NCJ Number
163838
Date Published
1992
Length
0 pages
Annotation
An interview with a female member of the "Bloods," a Los Angeles gang, examines issues related to gang drug trafficking and violence, followed by comments by a police officer regarding the nature of and response to gangs.
Abstract
Much of the interview with the female gang member known as "Rambo" (because of her love of and use of guns) focuses on gang drug dealing and the lifestyle associated with it. The Bloods deal in cocaine, marijuana, and PCP primarily. The drugs sold are obtained primarily from Mexican dealers. When asked about gang profits from drugs, Rambo comments that in one year a gang member can make enough to buy a nice house and an expensive car. When asked why gang members from Los Angeles are dealing drugs in other cities, Rambo states that police pressure in Los Angeles is the primary reason. In other cities, Los Angeles Bloods recruit new gang members to deal drugs. Also discussed are strategies for entering and establishing a new territory for drug dealing and the means of transporting drugs (cars and buses). When asked about weaponry, Rambo states that when transporting drugs, gang members are armed with assault weapons. If stopped by police when transporting drugs, Rambo says, she would kill a police officer rather than surrender for arrest. Rambo's role as a female gang member is the same as a male gang member. The behavior, attitudes, and responsibilities of female members in dealing drugs vary little from male gang members in the Bloods. Comments by a police officer to viewers following the interview advise that gangs introduce drug dealing and violence into a community, so they must be recognized early before they become entrenched. Multifaceted and comprehensive gang intervention programs are recommended. Police agencies should identify, target, and remove violent gang members from the community and adopt a professional and respectful relationship with young gang members so as to guide them into the programs and behaviors that are positive.