Understanding Youth Gangs

Town Hall Recap: Understanding Youth Gangs

On May 8, the Ephrata School District hosted a community Town Hall in partnership with the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD), the Ephrata Police Department, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The event, held at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center, brought families, educators, and community members together to learn more about the impact of gang activity on local youth—and what we can do about it.

What We Learned

NCESD presented a compelling overview of gang-influenced behaviors and offered practical strategies to identify warning signs and intervene early. The presentation covered:

• Types of gangs active in Grant County
• Behavioral indicators and warning signs of possible gang affiliation
• Markers and symbols that may be tied to gang culture
• Prevention strategies that involve schools, families, and the broader community

The goal? To inform—not alarm—and to empower our community with the tools and knowledge to keep youth safe and supported.

Following the presentation, a panel discussion and Q&A featured leaders from the school district, local police, and the sheriff’s office. Together, they answered community questions and reinforced a message of collaboration and shared responsibility.

“Criminal street gangs have been in Grant County for decades. Education is key. The more we know, the better we can protect our kids and neighborhoods.” -- Sheriff Joe Kriete

“This is not just a law enforcement issue — it’s a community issue. Events like this strengthen the trust and partnership needed to make real change." -- Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch

Our kids deserve to grow up in a community that sees them, supports them, and stands beside them. This Town Hall gave us the opportunity to come together around that shared mission.” -- Superintendent Ken Murray

Resources for Families and Community Members

We encourage everyone to explore the handouts and tools shared during the event:

• 📄 Understanding Gang-Influenced Behavior – Parent Handout (PDF) English -- Parent Handout (PDF) Spanish
  A helpful guide for spotting early signs, having open conversations, and taking proactive steps.
   
• 📄 Understanding Youth Gangs in Grant County - (PDF) English

  Provides a local overview of active gang groups in Grant County, including symbols, colors, and affiliations tied to Sureños and Norteños.

  • Sureños (Mexican Mafia-affiliated) commonly use the color blue, the number 13, or the letter M (seen as XIII, X3, or Trece), and include cliques like Florencia 13, Southside Locos, and Tiny Locos.

  • Norteños (Nuestra Familia-affiliated) use the color red, the number 14, and symbols like the huelga bird (seen as XIV, X4, or Catorce), with groups such as East Side Familia, Pancho Villa Locos, and Fourth Street Kings.

  • The guide also explains graffiti tags (like “509”) and derogatory terms used by rival gangs, helping educators and community members recognize local gang identifiers and behaviors.
     

• 📄 NCESD Student Threat Assessment Newsletter – March 2025 (PDF) English
  Focuses on emerging online threats such as extremist groups targeting minors through social media and gaming platforms. Offers school and family strategies to recognize digital red flags, prevent radicalization, and protect vulnerable students.

  📰 Browse Past Newsletters or Subscribe Here
  Stay informed about the latest trends in school safety, digital threats, and youth violence prevention.
   

• 📄 Drill Rap and Recruitment Strategies - English (PDF) - Spanish (PDF)
  Explores how gangs use social media, music - particularly drill rap - and digital platforms to glamorize violence and recruit vulnerable youth. Offers practical strategies for prevention through education, mentorship and digital awareness.
   

• 📄3D Printing and Ghost Guns - Resource Summary (PDF) English)
  Highlights growing concerns over students using school or public 3D printers to manufacture parts for untraceable "ghost guns" or firearm modifications like "switches." These devices can be printed in under two hours and distributed via apps or social media. The resource outlines how schools can stay vigilant, monitor print activity and leverage school safety staff as part of threat assessment teams. 
  🔗 View the ATF report on privately made firearms
  🔗 Read the U.S. Secret Service report on preventing targeted school violence

More resources will be added as they become available.

Together, We Make a Difference

Thank you to everyone who attended the Town Hall. By staying informed, staying connected, and working together, we can help guide our youth toward safe, positive futures.

Have questions? Please reach out to the Ephrata School District.