NCJ Number
190755
Date Published
February 2001
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This monograph reviewed definitional issues related to gangs, placed the growth of gangs in an evolutionary perspective, and examined the links between gang membership and involvement in crime and juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
The discussion emphasized gang processes, especially as those processes offered opportunities for intervention and prevention. These processes included joining the gang, initiation, assuming roles within the gang, participating in gang violence, and leaving the gang. The analysis noted that the last decade had produced an unprecedented increase in gangs, gun assaults, and youth homicide. These increases have resulted in actions by Federal and local governments. Suppression has been the most common strategy. However, this response is unlikely to be effective on its own and is likely to make the problem worse. Federal initiatives that emphasize suppression or the provision of social opportunities have taken place in the last decade. The Boston Gun project demonstrates that the success of any initiative depends largely on its ability to integrate a number of approaches. The analysis concluded that law enforcement and the provision of social opportunities and interventions must work together for interventions to be successful, that interventions must give closer attention to the significance of gang processes, and that those responsible for responding to gangs must use problem-solving models that have proven successful in other settings. In addition, agencies need to be proactive and not overreact and to communicate and share information with each other. Photographs, figure, and 74 references