NCJ Number
156848
Date Published
1992
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video examines the prevalence of juvenile gangs and gang violence, patterns of gang-related crime, causes of gang affiliation, and constructive responses to gangs.
Abstract
The video format consists of lecture interspersed with charts that outline the topics discussed. The lecturer, who is a former commander of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Gang Unit, profiles Los Angeles County and its gangs; there are 1,000 street gangs with 150,000 members (just over 1 percent of the population). An overview of gang-related crime focuses on homicide and violent crimes. A discussion of why there are gangs addresses the benign neglect of youth, poverty, racism, cultural ignorance, inadequate education, lack of alternatives, lack of role models, and societal toleration of gang values and appeal. In considering why the gang problem is so serious, the lecturer advises that communities fail to act with early intervention due to denial of the problem; gangs are attractive; social disorganization fosters gang attractiveness; and the abuse of drugs. Other factors that contribute to the problem are apathy, lack of values, community acceptance, the media, and the failure of parents and schools. Various characteristics are listed for Hispanic gangs, African- American gangs, and Asian gangs. Recommendations for responding to and preventing gangs include teacher training about gangs, an increase in the number of programs that target youth at risk for gang membership, training for law enforcement and government personnel, and alternative activities for gang members.