Erasing the Signs of Gang Life

Gang members can recognize each other on sight, or by flashing hand signals or through easily visible tattoos. Those trying to leave the gang life behind can change their location and stop using the hand signs. Getting rid of the tattoos is more difficult.

The Orange County Probation Department has spent a good deal of time, money and energy in recent years trying to curb gang activity. It’s not an easy job but it is one that needs to be done.

The department has joined with police and prosecutors in the TARGET program, a good endeavor to find gang members violating terms of their probation and get them off the streets and back behind bars.

The department also has approached the problem of gang membership from the other end, trying to help law-abiding members to cut loose the ties that bind. That means getting rid of the tattoos.

In the last 2 1/2 years, the department has enlisted the support of volunteer doctors from the Beckman Laser Institute at UC Irvine to erase tattoos with lasers.

A key proponent for the program since soon after it started has been Superior Court Judge David O. Carter. Of the 63 people whose tattoos were erased, Carter personally has enrolled 28.

The judge recently ended his stint overseeing the county’s criminal court cases. His successor would do well to continue emphasizing the court’s interest in the tattoo removal process.

Those wanting tattoos removed usually are former gang members still on probation. Probation Department officials say erasing the ink makes the former gang members feel better about themselves. It also lessens the chance rivals will identify them on sight and attack them. Doctors run a laser beam over the tattoo, scattering the ink into fragments absorbed by the body. It usually takes six treatments and could cost thousands of dollars. But the cost is subsidized by a nonprofit arm of the Probation Department and contributions from Carter and others.

Quitting a gang is not easy and getting rid of a tattoo is not a cure-all. But tattoo removal can be part of the process of moving someone away from crime and into a productive life. The Probation Department’s program is a worthwhile attempt to answer those seeking help.