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Report of the Law Enforcement Youth Gang Symposium

NCJ Number
147404
Editor(s)
I A Spergel, C Kane, M Hyatt, R Ross, P Rodriguez
Date Published
1988
Length
70 pages
Annotation
This document presents an edited transcript of a symposium held on March 1, 1988 to describe and assess various law enforcement and community-based approaches to gang problems in cities.
Abstract
Participants included law enforcement officials from several cities, academics, prosecutors, and staff members of the National Youth Gang Suppression and Intervention Project. Although participants did not agree on a precise definition of the gang problem, they considered definitions of three terms: gang, gang member, and gang- related incident. Although each city has experienced unique problems, most have experienced criminal activity, violence, changing gang structures, and increasing gang mobility. Efforts to address the gang problem include repression activities and efforts to increase community awareness and involvement.