NCJ Number
146807
Journal
Police Chief Dated: (November 1990) Pages: 17
Date Published
1990
Length
1 page
Annotation
The FBI is actively involved in the cooperative effort by local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies in the ongoing efforts to combat the nationwide organized crime problem represented by criminal gangs.
Abstract
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, gang members have increasingly demonstrated their willingness to assault and murder law enforcement officers. Gangs take many forms, including outlaw motorcycle gangs and ethnic gangs. Los Angeles gangs include cultural gangs, which are neighborhood-centered and exist independently of criminal activity, and instrumental gangs, which are formed for the express purpose of criminal activity and pose a greater threat because they provide for a higher degree of organization. Specific organizations include the Bloods, the Crips, and Hells Angels, the Outlaws, the Bandidos, the Pagans, the Ghost Shadows, On Leong Tong, and the Yazuka. The leaders of organized street gangs try to hide from the law behind an intricate organization of high rollers, who are successful drug traffickers, and baby gangsters, who are ages 12-15. The FBI is firmly committed to addressing the problem of criminal gangs, because they cause fear and affect the health, welfare, and peace of mind of our citizens. Photograph