NCJ Number
218987
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: Spring 2007 Pages: 1-34
Date Published
2007
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This literature review gathered data on top sociopolitical flags of gang activity to forecast which countries have the strongest potential pool of recruits for gang activity and analyzed different scenarios to determine whether such transnational activity is more likely in the next 15 years.
Abstract
The countries considered most at risk for gang activity are based on those with a high prevalence of drug use plus at least two sociological factors in the high category. This led to 13 states in the critical category, and 10 more states in the very high risk category. The states in the most critical category with more than half of the gang indicators in the extreme category are: Ukraine (Europe), Iran (Asia), Ghana, Morocco, and South Africa (Africa), and Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (North America, Central America and the Caribbean). Those at very high risk are: Czech Republic, Hungary, and Russia (Europe), Israel (Asia), Sierra Leone (Africa), and Costa Rica, Panama, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, and Venezuela (North America, Central America and the Caribbean). Of interest, is the number of states listed above that already has substantial adult criminal groups such as the mafias. In addition, those states first to experience transnational youth criminal gangs with links to the United States are those most geographically close to the United States, such as Mexico and El Salvador. Therefore, the primary focus for decreasing transnational gangs should be found in updating the overall United States immigration policy. Also, the United States must continue anti-gang programs within its own country. Lastly, the United States must take the lead in assisting other countries in minimizing their own gang problems, including helping with their own prevention, suppression, and intervention programs. Because of globalization, United States style gangs are becoming more common worldwide. This development reveals a tight connection with a number of factors. This study concentrates on the migration of youth and young adult criminal gangs from the United States to other parts of the world. References and appendixes A-B