NCJ Number
168062
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1997) Pages: 23-36
Date Published
1997
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper provides an overview of the Orange County, Calif., Gang Incident Tracking System (GITS) and discusses ongoing efforts to develop the system's reliability and validity, as well as improve its utility as a management and research tool.
Abstract
In early 1992 the Orange County Chiefs' and Sheriff's Association established GITS as part of a comprehensive effort to combat increases in gang-related violence. Its purpose was to provide a management research tool to facilitate strategic planning and resource allocation. This was done by establishing a centralized database to which local law enforcement agencies report gang-related crime. The information system also accurately identifies the extent of gang-related crime, establishes a baseline against which to identify future trends in gang-related crime, and identifies gang-related crime patterns. By the end of 1993 all law enforcement agencies in the county had adopted standardized reporting techniques and were reporting on gang- related crimes in their jurisdictions. As GITS becomes fully operational during 1996, it will provide a foundation for evaluating the effectiveness of community-based gang prevention and control strategies. Further, a comparison of the actual level of gang crime in the county with the level of public concern about gang crime could yield results that have significant policy implications. 58 references