NCJ Number
149169
Date Published
1992
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The Reno, Nevada, Police Department has developed a multifaceted approach to dealing with the youth gang issue; its Community Action Team (CAT) and Youth Gang Unit have the primary function of gathering intelligence to identify active gang members and monitor gang-related criminal activities.
Abstract
The Reno Police Department recognizes that up to 80 percent of gang members do not have criminal records and should not be targeted simply because of their gang affiliation. Diversionary programs for these youth are offered to discourage gang membership. The Gang Alternatives Partnership has been developed to provide a coordinating forum for youth gang intervention services. The Reno Police Department targets the 15 to 20 percent of active gang members who are consistently involved in criminal activities. Eight police officers involved in full-time gang enforcement are primarily assigned to the CAT. Youth gang activities in Reno are examined, particularly in the school setting. Gang migration patterns are discussed, and gang alternative programs are described. Data on gang-related crime between October 1991 and August 1992 are tabulated. 3 footnotes and 4 tables