NCJ Number
148863
Journal
Quarterly Volume: 31 Dated: (Autumn 1974) Pages: 39-48
Date Published
1974
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Street gangs are divided into three classes in order to study the effectiveness of gang prevention efforts: gangs with no fixed membership, gangs with structured organizations, and gangs with an identifiable constant leadership in addition to attributes of the preceding two classes.
Abstract
One of the first strategies of street gang work is to identify gang members. Particularly in large urban areas, gang members usually recognized gang workers and may not initially trust them. Trust must be established over a long period of time, and gang workers must make their role clear to gang members. In addition, gang workers must fully understand the objectives of street gang work, such as rehabilitating youth and reducing the level of gang violence. Gang workers must also realize that street gang work cannot be performed effectively unless workers act assertively and provide outreach servies. Workers must cover certain times when gang activity levels are highest, and efforts must be made to help not only gang members but also members of their families and other persons who are important to them. The author notes that the theory and practice of group work apply to street gang work but that the street gang worker must function as both group worker and case worker.