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(Un)Known Universe: Mapping Gangs and Gang Violence in Boston (From Crime Mapping and Crime Prevention, P 219-262, 1997, David Weisburd and Tom McEwen, eds. - See NCJ-170277)

NCJ Number
170285
Author(s)
D M Kennedy; A A Braga; A M Piehl
Date Published
1997
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes an exercise that used mapping and other information-collecting and -ordering techniques as part of a project to apply problem-solving techniques to youth gun violence and gun markets in Boston.
Abstract
Mapping and other information-collecting and -ordering techniques, usually aimed at formal police data, can also be used to good effect to capture and organize these experiential assets. In this study, a working group was assembled of Harvard University researchers, officers from the Boston Police Department's Youth Violence Strike Force, probation officers covering high-risk neighborhoods, and city-employed gang-mediation "street workers." The group estimated the number and size of the city's gangs; mapped their turf; mapped their antagonisms and alliances; and classified 5 years of youth victimization events according to their connection (or lack thereof) to this gang geography. These efforts provide an overview of Boston's gang turf; an estimate of gang involvement in high-risk neighborhoods; a sociogram of gang relationships; and an estimate of Boston gangs' direct contribution to youth homicide victimization. Figures, tables, notes, references

Grant Number(s)
94-IJ-CX-0056
Sponsoring Agency
Office of Justice Programs (OJP)
Address

999 N. Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20531, United States

Sale Source
Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
Address

United States

Publication Type
Report (Study/Research)
Language
English
Country
United States of America
Note
*This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.