NCJ Number
196792
Journal
The Journal Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer 2002 Pages: 68-74
Date Published
2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article examines gang history, gang migration, and gang structure, as well as the efforts of law enforcement to combat and prevent gangs.
Abstract
Historical literature makes frequent reference to groups that engaged in criminal activity. America’s first identified gang, the Forty Thieves, was formed in 1820 in New York City. The end of the Civil War brought large-scale criminal activity on the part of a few veterans that had trouble returning to a peaceful society, such as the brothers Jessie and Frank James. In 1927, a study revealed that there were an identified 1,313 active street gangs in Chicago. Outlaw motorcycle gangs and ethnic gangs illustrate how the gang came first and then the criminal actions. The problem facing law enforcement is identifying the amount of criminal gang activity present and limiting the damage these groups can do to society. Young people normally seek gang involvement for some combination of five reasons: structure, nurturing, sense of belonging, economic opportunity, and excitement. Criminal street gangs can spread by what is labeled the “imperialist method.” A large street gang will dispatch members to start a chapter in a new city or neighborhood to further some form of criminal activity. There are many sources of information on how to establish, structure, and rule a street gang. It is difficult to prove that criminal street gang activity is on the increase in the United States. Confusion results from the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes a gang, past and present denial by both law enforcement and other officials about gang activity, no baseline data to determine what gangs did in the past, and a myriad of reporting problems. Alternatives to gangs should include educational programs, social interaction, recreational activities, and employment opportunities. Law enforcement agencies should structure their efforts to combat active criminal street gangs based on the targeted gang set. 9 endnotes