Advanced search Help
Searching for terms: ALL (Gangs) in: title or summary
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Gangs and Crime in Latin America, Testimony of Detective First Class Kelly L. Smith, Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, One Hundred and Ninth Congress, April 20, 2005
From the 'Timeline Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) Gang in Howard County' section: "As we have seen with many other immigrant communities, a small element of the population turns to criminal activity. Often they start out by preying on members of their own community. Much of this crime goes unreported. In the case of the Hispanic Community we have seen an increased presence of a gang known as Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13. We first began hearing about MS-13 around 1999 at area gang information sharing meetings. By 2000, we knew that MS-13 were prevalent in Northern Virginia and also in our bordering counties of Montgomery and Prince George's. In 2001, our first known MS-13 member was arrested in Howard County. The following year (2002) we began arresting multiple MS-13 members that we committing crimes within Howard County. In 2003, we handled our first graffiti case involving Mara Salvatrucha and the number of reports and arrests continued to increase. By 2004, we were investigating MS-13 members for major crimes including rape, robbery and assault. During the past four years we have documented 57 incidents and identified 55 MS-13 members that have either been arrested or involved in criminal activity within Howard County. We have also seen an increase in the number of MS-13 members living within our community."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Foreign Affairs
2005-04-20
-
Findings from the Evaluation of OJJDP's Gang Reduction Program
"Researchers from the Urban Institute conducted an independent evaluation of the impact of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (OJJDP's) Gang Reduction Program (GRP) on gang-related crime in Los Angeles, CA; Milwaukee, WI; North Miami Beach, FL; and Richmond, VA. The evaluation focused on program implementation and outcomes in each of the four cities. Following are some of the authors' key findings: (1) In contrast to many previous crime prevention and reduction efforts, all sites successfully implemented the GRP model. Three of the four sites also implemented plans to sustain elements of the program as federal funding expired; (2) Successful outcomes related to crime reduction were seen in most of the sites although results varied; (3) Strong leadership of a site coordinator, close oversight by OJJDP during the strategic planning and implementation phases, and the availability of technical assistance contributed to implementation progress at the sites; (4) GRP is not a one-size-fits-all approach to gang prevention and reduction. The model is flexible enough that sites can adapt it to local conditions yet remain true to the original design."
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Cahill, Meagan; Hayeslip, David W.
2010-12
-
Getting Out of Gangs, Staying Out of Gangs: Gang Intervention and Desistence Strategies
"Adults working with gang-involved clients often have questions about the reasons that individuals remain involved in gangs long-term, and how they can assist teenagers and young adults with leaving the gang. This article describes the pivotal life points at which targeted gang interventions may have increased effectiveness, and recommendations for strategies. A considerable amount of gang research over the past 30 years has identified factors leading to gang membership, including specific 'pushes' and 'pulls' that influence an individual's decision to join a gang. Individuals may be pushed into gangs because of negative outside factors, barriers, and conditions in their social environment such as poverty, family problems, and lack of success in school. At the same time, they may also be pulled into gangs because the gang offers a perceived benefit (Decker and Van Winkle, 1996) such as safety/protection, love and support, excitement, financial opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Until recently, very few studies have examined the factors that may contribute to an individual's decision to leave the gang (desistence). […] However, field studies conducted on a smaller scale in Los Angeles and Chicago in entrenched gang areas (Horowitz, 1983; Moore, 1991) found that gang members remained in gangs for a longer period of time and that the decision to leave a gang is more complicated. The ability and willingness of individuals to leave gangs appears to be related to factors such as the longevity of an individual's participation in the gang, and how established and severe the level of gang activity is in the community."
National Gang Center (U.S.)
Young, Michelle Arciaga; Gonzalez, Victor M., Jr.
2012?
