NCJ Number
165572
Journal
Compiler Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1996) Pages: 4-16
Editor(s)
D Dighton
Date Published
1996
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Four articles profile gangs and gang violence in Chicago as well as the programs in Chicago, Cook County, and statewide designed to counter gang violence.
Abstract
The first article profiles gang violence in Chicago, as it uses official statistics to document a significant increase in gang violence since the early 1990's, with most of it being perpetrated by semiautomatic and automatic firearms. Instruments of crime analysis designed to predict areas of gang violence are also described. A second article describes the activities and achievements of Chicago's Gang Violence Reduction Project, which uses a team of law enforcement officers and youth workers to both suppress gang violence and increase gang members' access to positive educational, job-oriented, and social programs. Although violence in the targeted community has not been reduced, it is increasing at a lower rate than prior to the program's implementation. Another article describes the backgrounds and work of two of the youth workers in this project who grew up in the targeted community. An article describes the specialized gang prosecutions unit formed by the Cook County State's Attorney. This unit investigates and prosecutes complex criminal activities such as narcotics trafficking and money laundering. The unit also plans to go after the assets of gang leaders. The concluding article profiles the Illinois Governor's Commission on Gangs. Its task is to develop a coordinated strategy for attacking street gangs. The 35-member commission of Federal and State prosecutors, police, educators, parents, clergy, health professionals, lawmakers, and representatives of business and labor has developed recommendations in the areas of law enforcement, prevention, and intervention programs.