NCJ Number
189961
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: Summer 2001 Pages: 19-34
Date Published
2001
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article argues for inclusion of hate groups in the definition of gangs.
Abstract
The article contends that hate groups have striking similarities and parallels to gangs. It argues that the law enforcement community has been relatively successful in neutralizing gangs and perhaps the same can be achieved if the definition of a gang is expanded to include hate groups. The paper is divided into four parts. Part One discusses the similarities and parallels of gangs and hate groups. Part Two presents the success of law enforcement in neutralizing gangs as a domestic threat. Part Three presents hate group prevention strategies. Part Four argues for expanding the definition of a gang to include hate groups. The article concludes that hate groups are more dangerous than gangs because they are not monitored to the same extent and the clandestine nature of the crimes they commit makes it exceedingly difficult to isolate their criminal activity. The article emphasizes repeatedly its claim that hate groups are gangs and should therefore be monitored and their criminal activity pursued with the same vigor as other gangs. It supports its claim with the example of the Los Angeles Gang Unit's labeling Skinheads as gangs, enabling the Unit to use anti-gang resources to more closely monitor their activities. References