-
Getting Out of Gangs, Staying Out of Gangs: Gang Intervention and Desistence Stategies
"Adults working with gang-involved clients often have questions about the reasons that individuals remain involved in gangs long-term, and how they can assist teenagers and young adults with leaving the gang. This article describes the pivotal life points at which targeted gang interventions may have increased effectiveness, and recommendations for strategies. A considerable amount of gang research over the past 30 years has identified factors leading to gang membership, including specific 'pushes' and 'pulls' that influence an individual's decision to join a gang. Individuals may be pushed into gangs because of negative outside factors, barriers, and conditions in their social environment such as poverty, family problems, and lack of success in school. At the same time, they may also be pulled into gangs because the gang offers a perceived benefit (Decker and Van Winkle, 1996) such as safety/protection, love and support, excitement, financial opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Until recently, very few studies have examined the factors that may contribute to an individual's decision to leave the gang (desistence)."
United States. Bureau of Justice Assistance; United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Young, Michelle Arciaga; Gonzalez, Victor M., Jr.
2013-01
-
MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs: Emerging Transnational Gang Threats? [Updated January 30, 2008]
This report discusses the MS-13 and M-18 Gangs providing a brief history of the gangs as well as how they differ from other U.S. street gangs. Included in this report are descriptions of the government's response to the gangs, including the agencies involved in solving the problem: FBI National Gang Intelligence Center, ATF, Gang Targeting Enforcement Coordination Center as well as joint efforts between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the government of El Salvador. From the report: "Two predominantly Latino gangs, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and the 18th Street gang (M-18), have raised concern among policy makers for several reasons: (1) membership in these gangs has spread from the Los Angeles area to other communities across the United States; (2) these gangs are becoming 'transnational,' primarily because MS-13 and M-18 cliques are being established in Central America and Mexico; (3) evidence suggests that these gangs are engaged in criminal enterprises normally associated with better organized and more sophisticated crime syndicates; and (4) MS-13 and M-18 gang members may be involved in smuggling operations and, by extension, could potentially use their skills and criminal networks to smuggle terrorists into the United States. To date, however, no evidence exists establishing a link between MS-13 and M-18 members and terrorists. Nevertheless, some observers maintain that these two gangs may develop the capacity to become organized criminal enterprises capable of coordinating illegal activities across national borders. Yet, others find them to be no more criminally organized or sophisticated than other street gangs. At issue for Congress is whether the MS-13 and M-18 gangs constitute an emerging transnational criminal threat."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Franco, Celinda
2008-01-30
-
MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs: Emerging Transnational Gang Threats? [November 2, 2007]
"Two predominantly Latino gangs, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and the 18th Street gang (M-18), have raised concern among policy makers for several reasons: (1) membership in these gangs has spread from the Los Angeles area to other communities across the United States; (2) these gangs are becoming 'transnational,' primarily because MS-13 and M-18 cliques are being established in Central America and Mexico; (3) evidence suggests that these gangs are engaged in criminal enterprises normally associated with better organized and more sophisticated crime syndicates; and (4) MS-13 and M-18 gang members may be involved in smuggling operations and, by extension, could potentially use their skills and criminal networks to smuggle terrorists into the United States. To date, however, no evidence exists establishing a link between MS-13 and M-18 members and terrorists. […] At issue for Congress is whether the MS-13 and M-18 gangs constitute an emerging transnational criminal threat. The federal response to the MS-13 and M-18 gang problem has largely involved the enforcement of criminal and immigration laws, including the deportation of alien gang members. More recently, federal efforts have focused on prosecuting gang members under the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Deported alien gang members have established MS-13 and M-18 gang cliques in their home countries, and some experts suggest that U.S. deportation policies have effectively transported U.S.-styled gang culture to parts of Central America and Mexico. Moreover, evidence shows that deported alien MS-13 and M-18 gang members have established a 'revolving door' migratory pattern of repeat illegal reentry into the United States, raising concerns that these 'migratory' alien gang members may become involved in narco-trafficking, smuggling, and other criminal activities along the U.S.-Mexico border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Franco, Celinda
