The SPVM's crime-fighting priority is to take action against and prevent the street gang phenomenon. No effort is spared to achieve this priority. Why?

• Because street gang members use violence
• Because they are organized and they develop criminal networks
• Because their main targets are teenage boys and they use teenage girls
• Because 2 murders and 12 attempted murders have been related to street gangs since the beginning 2010

Drug trafficking is the primary criminal activity of street gangs, followed by procurement. These gangs are widely known to resort to violence and they regularly use weapons. To safeguard the public, the SPVM has been stepping up efforts to seize weapons, especially firearms. We have seized twice as many weapons since the beginning of 2010 as we had at this date last year.

By embracing better practices and improved information sharing with other stakeholders, under the direction of SPVM experts and researchers, the SPVM is constantly improving our results, both in terms of prevention and with regard to suppressive interventions.

The whole community is also involved

Anti-street gang efforts also call on our collective responsibility, including parents, schools and community groups - in fact, anyone who deals with young people from day to day.

What should you do if you think your child has been recruited by a street gang?

Remember first of all that 99% of young people are not criminals. The length of membership in a street gang is usually less than one year. Parents should be able to recognize certain warning signs. The child:

• Has clothes and other possessions that are too costly for their pocket money
• Has less interest in school
• Has less interest in their usual activities or old friends
• Does not introduce any of their new friends to their parents
• Takes drugs
• Has problems with the police
• Seems to be following a dress code (specific clothing, specific brands)

All these facts taken together can help accurately evaluate the child's situation.

Don't hesitate to ask for help:

• Quickly contact the CLSC to get support from a social worker
• Contact the community relations officer at your neighbourhood station 
• Contact a youth resource organization. 

Remember to always listen and be open to your child, to guide them in their choices. Try to establish and maintain close ties with your child. 

Effective prevention strategies also rely on the school and community, such as the Maisons de jeunes, in order to offer youth supervision and something to do from 3 to 6 PM, after school while their parents are not at home.

To find out more

 July 2010 Street Gang News

"Présentation du bilan mi-annuel 2010 sur le phénomène des gangs de rue à Montréal" press release

Parents' zone - Street gangs

Teen zone - Street gangs

Choisis ton gang

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