After experiencing several years of decline, gang populations have begun to rise again. Though considerably lower than ten to fifteen years ago, the increase in gang membership should be of a concern to school administrators and school facility managers. Schools are miniature versions of the community and often bring several gangs together under the same roof. This often leads to territorial disputes, violence, and property damage.

While most communities have natural or man-made barriers to separate gang territories, schools lack such clear divisions. In Los Angeles, the LAPD has gang territorial maps that clearly divide and identify the neighborhoods each gang claims as their “turf.” Freeways, large intersections, parks, shopping centers, flood control spillways, rivers, and other natural or manmade dividers help gangs clearly identify their territory. Unless there is a clear conflict between gangs, the dividing lines are respected by each group. This helps to keep gangs separated and thus avoid confrontations, though it certainly does not eliminate gang violence. Schools usually do not enjoy such clear divisions. School administrators must plan to identify and, if possible, control gang conflicts.

A well-designed school gang control/prevention program depends heavily on the gathering of intelligence. Administrators as well as teachers and other staff members need to be well trained in identifying gang structures, graffiti, clothing, hand signs, slang, and certainly known gang members. Teachers especially are a good source of gang intelligence and can be instrumental in heading off conflicts. Gangs tend to broadcast their beliefs, plans, roll calls, and more importantly, their conflicts with other gangs or individuals. This is usually done through written correspondence in the form of gang “bibles” or graffiti and verbally through comments or threats. Teachers and staff members need to report this information in order to develop an intelligence file.

School facility managers and employees can contribute to this effort. When graffiti is found, it needs to be quickly removed - but only after it has been photographed and documented. All instances need to be reported to the school resource officer or police gang units. A school needs to establish a zero tolerance policy towards graffiti. Not only will leaving it encourage further graffiti, but also it can set off gang conflicts. Gangs develop, grow, and establish status by being respected. The members guard this “respect” status carefully and react violently to any challenge to this respect. A simple act such as someone crossing out a gang’s graffiti can lead to violent consequences. This is why total removal of the graffiti is desirable. While it may seem to be a never-ending battle, it is an important stand to take. In addition to removing graffiti, facility managers need to be able to read and interpret the message being communicated. Graffiti will often state what gangs are in conflict, what future intentions are, and what groups need to be closely watched. Facility staff members are the first line of defense in controlling gang violence.

Making the school a safe and secure facility involves additional work on the part of facility managers. Establishing a secure school involves a closely monitored visitor program as well as limiting facility access. A school needs to have only one secure facility access point. Gangs will attempt to smuggle drugs or weapons into schools. In addition expelled students may attempt to re-enter the school to settle arguments. By securing the facility and allowing only one access point, administrators and staff members can closely control who enters. When available, a CCTV system is invaluable in controlling access. Such a surveillance system can identify gang members who have illegally entered the building and direct security resources to the area. It will also help in reducing graffiti incidents.

Facility managers can institute procedures to assure gangs do not use weaknesses in the system to their advantage. Doors to off-limits areas need to be secured at all times. Exterior doors need to be checked to insure they close properly and are not propped open. Shrubbery and trees need to be properly trimmed to eliminate hiding places for gang members. Adequate lighting needs to be installed in problem areas.

Multi-building campuses present a unique challenge. The desire to secure the facility may be impractical if students must move from building to building. By looking at the building layout, it may be possible to install fence sections connecting buildings to create a courtyard effect where students can move freely from building to building. By using ornamental fencing the “prison” look can be avoided.

Unfortunately, gangs will be a problem for years to come. Facility managers, however, can create a climate where their impact on security can be minimized. Effective school management, with adequate planning, can reduce the risk factors for students and staff alike. Schools need not be a war zone but a safe haven in an otherwise troubled environment.

SchoolFacilities.com columnist Dr. Dunlap is Director of Support Services for Danville Public Schools in Danville, VA. To submit questions or topics of interest to him, e-mail editor@schoolfacilities.com