Actions schools can take to reduce the level of gang activity include providing a stimulating extracurricular program, establishing clear behavior guidelines that prohibit gang activity and encourage responsible behavior; forbidding the wearing gang paraphernalia or apparel; instituting model discipline and dress policies; involving students, parents, law enforcement, the courts, and local community leaders in the process of developing a local gang prevention and intervention plan; and removing graffiti as soon as possible. Common myths about gangs must be dispelled if gang-suppression activities are to work effectively. Nine gang myths are identified along with the 15 criteria that police agencies in Ventura County, California use for identifying gang members.