“Gangs are a Black and Latino problem.”
Gangs are a “group of three or more individuals involved in criminal behavior. “  Members can be and are of any race.  White supremacist groups are also considered gangs. 

“Females are not allowed to join gangs”
Females are joining gangs in increasing numbers, and often equal male members in their violence and ferocity. In the past, females may have served as gang auxiliary members, but that’s no longer the case.  All female gangs now exist and are growing in numbers.

“Gang members only harm each other”
Gang members usually spray their bullets over a large area when they’re shooting.  This has resulted in the wounding and killing of many innocent bystanders.  Gang members are also known to commit their crimes in a violent and intimidating manner, often causing physical, economic, and emotional harm to their victims, many of whom are innocent citizens.

“Lock up gang members, and the problem is cured”
Incarceration of hard-core gang members has not proven to be an effective method of ending gang activity.  Prisoners who were never part of a gang are sometimes forced to join or claim allegiance to a gang simply as a means of self-protection, which actually adds to the growing gang problem.  Juvenile facilities are generally overcrowded and share many of the problems associated with adult prisons.  Prison gang activity is a breeding ground leading to the outside world.

“Gangs are a problem for the police”
Gangs are everyone’s problem. It doesn’t matter what your age is or where you live, gangs are claiming more and more neighborhoods and victims each year in every community.

“Graffiti is merely an art form”
Graffiti is used by gang members as a form of intimidation and control.  It’s a destructive force in the community, and has a negative impact on property values and commerce.  When graffiti is allowed to remain in the community, it sends a powerful message about the quality of life in that area.