NCJ Number
192905
Journal
Campus Safety Journal Volume: 9 Issue: 11 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 26-28
Date Published
December 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the goals of school anti-gang programs and steps for developing such a program.
Abstract
Combating a gang problem within a community requires a comprehensive community-wide approach that relies on a coalition of public and private agencies. A school-based program should be created to address the gang problems directly related to the school or district and developed to complement any existing community efforts to combat gangs. There are three equally important components of a successful gang program: suppression, intervention, and prevention. Suppression programs should aim at deterring the criminal activities of gangs, eliminating the presence of gangs, and removing individual gang members from the school community. Intervention programs should aim to reduce criminal activities by coaxing youth away from gangs. When creating an intervention program, it is important to develop assessment tools that can determine the level of involvement of a youth who is affiliated with a gang and identify other negative factors. Prevention programs attempt to prevent youth from joining gangs. Brief descriptions of steps for developing a school-based gang program involve recognizing the need to investigate, forming a team or committee, involving the students, conducting a full site assessment, setting reasonable goals, using community resources and partnerships, advertising the gang policy, effectively implementing the program, conducting periodic evaluations, and engaging clientele.