon a violation of this section shall be
ordered to be served consecutively to that imposed upon any other
such conviction.

31

New Jersey 18A:11-9. Prohibition of gang-related apparel

3. A board of education may adopt a dress code policy to prohibit
students from wearing, while on school property, any type of clothing,
apparel or accessory which indicates that the student has membership in, or affiliation with, any gang associated with criminal activities.
The local law enforcement agency shall advise the board, upon its
request, of gangs which are associated with criminal activities.

New Jersey 2C:44-3. Criteria for sentence of extended term

of imprisonment.
The court may, upon application of the prosecuting attorney, sentence a person who has been convicted of a crime of the first, second or third degree to an extended term of imprisonment if it finds
one or more of the grounds specified in subsection a., b., c., or f.
of this section. If the grounds specified in subsection d. are found,
and the person is being sentenced for commission of any of the offenses enumerated in N.J.S.2C:43-6c. or N.J.S.2C:43-6g., the court
shall sentence the defendant to an extended term as required by
N.J.S.2C:43-6c. or N.J.S.2C:43-6g., and application by the prosecutor shall not be required. The court shall, upon application of the
prosecuting attorney, sentence a person who has been convicted of
a crime under N.J.S.2C:14-2 or N.J.S.2C:14-3 to an extended term
of imprisonment if the grounds specified in subsection g. of this section are found. The court shall, upon application of the prosecuting
attorney, sentence a person to an extended term if the imposition
of such term is required pursuant to the provisions of section 2 of
P.L.1994, c.130 (C.2C:43-6.4). The finding of the court shall be incorporated in the record.
a.The defendant has been convicted of a crime of the first, second
or third degree and is a persistent offender. A persistent offender
is a person who at the time of the commission of the crime is 21
years of age or over, who has been previously convicted on at least
two separate occasions of two crimes, committed at different times,
when he was at least 18 years of age, if the latest in time of these
crimes or the date of the defendants last release from confinement,
whichever is later, is within 10 years of the date of the crime for which
the defendant is being sentenced.
b.The defendant has been convicted of a crime of the first, second or
third degree and is a professional criminal. A professional criminal is
a person who committed a crime as part of a continuing criminal activity in concert with two or more persons, and the circumstances of

32

the crime show he has knowingly devoted himself to criminal activity

as a major source of livelihood.
c.The defendant has been convicted of a crime of the first, second
or third degree and committed the crime as consideration for the receipt, or in expectation of the receipt, of anything of pecuniary value
the amount of which was unrelated to the proceeds of the crime or
he procured the commission of the offense by payment or promise of
payment of anything of pecuniary value.
d.Second offender with a firearm. The defendant is at least 18 years
of age and has been previously convicted of any of the following
crimes: 2C:11-3, 2C:11-4, 2C:12-1b., 2C:13-1, 2C:14-2a., 2C:143a., 2C:15-1, 2C:18-2, 2C:29-5, 2C:39-4a., or has been previously
convicted of an offense under Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes
or under any statute of the United States or any other state which is
substantially equivalent to the offenses enumerated in this subsection and he used or possessed a firearm, as defined in 2C:39-1f.,
in the course of committing or attempting to commit any of these
crimes, including the immediate flight therefrom.
e.(Deleted by amendment, P.L.2001, c.443).
f.The defendant has been convicted of a crime under any of the following sections: N.J.S.2C:11-4, N.J.S.2C:12-1b., N.J.S.2C:13-1,
N.J.S.2C:14-2a., N.J.S.2C:14-3a., N.J.S.2C:15-1, N.J.S.2C:18-2,
N.J.S.2C:29-2b., N.J.S.2C:29-5, N.J.S.2C:35-5, and in the course of
committing or attempting to commit the crime, including the immediate flight therefrom, the defendant used or was in possession of a
stolen motor vehicle.
g.The defendant has been convicted of a crime under N.J.S.2C:14-2
or N.J.S.2C:14-3 involving violence or the threat of violence and the
victim of the crime was 16 years of age or less.
For purposes of this subsection, a crime involves violence or the
threat of violence if the victim sustains serious bodily injury as defined in subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:11-1, or the actor is armed with
and uses a deadly weapon or threatens by word or gesture to use
a deadly weapon as defined in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:11-1, or
threatens to inflict serious bodily injury.
h.(Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.341).
Amended 1979, c.178, s.95; 1981, c.31, s.3; 1990, c.32, s.8; 1990,
c.87, s.4; 1993, c.132, s.2; 1994, c.127, s.2; 1994, c.130, s.4; 1995,
c.211, s.3; 1997, c.120; 1999, c.160, s.4; 2001, c.443, s.8; 2007,
c.341, s.8.

