Hardcore:
Comprise
approximately 5 to 10% of the gang
They
have been in the gang the longest
They
are frequently in and out of jail
They
are frequently unemployed and involved with drugs
They are very influential in
the gang
Average
age: Low to mid twenties (age may vary)
Regular Members:
They have been initiated into
the gang
They tend to back up the hardcore
gang members
If they stay in the gang long
enough, they could become hardcore members
Average Age: 14 to 17 (age may
vary)
Futures, Associates, "Wanna-Be's":
They are the youngest members
who are not official members of the gang
They may act like or claim to
be from the gang
They may begin to dress in gang
attire and hang around the gang
They may write the graffiti of
the gang
Average Age: 11 to 13 (age may
vary)
Potentials "Could Be's":
They are the youth who are getting
close to the age where they might decide to join a gang
They live in or near an area
where gangs are prominent
They may have a family member
currently involved in a gang
The Potentials do not have to
join the gangs. They can choose alternatives and avoid
gang affiliation completely.
Generally,
the more involved in a gang one is, the harder it is to get
out.
