The San Mateo tattoo removal program, which is funded and organized by the San Mateo, California, Juvenile Hall, gave Sanchez a chance to get rid of the last remnant of his old life. To qualify for free tattoo removal, ex-gang members must first complete twenty hours of community service. Then they go through the long process of having their tattoos removed. In 2001 Sanchez began this process.

Sanchez started to get laser treat treatments to have his tattoo removed and, after two years, completed his treatments in 2003. Although the process was long and painful, he was happy to get rid of the tattoo. “I feel much better now because I don’t feel like I’m stereotyped when I go places anymore,” Sanchez stated. “Everything it symbolizes is not in my life anymore.”

Gang tattoo removal programs like San Mateo’s are becoming more common nationwide. Police departments run many programs. For example, in August 2004 the police department in Wichita, Kansas created Operation Fresh Start. Former gang members can have their tattoos removed in exchange for an allotment of community service and $25 to pay for the anesthetic used during the removal process. The police officers believe the service helps the community as well as former gang members because it reduces the chances that they will return to their old lifestyle.

In addition to police departments, nonprofit groups have started gang tattoo removal programs. Agape Light provides services for troubled and low-income persons, including tattoo removal, anti gang counseling, family counseling, and spiritual direction. It offers tattoo removal to people coming out of prison who want to remove their tattoos and reenter mainstream society. Currently the organization exists in Southern California, but there are plans to expand it nationwide.