33

New Jersey 2A:4A-43.2. Additional Penalty for Juvenile

Adjudicated Delinquent
6. In addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, any juvenile adjudicated delinquent for an offense which, if committed by an
adult, would constitute criminal mischief pursuant to N.J.S.2C:17-3,
attempting to put another in fear of bodily violence pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1981, c.282 (C.2C:33-10), or defacement of private
property pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1981, c.282 (C.2C:33-11), involving an act of graffiti, may be required either to pay to the owner
of the damaged property monetary restitution in the amount of pecuniary damage caused by the act of graffiti or to perform community
service, which shall include removing the graffiti from the property, if
appropriate. If community service is ordered, it shall be for either not
less than 20 days or not less than the number of days necessary to
remove the graffiti from the property.

New Jersey 2A:4A-43.3. Suspension, postponement of right

to operate motor vehicle
6. Instead of or in addition to any other disposition ordered by the
court under section 24 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-43) for an initial
act of graffiti committed by a person at leas t 13 and under 18 years of
age, the court, considering the factors provided in paragraph (17) of
subsection b. of section 24 of P.L.1983, c.77 (C.2A:4A-43), may suspend or postpone for one year that persons right to operate a motor
vehicle including a motorized bicycle. In the case of a person who at
the time of the imposition of sentence is less than 17 years of age,
the period of the suspension of driving privileges authorized herein,
including a suspension of the privilege of operating a motorized bicycle, shall commence on the day the sentence is imposed and shall
run for a period of one year after the day the person reaches the age
of 17 years. If the driving privilege of any person is under revocation,
suspension, or postponement for a violation of any provision of this
Title or Title 39 of the Revised Statutes at the time of any conviction
or adjudication of delinquency for a violation of any offense defined
in this section, the revocation, suspension, or postponement period
imposed herein shall commence as of the date of termination of the
existing revocation, suspension, or postponement.
A second or subsequent offense may result in the suspension or
postponement of the persons right to operate a motor vehicle for
two years. If a second or subsequent offense occurs during a period
when the person has had this right suspended or postponed, the

34

persons right to operate a motor vehicle may be suspended or postponed for an additional two years to run consecutively.

New Jersey 2A:153-4.1. Acts of graffiti

The governing body of any municipality may, by ordinance, provide
for the offering of rewards not exceeding $500.00 each, for the detection and apprehension of any person guilty of purposely or knowingly damaging tangible property of another by an act of graffiti in
violation of N.J.S. 2C:17-3. A reward is to be payable after conviction out of those funds of the municipality made available therefore.
The reward shall be paid to any person who the governing body,
acting upon the recommendation of the municipal chief of police or
other principal municipal law enforcement officer, may deem entitled
thereto, but no reward shall be paid to any public employee whose
duty it is to investigate or to enforce the law or to the employees
spouse, child or parent, living in the same household.
For the purposes of this act, act of graffiti means the drawing,
painting or the making of any inscription on a bridge, building, public
transportation vehicle, rock, wall, sidewalk, street or other exposed
surface on public or private property without the permission of the
owner.

New Jersey 2C:35A-3. Criteria for imposition of anti-drug

profiteering penalty
a. In addition to any other disposition authorized by this title, including but not limited to any fines which may be imposed pursuant to
the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3 and except as may be provided by
section 5 of this chapter, where a person has been convicted of a
crime defined in chapter 35 or 36 of this Title or any crime involving
criminal street gang related activity as defined in subsection h. of
N.J.S.2C:44-3 or an attempt or conspiracy to commit such a crime,
the court shall, upon the application of the prosecutor, sentence the
person to pay a monetary penalty in an amount determined pursuant to section 4 of this chapter, provided the court finds at a hearing, which may occur at the time of sentencing, that the prosecutor
has established by a preponderance of the evidence one or more of
the grounds specified in this section. The findings of the court shall
be incorporated in the record, and in making its findings, the court
shall take judicial notice of any evidence, testimony or information
adduced at the trial, plea hearing or other court proceedings and
shall also consider the presentence report and any other relevant
information.

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b. Any of the following shall constitute grounds for imposing an AntiDrug Profiteering Penalty:
(5) The defendant was involved in criminal street gang related
activity.

2C:33-29 Crime of gang criminality; criminal street gang

defined; grading of offense.
1. a. A person is guilty of the crime of gang criminality if, while
knowingly involved in criminal street gang activity, he commits, attempts to commit, or conspires to commit, whether as a principal or
an accomplice, any crime specified in chapters 11 through 18, 20,
33, 35 or 37 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; N.J.S.2C:34-1;
N.J.S.2C:39-3; N.J.S.2C:39-4; section 1 of P.L.1998, c.26 (C.2C:394.1); N.J.S.2C:39-5; or N.J.S.2C:39-9. A crime is committed while
involved in a criminal street gang related activity if the crime was
committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with
a criminal street gang.
Criminal street gang means three or more persons associated in
fact. Individuals are associated in fact if: (1) two of the following seven criteria that indicate criminal street gang membership apply: (a)
self-proclamation; (b) witness testimony or official statement; (c) written or electronic correspondence; (d) paraphernalia or photographs;
(e) tattoos; (f) clothing or colors; (g) any other indicia of street gang
activity; and (2) individually or in combination with other members of
a criminal street gang, while engaging in gang related activity, have
committed or conspired or attempted to commit, within the preceding
five years from the date of the present offense, excluding any period of imprisonment, one or more offenses on separate occasions of
robbery, carjacking, aggravated assault, assault, aggravated sexual
assault, sexual assault, arson, burglary, kidnapping, extortion, tampering with witnesses and informants or a violation of chapter 11,
section 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 of chapter 35 or chapter 39 of Title 2C of the
New Jersey Statutes.
b.Grading. Gang criminality is a crime of one degree higher than
the most serious underlying crime referred to in subsection a. of this
section, except that where the underlying crime is a crime of the first
degree, gang criminality is a first degree crime and the defendant,
upon conviction, and notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1)
of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-6, shall be sentenced to an ordinary
term of imprisonment between 15 and 30 years. A sentence imposed