2007-11-02
-
MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs: Emerging Transnational Gang Threats? [January 22, 2010]
"Two predominantly Latino gangs, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and the 18th Street gang (M-18), have raised concern among policy makers for a number of reasons, including (1) membership in these gangs has spread from the Los Angeles area to other communities across the United States; (2) these gangs are considered 'transnational,' primarily because MS-13 and M-18 cliques are being established in Central America and Mexico; (3) there are reports suggesting that these gangs are engaged in criminal enterprises normally associated with better organized and more sophisticated crime syndicates; and (4) MS-13 and M-18 gang members may be involved in smuggling operations and, by extension, could potentially use their skills and criminal networks to smuggle terrorists into the United States. [...]. The federal response to the MS-13 and M-18 gang problem has largely involved the enforcement of criminal and immigration laws, including the deportation of alien gang members. More recently, federal efforts have focused on prosecuting gang members under the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Deported alien gang members have established MS-13 and M-18 gang cliques in their home countries, and some experts suggest that U.S. deportation policies have effectively transported U.S.-styled gang culture to parts of Central America and Mexico. Moreover, evidence shows that deported alien MS-13 and M-18 gang members have established a 'revolving door' migratory pattern of repeat illegal reentry into the United States, raising concerns that these 'migratory' alien gang members may become involved in narco-trafficking, smuggling, and other criminal activities along the U.S.-Mexico border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Franco, Celinda
2010-01-22
-
Addressing Gang Issues: Gangs Action Group
This report addresses gang issues in London Borough of Enfield, Greater London, United Kingdom. "Scanning: [1] Several youth murders in 2008, three of which were arguably 'gang-related' [2] Widespread media attention referring to Edmonton as 'knife town' highlighting gang problems Several youth gang members injured by gunshot from a Mac-10 submachine gun [3] Fear within the local community - 50% of residents selecting weapon and gang crime as a local priority [4] Concern regular gang stabbings could lead to another fatality [5] 12% increase in youth violence Analysis: [1] Early enforcement did not eradicate gangs and instead paved the way for the younger generation [2] Difficulty in disaggregating individual offences and those carried out collectively [3] Criminality levels varied amongst gang members -- not all members commit crime but nonetheless are at equal risk of serious violence [4] Two rival gangs were responsible for 72% of all violent incidents [5] Gang members were both victims and offenders [6] High-risk locations, gang hangout areas, were the setting for a disproportionate amount of violence"
United States. Department of Justice. Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
2011
-
Female Gangs: A Focus on Research
"The proliferation of youth gangs since 1980 has fueled the public's fear and magnified possible misconceptions about youth gangs. To address the mounting concern about youth gangs, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (OJJDP's) Youth Gang Series delves into many of the key issues related to youth gangs. The series considers issues such as gang migration, gang growth, female involvement with gangs, homicide, drugs and violence, and the needs of communities and youth who live in the presence of youth gangs. Much of the research on gangs has ignored females or trivialized female gangs. Influential early studies of gangs, which for years shaped the research agenda, concentrated almost exclusively on males. The implicit message of these studies was that female gangs were unimportant. Even within the past decade an expert commented: 'The notion seems to be that female gangs and their members are 'pale imitations' of male gangs' (Spergel, 1995, p. 90). Given the lack of research, much of what has been written about female gangs and then reproduced in textbooks has been based on the reports of journalists and social workers and on the statements of male gang members. With the exception of a very few early studies, gang researchers did not begin to take female gangs seriously until the 1980's, when Campbell's (1984a) book on New York gangs appeared. Even now, there continue to be methodological problems with many reports on female gangs. This Bulletin summarizes both past and current research on female gangs and draws attention to programmatic and research needs."
