MOSES LAKE — Preventing youth violence and gang involvement requires a coordinated effort between families, schools and law enforcement, said Hunter McLeod, threat assessment coordinator with the North Central Education Service District.

“This should be a group effort,” said McLeod. “We want to provide families and community members with tools – strategies they can use at home – even if gang activity isn’t directly impacting their household.”

McLeod and Ray Lopez, school resource officer with the Moses Lake Police Department, led a gang awareness presentation at Vanguard Academy last week, aimed at helping families better recognize risk factors and prevent youth involvement in gangs.

McLeod told attendees that one of the biggest challenges is a lack of communication between parents, schools and law enforcement. She stressed the importance of breaking down those barriers.

“One of the biggest things we see in youth violence prevention is silos and information,” McLeod said. “Breaking those silos down and creating a circle of trust is the best way to keep kids safe.”

The event, which also included community partners and school district staff, focused on helping parents identify early warning signs, understand shifting gang trends and knowing how to talk to their children about safety.

Gang activity changing

Lopez, a longtime officer and current school resource officer, said gang activity has evolved significantly over the years and is often harder for adults to recognize.

“They don’t walk around wearing the blue anymore. They don’t go around wearing the red anymore,” Lopez said. “It makes it more difficult for us to identify who is involved.”

While traditional signs like colored clothing have faded, Lopez said youth are still signaling affiliation through subtle indicators, including social media posts, symbols or even behavior.

“We know who the players are, but it’s not as obvious as it used to be,” he said. “These kids are getting smarter about how they present themselves.”

He added that violence associated with gangs has also intensified.

“It’s a lot more violent now,” Lopez said. “It’s not just fist fighting anymore – it’s guns, robberies, thefts.”

Younger ages involved

One of the most concerning trends discussed was how early gang exposure can begin.

“When we’re talking about prevention, we’re talking about K through fourth grade,” McLeod said. “We want to get in front of this early. If we are talking about intervention, we are looking at fifth through seventh.”

She explained that kids begin forming identity and seeking belonging at a young age, which can make them vulnerable to recruitment.

“Every kid joins for a different reason,” McLeod said. “They’re looking for things like respect, support, safety, or family – those are natural needs.”

The presentation emphasized that children often aren’t seeking trouble, but rather connection.

“If that need isn’t being met, they may find it somewhere else,” McLeod said.

Social media plays major role

Both speakers highlighted social media as a major driver of current trends, where conflicts can escalate quickly and spread beyond schools.

“If it’s happening online, it’s going to come into school,” McLeod said. “If it’s happening in the community, it’s going to come into school.”

Examples shared during the presentation showed how youth use social media to display weapons, money, or group affiliations – sometimes without fully understanding the risks.

Lopez said even “wannabe” behavior can have serious consequences.

“These kids go out and portray that they’re part of a group,” he said. “Then they get targeted, and next thing you know, they feel like they have to join for protection.”

Focus on behavior, not labels

Both presenters emphasized that the goal is not to label children, but to recognize concerning behaviors early.

“We’re not labeling kids – we’re talking about behaviors,” McLeod said. “What’s changed? What are you seeing? What does the student need? How can we help them succeed?”

Parents were encouraged to watch for changes such as secrecy, shifts in friend groups, unexplained money, or new symbols and clothing.

They were also urged to have open conversations with their children.

“Start from a place of curiosity,” McLeod said. “Ask questions, listen, and let them share their perspective first.”

Role of parents

The presentation concluded with practical advice for families, including monitoring social media, knowing their child’s friends, and maintaining open communication.

Lopez stressed that prevention starts at home but requires community-wide effort.

“We’re here not just to enforce the law,” he said. “We’re here to build relationships and provide resources.”

McLeod reinforced that early intervention can make a significant difference.

“If they can’t tell us the little things, they’re not going to tell us the big things,” she said.

Organizers said the goal of the event was not to alarm families, but to empower them with knowledge and tools.

“This is about awareness and prevention,” McLeod said. “The more we work together, the better chance we have of keeping our kids safe.”

    A panel leads a discussion with parents and community members about gang awareness and prevention.