ONTARIO, Calif. -- State lawmakers are holding a hearing today in Ontario to discuss the rise in the number of criminal gangs using networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.
Officials say the hearing entitled "Gangs 2.0: The Emerging Threat of Cyberthugs" will explore the use of social networking tools in gang recruitment and gang-related crime.
Assembly majority leader Alberto Torrico, and attorney general candidate, says gang members both in and out of prison are making more use of technology.
"Social networking is a great way to reach out to others, update them on activities, exchange information and support a cause," Torrico said.
"Unfortunately, gangs are using these tools to communicate, recruit, issue threats, traffic narcotics, promote violence and expand their criminal activities."
According to Torrico's office, gang members are heavily involved on social networks, with a recent survey finding:
70 percent of gang members say it's easier to make friends online than in the real world 89 percent of students say they are the primary users of technology in the home 41 percent do not share with their parents where they go on the Internet
Cell phones are another tool used by gangs to coordinate activities, including among members who are already behind bars, Torrico says.
Over 4,100 cell phones have already been confiscated in California state prisons this year and corrections officials consider them a top security threat.
Officials say the hearing entitled "Gangs 2.0: The Emerging Threat of Cyberthugs" will explore the use of social networking tools in gang recruitment and gang-related crime.
Assembly majority leader Alberto Torrico, and attorney general candidate, says gang members both in and out of prison are making more use of technology.
"Social networking is a great way to reach out to others, update them on activities, exchange information and support a cause," Torrico said.
"Unfortunately, gangs are using these tools to communicate, recruit, issue threats, traffic narcotics, promote violence and expand their criminal activities."
According to Torrico's office, gang members are heavily involved on social networks, with a recent survey finding:
70 percent of gang members say it's easier to make friends online than in the real world 89 percent of students say they are the primary users of technology in the home 41 percent do not share with their parents where they go on the Internet
Cell phones are another tool used by gangs to coordinate activities, including among members who are already behind bars, Torrico says.
Over 4,100 cell phones have already been confiscated in California state prisons this year and corrections officials consider them a top security threat.
