Crime Awareness

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ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Safety at Home

Safety Tips While Driving

Online Safety Tips

Drug Use and Gang Activity

Signs of Drug Use

24-Hour Crisis Hotline (800) 621-8504

Local Recovery Coach - (325) 673-2242 ext. 1000

Treatment and Recovery Community / Assistance

A resource directory of substance use community—and faith-based recovery and treatment organizations is on file, and it contains current information about local referral resources, including location and contact information, services offered, and eligibility criteria.

180 House, Inc. - 2102 Amy Lynn Avenue Abilene, Texas 79603 (325) 673-0180. www.180house.com The 180 House is a transitional living facility focused on drug and alcohol rehabilitation. It also houses homeless vets and makes referrals to other agencies. Rooms are furnished with beds, closets, and private bathrooms.
Abilene Recovery Council 104 Pine Street, Suite 205 Abilene, Texas 79601 (325) 673-2242 or 800-588-8728 www.abirecovery.org Abilene Recovery Council provides OSAR (outreach, screening, assessment, and referral) services throughout Region 2 free of charge. Other free services include the Parenting Awareness and Drug Risk Education Services (PADREs), Recovery Support Services (RSS), Prevention Resource Center (PRC), Youth Prevention Universal (YPU) Education, and Community Coalition Partnership (CCP).
Betty Hardwick 2616 S Clack St Abilene, TX 79606 (325) 690-5100 Crisis Line 1-800-758-3344 Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority for Callahan, Jones, Shackelford, Stephens, and Taylor Counties.

What is a Gang?

A gang is defined as an organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, with a common name and/or common identifying signs or symbols, whose members engage in criminal activity individually and/or collectively.

Why Kids Join Gangs?

Identity through recognition
Perception of belonging
Peer pressure
Intimidation
Protection (real or perceived)
Lack of family life
Family ties to gangs (it is expected or acceptable to join a gang)
Brotherhood/interpersonal bonding
Low self-esteem

How Do Gangs Recruit Members?

Gangs influence youths into joining by using the following methods:

Peer pressure offers protection
Monetary enticements
Challenging kids to take risks
Invitations to parties where gang-related activities are occurring
Family members already belong
Affection and attention shown to the youths by gang members that may not be given at home

What Are The Consequences of Gang Involvement?

Short-Term Consequences

In trouble with law enforcement
Drop in performance at school
Withdrawal from family
Drug and alcohol involvement
“Dirty work” for the gang, earning their “bones” or “stripes”

Long Term Consequences

Loss of opportunities for education/employment due to criminal record
Time spent in jail or prison
Possibility of losing family or friends
Risk of personal injury or death
Risk of family members’ lives
Increased risk of violence in criminal activity

What Are Signs of a Gang(s) in My Neighborhood?

Graffiti
Increase in crime- Gang-related acts such as burglary, vandalism, and assaults.

How Neighbors Can Help

You and your neighbors can work to eliminate gangs and drugs from your community and neighborhood. The key is organization:

Get to know your neighbors.
Contact Abilene Police to report any crime
Contact Abilene Crime Stoppers to provide anonymous tips

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