NCJ Number
149237
Date Published
1993
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This document informs police officers about the characteristics and activities of prevalent street gangs and suggests ways of fighting gang activities.
Abstract
The first section surveys prevalent gangs in the United States: the violent black gangs (Crips, Bloods, and Black Gangster Disciples), the Latino/Hispanic gangs and their preoccupation with protecting their territory; the Skinheads' involvement in hate crimes; and the Asian gangs who commit crime for financial gain. Gang members can be recognized by their use of graffiti and characteristic hand signs, distinctive clothing and colors, and specific activities. The article also presents behavioral profiles to help identify gang members at airports or at motels, both of which are often used in drug-related activities. The use and trafficking of crack or rock cocaine is especially prevalent among gang members. To prevent gang-related crimes, neighborhoods must embark on a systematic, collaborative effort to pinpoint and curb gang activity, and to protect at-risk youths. These efforts must involve not only law enforcement officials and prosecutors, but also schools, parents, and private citizens. Lists of common street gang slang as well as of local gangs and their neighborhoods are appended.