NCJ Number
185631
Date Published
1996
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video includes an overview of the gang problem in the United States, describes how some localities are dealing with gangs and gang members and suggests ways to prevent gangs.
Abstract
The first hour of the video focuses on law enforcement officers and civilian activists discussing gang problems in several Louisiana towns and parishes and in Little Rock, Arkansas, while the camera records many of the activities under review. The narrative details the differences between big city, well organized gangs and small-town affiliates as well as local gangs that are frequently disorganized, undisciplined and more dangerous than their big city counterparts. The speakers describe efforts to guide youngsters away from gangs, including school-based education programs and development of athletic and cultural activities. The principal speakers also interview former gang members about what got them into and out of gangs. The second hour is a discussion group involving the same persons from the earlier segment as they speak to and with audience members about the gang problem, emphasizing Prevention, Intervention and Suppression. Several audience members describe local grassroots anti-gang efforts and ways to provide youth the Identity, Recognition, Love, Respect, Belonging, and Discipline that they might otherwise seek in gangs. The video also provides warning signs that a child may be involved in a gang.