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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Santa Barbara County Grand Jury • 2025-2026

Should Schools Do More to Address Youth in Gangs?

Published: June 18, 2026 17 pages
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Findings 8 findings

F1
Many student fights occur in the areas surrounding school campuses before and after school hours, outside school supervision, leaving a gap in County schools’ responses.
F2
When children lack a set structure to occupy their time on constructive activities outside of regular school hours, they become vulnerable to recruitment from criminal street gangs.
F3
Gangs are increasingly grooming and recruiting students in elementary, middle, and junior high schools, yet many anti-gang programs focus on older students.
F4
Some school administrators across the County lack information to identify gang clothing, insignia, or signs.
F5
Students who bring guns, knives, and other weapons on campus, even when provided by parents for their children’s safety, pose a threat to school safety.
F6
Anonymous communications systems, both digital programs and physical drop-boxes, when made available to school students and personnel, can help identify gang activity ahead of serious consequences.
F7
Socially isolated students can benefit from engagement with responsible mentors as a deterrent to negative manipulation by outside influences, such as gangs, social media, or other ongoing stresses in family life.
F8
A task force comprised of governmental and community-based organizations in the area would aid local authorities to reduce gang effectiveness.

Recommendations 11