NCJ Number
147235
Date Published
1992
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This Texas Attorney General's report contains discussions and proposals on gang issues, results from a survey of law enforcement agencies, and some general recommendations on State and local policies.
Abstract
Part one provides a general background, and descriptions of different types of gangs and gang activities. Part two shows the results of the surveys, which were conducted in December 1991 and January 1992. Analysis reveals that gangs pose a moderate law enforcement problem in medium-sized cities (population 50,000 to 100,000), and a more serious problem in larger cities. Throughout the State, gangs are predominantly delinquent youth gangs whose crimes are, by definition, relatively low in seriousness. Gain- oriented gangs are typically involved with drugs, theft, and robbery; however, there is little support for sensational images of gangs as heavily armed narcotics distribution networks. There are turf-rivalry gangs in all the large Texas cities and some of the other cities as well. Violent/hate gangs are less common than the other types. The Attorney General recommends that suppressive tactics be reserved for hard-core gang members and leaders; less serious offenders should be diverted as much as possible to ease the overburdening of the corrections system. Charts, list of resources