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Gang header
 


The Pima County Attorney's Gang unit prosecutes crimes committed by street gang members, ranging from murder and car-jacking to drug offenses. This unit also works closely with law enforcement to identify gangs and their members in an effort to monitor gang activity in Pima County. To contact the Gang Unit please call (520) 740-5600.

  
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  • Supervise your children’s activities and know their friends.  Insist on meeting your children’s friends and make every effort to get to know their parents.

  • Get your children involved in supervised, positive group activities. These might include after-school programs or clubs, athletics, the arts, or volunteering with community groups. Find activities that interest your child and that help your child to develop a sense of belonging.

  • Develop good communication with your children. It is important to develop good communication with your children so that if they have a problem, they will know they can come to you. Good communication is open and frequent, and it takes on a positive tone. Talk to your child, and take the time to listen to what your child is telling you. Make no topic off limits.

  • Spend positive time with your children. Plan activities that the whole family can enjoy, but also find a way to spend time alone with your children. Make sure that you regularly praise your child and encourage and support your child emotionally.

  • Become involved in your children's education. Put a high value on education and help your child to do his or her best in school. Keep in close contact with your child’s teachers and let your local schools know about any concerns you might have.

  • Clearly and continually begin to express to your children at an early age your disapproval of gangs and gang-related activity.  Let them know that you think gangs are dangerous and that their well-being is very important to you.

  • Keep your children from attracting the attention of gangs. Do not buy or allow your children to dress in gang-style clothing. Teach your children to walk away if gang members approach them and to avoid using gang gestures. Do not allow your children to write or practice writing gang names, symbols, or any other gang graffiti on their books, papers, clothes, bodies, walls or any other place.

  • Learn about gang and drug activity in your community.  Gangs take different forms in different communities, and the gangs in your community may look and act very differently than those you see on television or at the movies. Learn how gang members in your community dress and speak, and find out about the kind of activities they are involved in.
 
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Assistance header
  If you are a victim of crime and need further assistance please contact The Pima County Attorney's Victim Witness Program at
(520) 740-5525.		  
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Tips header
 


When Approaching a vehicle:


  • Walk with purpose and stay alert.
  • Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in.
  • Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out fliers. Trust your instincts - if something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors, and drive away.

When you are in a vehicle:

  • Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (at least part-way, if it's hot and you don't have air conditioning), no matter how short the distance or how safe the neighborhood.
  • When you're coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away.
  • Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car.
  • Avoid driving alone. Go with someone whenever possible, especially at night.
  • Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help.
  • Park in well-lighted areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
  • Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked. Put them in the trunk or out of sight.
    Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Leave only the ignition key, with no identification.
  • Even if you're rushed, look around before you get out and stay alert to the surroundings.

    If you are carjacked:
  • If the carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don't argue. Your life is worth more than a car.
  • Get away from the area as quickly as possible.
  • Try to remember what the carjacker looked like - sex, race, age, hair and eye color, special features, clothes.
  • Report the crime immediately to the police.


  
Tips

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