Law enforcement agencies and communities must remain vigilant in identifying and understanding these symbols to combat gang-related activities effectively. Additionally, the same symbol can have different meanings depending on the context and location in which it is displayed. It is important to note that gang symbolism can vary from region to region and even differ within different factions of the same gang. These can be used to identify a specific gang, its territory, or the gang member's rank within the organization. Numbers and Letters: Gangs often use numbers, letters, or combinations of both as symbolic representations.Each tear drop often represents a specific murder. Tear Drops: Typically found under the eye, tear drops represent someone who has killed or avenged the death of a fellow gang member.Spiderwebs: Often associated with white supremacist prison gangs, spiderwebs represent the entrapment of enemies and the gang's dominance over the prison or neighborhood.The pitchfork represents the Gangster Disciples, while the six-pointed star represents the Black Disciples. Pitchforks and Six-Pointed Stars: These symbols represent the Folk Nation, an alliance of predominantly African-American street gangs.Swastikas: Although the swastika symbol was originally a religious Hindu and Buddhist symbol representing good luck, it has been adopted by some white supremacist and neo-Nazi gangs as a symbol of hate and bigotry.

Three Dots: Often referred to as 'Mi Vida Loca' or 'My Crazy Life,' this symbol is associated with the Mexican Mafia or 'La Eme.' The three dots typically represent the phrase 'mi vida loca' or the three principles of the Mexican Mafia: blood in, blood out, and loyalty.

The crown represents power and authority within the gang hierarchy.

Five-pointed Crown: This symbol is associated with the Latin Kings gang, one of the largest and most notorious Hispanic street gangs in the United States.

Understanding these symbols is crucial for law enforcement agencies and communities to address gang-related activities effectively.īelow are some of the common gang graffiti symbols and their meanings: These gang-related symbols can often be seen on buildings, fences, vehicles, and other public places. Graffiti has long been utilized by various street gangs to mark their territories and convey messages to rival gangs and law enforcement agencies. What are some common gang graffiti symbols and their meanings? Are there any efforts to deter or remove gang graffiti symbols from public spaces?.How does law enforcement use knowledge of gang graffiti symbols to identify and track gang activity?.Are there any specific colors or patterns commonly used in gang graffiti symbols?.How are gang graffiti symbols used to communicate messages between gang members?.What are some common gang graffiti symbols and their meanings?.

Gangster letters alphabet graffiti