The F.B.I. defines a gang as “a group of three or more individuals bonded together by race, national origin, culture, or territory, which associate on a continual basis for the purpose of committing criminal acts which usually include violence.

Street gangs fall into three basic categories:

Hedonistic Gangs. A social group with a main goal of getting high and partying. Crimes committed by the gang are property crimes and more likely to be as an individual rather than a unit.

Instrumental gangs. This gang will commit crimes against property and not violent crimes. There may be members who deal drugs as an individual. The main motivation is money, not power.

Predatory gangs. Social predators commit the violent crimes (drive-by shootings, carjacking and organized drug dealing). These members use drugs like crystal meth and cocaine which can fuel tendencies toward violence activities.

People join gangs for a lot of reasons. A gang can fill a need (or appear to) in a member’s life.

The most common factors that pull people toward the criminal gangs activity include:

 
Poverty
Emotional needs
Protection
Social support

Gangs in this area are predatory in nature and should be considered dangerous. If any encounter with a gang member occurs please call 911 for assistance.

For more information of gang awareness or to report gang activity, contact the Auburn Police Department at 770-513-8657 and ask to speak to the "Gang Assigned Officer".