NCJ Number
240136
Date Published
March 2012
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report presents data on gangs in North Carolina as of March 2012, based on data obtained from the State's GangNET central database by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Analysis Center (NCCJAC).
Abstract
Gang activity has been present in North Carolina communities since well before the NCCJA began researching the topic in 1997. Gangs were present in many communities before law enforcement agencies were willing to accept or acknowledge their existence. The number of individual validated gang members within North Carolina communities and correctional facilities is greater than 14,000. Being counted as a gang member is based on a showing of gang colors, gang signs, or having gang tattoos. A gang member may also be validated as such if he/she admits to being a gang member. Data has continually shown that gang members in North Carolina are predominately males, with only 499 females validated as gang members. The race/ethnicity of gang members is predominantly Hispanic, followed by Black, White, Asian, Native-American, and "other." Ninety-five percent of validated gang members are age 18 and older. Only 55 or less than 1 percent of all validated gang members were ages 15 and younger. The most populated communities and the surrounding areas that have experienced urban sprawl have the largest number of gangs. The vast majority of gangs and individuals within the NC GangNET system are members of what are called street gangs, as opposed to motorcycle clubs or a White supremacist group. The proliferation of gangs in North Carolina has led to the formation of a gang task force within the Governor's Crime Commission. Its responsibility is to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure a well-coordinated, statewide enforcement program. 4 tables