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111D SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Gang TAsk Force members concur that there is an emerging juvenile violence and crime problem in San Marcos. There is irrefutable evidence of active gangs in the area. Graffiti, which can be innocent vandalism (if there is such a thing) can be observed in all areas of town, from high to low socio-economic areas. But there is an ever- increasing amount of gang graffiti, which has been "crossed out" and "tagged" by members of opposing groups. The altering of another group's writing, usually done in spray paint in areas frequented by the members, shows the conflict that was also demonstrated by several drive-by shooting incidents in San Marcos. At least one person has been shot in a " . gang-related shooting, and the infant seat of a child was hit by a bullet during another shooting. Evidence of at least ten active gangs has been documented by teachers and administrators at Owèn Goodnight Junior High School. High School personnel, who also document gang activity, are also becoming accustomed to the anxiety and conflict that ~ accompanies gangs and other fonTIS of youth violence. The San Marcos CISD has taken a zero-tolerance stand on gang activity and on drug and alcohol use. Policy adopted last Fall by the Board of Trustees makes it an offense for any student to participate in gang activity at school, at any school facility, at any school sponsored activity, or on any school bus. A "Gang" is defmed as any group of two or more individuals whose purposes may include the commission of illegal acts. In addition, a "gang" is a prohibited fraternity, sorority, or society, as defmed by the Texas Education Code (Section 4.20 and 4.21). According to adopted policy, gang activities and involvement can include: . Wearing possesing, using, distributing, or selling and clothing, jewelry, emblems, badges, symbols, signs, graffiti, or other things which are evidence of membership or affiliation in a gang. . Committing any act or omission, or using any speech whether verbal or nonverbal, showing membership in a gang. . Using any speech or committing and act or ommission in furtherance of the interest of any gang or gang activity, including solicitin others for membership in gangs, requesting and person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any other person, inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person, or engaging in concert with others in intimidating, fighting, assaulting, or threatening to assault others. Violations of this policy can lead to a recommendation for expulsion from school. San Marcos Community Gang Task Force Report Page 4