Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Advanced Officer Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered an outward sign of gang activity?

1. Tagging buildings

2. Hand signals

3. Group comprised of the same ethnic origin

4. Similar skin tattoos

The correct answer is: Group comprised of the same ethnic origin

The correct answer highlights that a group comprised of the same ethnic origin is not inherently a sign of gang activity. Groups can form based on various cultural or social connections that are not criminal in nature. Ethnicity alone does not imply criminal behavior or gang involvement. In contrast, tagging buildings is a common gang activity used to mark territory or send messages. Hand signals are often used by gang members to communicate without speaking, serving as a form of identification or signaling allegiance. Similar skin tattoos can indicate gang affiliation, as members often choose specific tattoos that represent their gang's identity or beliefs. Therefore, while certain visible indicators may suggest gang involvement, shared ethnic background on its own does not. This distinction is essential for understanding the context of gang presence versus cultural or social groups.