NCJ Number
153220
Date Published
1994
Length
240 pages
Annotation
After providing an overview of the nature of criminal gangs, this book presents primary and secondary bibliographies on gangs, major gangs' constitutions, a national gangs directory, and the Illinois Street Gang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act.
Abstract
The introductory chapter provides a social-scientific view of gangs. It answers two empirical questions about gangs in America: when a loosely formed street-corner group becomes a gang; and if gangs are involved in crime, then how much of crime in America is explained by gang involvement. The author concludes that a group is a gang when it exists for or benefits substantially from the continuing criminal activity of its members. Some element of crime must exist as a definitive feature of the organization for it to be classified as a gang. Although no State or Federal agency is required by law to monitor and report all known gang-related crimes, there is reason to believe that gang-related crime is a significant portion of all crime in America. Gangs are a national problem and are now reported to be a threat to some extent in nearly all States. The primary bibliography on gangs presented has 550 listings, and the secondary bibliography has 196 listings. Copies of major gang constitutions are provided for the Latin King Nation, the Spanish Gangster Disciple Nation, the Vice Lords, and Brothers of the Struggle. The national gangs directory lists the names of the gangs in each State by county.