NCJ Number
151963
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Hosted by James Earl Jones, this video portrays various programs communities are using within comprehensive community strategies that encompass prevention, intervention, and suppression.
Abstract
The comprehensive approach recommended in the video involves all institutions of the community, including families, churches, schools, businesses, the government, and the police. The first step portrayed in the development of the specific strategy for a community is an assessment that examines the scope, nature, and causes of the gang problem and gang behaviors. The suppression programs involve the police primarily as they track gang activity and gang members to remove the most dangerous juveniles from the streets. Suppression programs, therefore, target juveniles already deeply involved in gang behaviors. Prevention programs are those that attempt to divert the youths of the community from the attractions of gang life by offering alternative activities and role models through which they build self-esteem through constructive achievement and goal-setting that best serves the youths and the community. Prevention programs portrayed include graffiti removal; a basketball camp for inner-city youth that includes guidance in the development of social skills and conflict resolution, along with interaction with positive role models; and "midnight basketball" programs that target inner-city kids with a structured program designed to build self-esteem through positive achievements. Intervention programs are those that particularly target at-risk youth who have not yet become deeply involved in gang life. A program for first-time juvenile offenders shows them the options available to them if they continue in criminal behavior and the options open to them if they pursue education and legitimate vocational goals. A list of organizational resources concludes the video.