NCJ Number
158897
Date Published
1995
Length
357 pages
Annotation
This book represents an attempt to rethink youth gang policies, program experiences, and research findings, based on the author's four decades of observing youth gangs and problems in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.
Abstract
The book is divided into two parts, the first of which includes description and analysis. The first chapter provides comparative and historical perspectives on gang problems in the United States and other countries, while the second chapter notes limitations of gang research. Subsequent chapters focus on the scope and seriousness of the gang problem, links of youth gangs to drugs and violence, gang demographics and subcultures, gang organization, the gang member experience, institutional and local environments that create and facilitate gang development, processes by which youth gang behavior and adult criminality become interrelated over time, and youth gang involvement in organized crime. The second part of the book discusses policies and programs to deal with the gang problem. Chapters offer theoretical perspectives on gang involvement and activities and a framework for action to control youth gangs and reduce violence. Several gang prevention strategies are analyzed that emphasize community mobilization and social and economic opportunities. Additional chapters examine traditional police gang suppression policies and practices, community policing, social outreach, gang member exposure to the criminal justice system (prosecution, defense, and judiciary), the creative use of both criminal justice system sanctions and social services, community-based approaches to providing educational and job opportunities, and ways of effectively mainstreaming gang members into conventional society. The final chapter summarizes both local and national policies that may represent a more promising approach to the gang problem. Appendixes contain supplemental information on community mobilization and planning, the nature and extent of youth gang member problems, and strategic activities and structures that may be relevant to particular gang settings. References, figures, and tables