Gangs In Everett: A First Look

While some recent shootings in Everett have been linked to gang activity, not every report of gunfire in the city can or should be linked to gangs. At 2:00am Friday morning there were shots fired on Casino Road. At 7:50am Saturday morning a shot was fired on the campus of Everett Community College. At 1:30am Sunday morning shots were fired on 108th west of Evergreen Way. Some of this may have been gang activity while others of it were not. To try and get a better understanding of gang activity in Everett, MyEverettNews.com will be interviewing various people around Everett to try and share their expertise in what is going on and what actions people in Everett can take if they’re concerned about gangs. First, we went to the Everett Police Department with some basic questions on gangs in Everett and how they view the issue.

“First and foremost it’s about whatever crime was committed,” said Everett Police Spokesman Aaron Snell. “The crimes are done by individuals who are criminals, they may have ties to a gang or they may not. We solve the crime and once that has happened we can look to whatever gang ties may or may not be there.”

The first basic question asked is what defines a gang in the eyes of the Everett Police Department?

For that answer we were directed to the section of Washington State Law that defines gangs. RCW 9.94A.030 sections (13) and (14)

(13) “Criminal street gang associate or member” means any person who actively participates in any criminal street gang and who intentionally promotes, furthers, or assists in any criminal act by the criminal street gang.

(14) “Criminal street gang-related offense” means any felony or misdemeanor offense, whether in this state or elsewhere, that is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang, or is committed with the intent to promote, further, or assist in any criminal conduct by the gang, or is committed for one or more of the following reasons:

(a) To gain admission, prestige, or promotion within the gang;

(b) To increase or maintain the gang’s size, membership, prestige, dominance, or control in any geographical area;

(c) To exact revenge or retribution for the gang or any member of the gang;

(d) To obstruct justice, or intimidate or eliminate any witness against the gang or any member of the gang;

(e) To directly or indirectly cause any benefit, aggrandizement, gain, profit, or other advantage for the gang, its reputation, influence, or membership; or

(f) To provide the gang with any advantage in, or any control or dominance over any criminal market sector, including, but not limited to, manufacturing, delivering, or selling any controlled substance (chapter 69.50 RCW); arson (chapter 9A.48 RCW); trafficking in stolen property (chapter 9A.82 RCW); promoting prostitution (chapter 9A.88 RCW); human trafficking (RCW 9A.40.100); promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor (RCW 9.68A.101); or promoting pornography (chapter 9.68 RCW).

We wanted to know how many gangs are operating in Everett and if there was a geographic or other component to the gang activity.

At this time the number of distinct groups is unknown. There is a tendency for the groups to merge, morph and disband. It would be safe to say there are a few active groups within the city limits.

Our area is quite different than the traditional idea of gangs. We have a larger geographical area and the ability to travel/get around. As such, the groups here are substantially different than other places.

We have a very diverse culture and area which tends to define our groups. Most have some measure of diversity. Additionally, association to a group is not very strict and individuals are able to move from group to group.

The age of gang members ranges from middle-school to mid-twenties. What can parents do if they think their child may be involved with a gang in Everett?

Warning signs that your child may be involved in a gang

◦Admits to “hanging out” with kids in gangs, but denies membership
◦Shows a new or unusual interest in one or two particular colors but strongly dislikes another
◦Purchases or wears a specific color of clothing or must wear a specific logo
◦Has new or unusual interest in gangster-influenced music, videos, movies or web sites
◦Use of unusual hand signals to communicate with friends
◦Displays specific artwork or gang symbols on school books, clothes, walls or tattoos
◦Has unexplainable physical injuries that could be linked with fight related bruising or injured hands and knuckles
◦Carries unexplained cash and has new clothing, jewelry or high-end electronics
◦Possesses a weapon
◦Will not let parent view their internet social site or cell phone (MySpace/FaceBook)
◦In trouble at school or is contacted by law enforcement
◦Begins exhibiting negative behaviors like: ◦Withdrawing from family members and activities
◦Declining school performance and attendance
◦Consistently disobeys rules
◦Breaks curfew and stays out late
◦Becomes secretive and non-communicative
◦Exhibits signs of drug or alcohol use
◦Adopts gang style slang language

Tips

◦Know who your child hangs out with
◦Utilize after-school programs and activities
◦Engage with your child and be part of their daily life

There are some excellent resources available to parents. One of our educational brochures is here. However, we often find that community resources work best. Overall, activities a child engages in, might be a good indicator to parents. Additionally, when traditional gang colors, graffiti, clothing and statements are made, there may be an issue for which outside help can be obtained.

It’s been interesting to learn how the Everett Police Department views the gang issue. It’s a murky area. As a rule Everett Police don’t name specific gangs or gang members or comment on ongoing criminal investigations. As stated above…gang members in Everett sometimes move from one gang to another, crimes are usually committed by individuals who may or may not belong to a specific gang and even local gangs can merge or disband. The police department does not provide images of gang graffiti and says a lot of the tagging seen around town is not gang related but the work of street artists and either way is property damage and a criminal act. It’s not something to be glorified or promoted. If your concerned about graffiti, here’s a great resource on how to help cover it up.

Here’s the final word on gangs in Everett as far as the Everett Police Department is concerned.

“We believe addressing the gang issue is a community problem versus it only being a police problem,” said Everett Police Chief Dan Templeman. “We will address the crimes as they happen and bring the appropriate resources to bear. This activity will not be tolerated. We will respond and address the criminal acts by arresting those involved.”

In an upcoming article MyEverettNews.com will talk with people who are working with youth in Everett. Both those who are working to address the gang issue and those who are providing help and resources to parents. If you have questions we should ask or people we should talk with please let us know in the comment section below.