Gangs: Origin, Outlook, and Policy Implications (From Visions for Change: Crime and Justice in the Twenty-First Century, P 7-18, 1996, Roslyn Muraskin and Albert R. Roberts, eds. - see NCJ-158451)

• NCJ Number: 158453
• Author(s): K J Peak
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: Prentice-Hall, Inc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines gang origins, composition, and characteristics, and explores the utility of various approaches to addressing the gang problem in American cities.

Abstract

The article reviews the literature on the formation of gangs, and the features unique to some contemporary racial and ethnic gangs, including Asian gangs, Black gangs, Hispanic gangs, and neo- Nazi skinhead gangs. Two primary methods that have been employed to control youth gangs include police sweeps or crackdowns, and community programs. The community-oriented policing and problem solving (COPPS) strategy brings police and community leaders together to work toward reducing neighborhood disorder and fear of gang-related crime. These programs seem to be most effective when they emphasize fundamental changes in school philosophies, job skills development for youth, assistance to families, a shift toward a proactive police approach, and intervention and control of known gang members. 33 references