NCJ Number
171576
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1997) Pages: 21-43
Date Published
1997
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Using data from a large national survey designed to identify persons at risk of gang membership, this study looks specifically at the African-American male youth population.
Abstract
The study evaluated a sample of 1,001 African-American males aged 10 to 20, most of whom had had some contact with the criminal justice system. Background characteristics of the sample were described in detail. No coherent, logical, theoretically sound national policy has yet been activated to address the gang problem in the United States. Results of this study should help to develop ways to more efficiently respond to the problem. Findings include: (1) The gang problem appears to begin in about the third grade and the average gang member joins at about age 12; (2) A number of programs significantly related to the gang problem can be identified; (3) Persons can be identified who would want to leave the gang if societal institutions were prepared to accept them back into mainstream society; and (4) The more organized the gang the harder it will be to get youths to leave. Tables, figure