NCJ Number
191744
Journal
Campus Safety Journal Volume: 9 Issue: 9 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 30-31
Date Published
October 2001
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on the definition of street gangs, their activities, and how schools should respond.
Abstract
A recent survey concluded that gangs continue to be a prevailing problem across the country. There is no nationally recognized definition of a street gang or a gang member. Characteristics differ from region to region. East coast gangs tend to be more structured with an identifiable leadership, while west coast gangs are less structured with no real identifiable leadership. A generic definition of a gang is “a group of three or more individuals who share a common name or identifying sign or symbol, whose primary purpose is to commit illegal activities, and who individually or collectively engage in a pattern of criminal behavior.” A gang member is “any person who participates in or with a criminal street gang, has knowledge that its gang members engage in or have engaged in criminal activity and willfully promotes, furthers or assists in any criminal conduct by members of that gang.” The typical age range for gang members is 14 to 24 years old. Fifty percent are over the age of 18. Gang membership depends on exposure to gang activity and to pro-gang attitudes. The pro-gang attitude ultimately leads to a disconnection of the youth from the family, school, and the community. Gang members have greater access to firearms, are more likely to be involved in violent crimes, and have a higher propensity to use drugs and alcohol. The percentage of students reporting the presence of gangs at school nearly doubled between 1989 and 1995. The presence of street gangs and drugs is directly related to increased school crime and victimization of students. Gangs create a climate of fear and intimidation not only in communities but also on school grounds. School administrators must confront the presence of gangs on school grounds. Lack of knowledge about street gangs is a large reason why administrators fail to take any necessary action. A site assessment should be conducted to evaluate the presence of gangs at the school. Combating the problem requires a comprehensive community-wide approach that involves three equally important components: suppression, intervention, and prevention. A successful community-wide approach depends upon partnerships of various community organizations, both private and public.