36

upon conviction of the crime of gang criminality shall be ordered to

be served consecutively to the sentence imposed upon conviction of
any underlying offense referred to in subsection a. of this section.
L.2007, c.341, s.1.

2C:33-30 Crime of promotion of organized street crime;

grading of offense.
2. a. A person promotes organized street crime if he conspires
with others as an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager
to commit any crime specified in chapters 11 through 18, 20, 33,
35, or 37 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; N.J.S.2C:34-1;
N.J.S.2C:39-3; N.J.S.2C:39-4; section 1 of P.L.1998, c.26 (C.2C:394.1); N.J.S.2C:39-5; or N.J.S.2C:39-9.
b.Grading. Promotion of organized street crime is a crime of one
degree higher than the most serious underlying crime referred to
in subsection a. of this section, except that where the underlying
offense is a crime of the first degree, promotion of organized street
crime is a first degree crime and the defendant, upon conviction,
and notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a
of N.J.S.2C:43-6, shall be sentenced to an ordinary term of imprisonment between 15 and 30 years. A sentence imposed upon conviction of the crime of promotion of organized street crime shall be
ordered to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed upon
conviction of any underlying offense referred to in subsection a. of
this section.
L.2007, c.341, s.2.

37

Where to Get Help

Atlantic County Youth Services
http://www.aclink.org/webadmin/MainPages/SocServ/SocServ_youth.asp

Bergen County Children Services

http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/departments/DisplayInformation.asp?Department=06&
Linda Kriegel (201) 336-7150

Camden County Division for Children

http://www.co.camden.nj.us/government/offices/children
(888) 816 5800 (toll-free), (856) 374-6376

Camden County Youth Services Commission

http://www.cpachvi.org/content_children.html
Diane Crone, director (856) 663-3998

Cape May County Youth Services

http://www.co.cape-may.nj.us/Cit-e-Access/webpage.cfm?TID=5&TPID=441
Diane Lanzetta, director (609) 465-1309

Essex County Division of Youth Services

http://co.essex.nj.us/
(973)733-4666

Gloucester County Youth Services

http://www.co.gloucester.nj.us/services/youth.htm
(856) 384-6870

Hudson County Directory of Youth Services

http://www.hcstonline.org/YouthServices/default.aspx

Hunterdon County Youth Facility

http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/youthfacility.htm
(908) 806-5230

Mercer County Division of Youth Services

http://www.mercercounty.org/human_services/youth_services/index.htm
(609) 434-4125 ext.204

Middlesex County Division of Childrens Services

http://co.middlesex.nj.us/humanservices/childrensserv.asp
(732) 745-3290

Monmouth County Office of Youth Services Planning

http://www.monmouthhumanservices.org/youth_services.asp
(732)866-3585

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Morris County Division of Behavioral Health & Youth Services

http://www.co.morris.nj.us/
(973) 285-6844

Ocean County Juvenile Services

http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/juvenile/index.html

Passaic County Youth Services Commission

http://www.passaiccountynj.org/Departments/departments.htm
(973) 881-2834

Somerset County Youth Services

http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/division.htm
(908) 704-6313

Union County Division of Youth Services

http://www.unioncountynj.org/humansvc/youthser.htm
(908) 527-4922

General Information:
New Jersey Office of the Attorney General
http://www.state.nj.us/lps/

New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission

http://www.state.nj.us/lps/jjc/jjchome.html

New Jerseys online Gang Free Community

http://www.njgangfree.org/home.htm

National Youth Gang Center

http://www.iir.com/nygc/

New Jersey PTA

http://www.njpta.org/

DYFS homepage
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dyfs/

New Jersey Department of Human Services

http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/

Gangs OR Us
http://www.gangsorus.com/

Know Gangs
http://www.knowgangs.com

New Jersey State Police

Street Gang Hotline
1-877-SGU-NJSP
Division of Youth & Family Services
Action Line
800-331-DYFS
NJ Substance Abuse Hotline
1-800-225-0196
Family Help Line
800-THE-KIDS

Rev. 07/09