United States. Office of Justice Programs
Moore, Major Joanne; Hagedorn, John, 1947-
2001-03
-
Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms 'Gang,' 'Gang Crime,' and 'Gang Member' [December 2015]
This is the 2015 annual update for the document "Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms 'Gang', 'Gang Crime', and 'Gang Member'". In addition to the legal definitions of the terms, it contains a violent gang and terrorist organizations file, a table listing definitions by each state and the applicable penal codes.
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
2015-12
-
Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms 'Gang,' 'Gang Crime,' and 'Gang Member' [December 2008]
This document contains legal definitions, as outlined in public law, for the terms "gang," "gang crime," and "gang member." Also included are federal and state definitions, a violent gang ad terrorist organizations file, and a table listing definitions by each state, alphabetically.
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
2008-12
-
Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms 'Gang,' 'Gang Crime,' and 'Gang Member' [December 2014]
This is the 2014 annual update for the document "Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms 'Gang', 'Gang Crime', and 'Gang Member'". In addition to the legal definitions of the terms, it contains a violent gang and terrorist organizations file, a table listing definitions by each state and the applicable penal codes.
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
2014-12
-
Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms 'Gang,' 'Gang Crime,' and 'Gang Member' [December 2013]
This is the 2013 annual update for the document "Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms 'Gang', 'Gang Crime', and 'Gang Member'". In addition to the legal definitions of the terms, it contains a violent gang and terrorist organizations file, a table listing definitions by each state and the applicable penal codes.
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
2013-12
-
Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms 'Gang,' 'Gang Crime,' and 'Gang Member' [December 2009]
This is the 2009 annual update for the document "Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms 'Gang', 'Gang Crime', and 'Gang Member'". In addition to the legal definitions of the terms, it contains a violent gang and terrorist organizations file, a table listing definitions by each state and the applicable penal codes.
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
2009-12
-
Gang Prevention: How to Make the 'Front End' of Your Anti-Gang Effort Work
"Gang prevention is challenging work. There have been many advances, however, in knowledge and practice, that greatly increase the ability to be successful. U.S. Attorneys' offices can be highly effective leaders in local anti-gang initiatives that incorporate prevention. Federal prosecutors have a clear vested interest in gang prevention and provide a vital link between knowledge and resources at the federal level, and action at the local level. The purpose of this article is to provide federal prosecutors with a firm knowledge of the foundations for gang prevention that are required to get results from the front end of local anti-gang initiatives. Successful gang prevention is based on the proper balance of (1) attractive alternatives to gangs, (2) effective support systems for young people, and (3) accountability of young people to their parents, schools, and communities. Discussed below are the principles of effective gang prevention, a framework for implementing them within a community-based anti-gang initiative, and information about resources to assist in these efforts."
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys
Wyrick, Phelan A.
2006-05
-
Advancing Knowledge to Reduce Gangs and Gang Violence: Perspectives from Researchers and Practitioners
From the Overview: "NIJ [National Institute of Justice] held a virtual meeting with researchers and practitioners to ensure that NIJ's investments in research on gangs and gang violence continue to close gaps in our knowledge on this topic. The goal of this meeting was twofold: first, to inform the development of evidence-based programs, policies, and practices to address problems associated with gangs and gang violence; and second, to advise NIJ on the use of robust research and evaluation methods to address problems associated with gangs and gang violence. The researchers and practitioners invited to the meeting had expertise in several areas, including gangs, program development and implementation, program evaluation and research design, firearms, violent crime, justice policy, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and corrections. [...] This report shares participants' perspectives on the topics discussed. The report may inform the priorities of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers as they make investments in studying or developing programs to address gangs and gang violence."
National Institute of Justice (U.S.)
Carlton, Mary Poulin
2021-06
-
Review of the Department's Anti-Gang Intelligence and Coordination Centers
"The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted this review to examine the intelligence and coordination activities of NGIC [National Gang Intelligence Center] and GangTECC [Gang Targeting, Enforcement, and Coordinating Center] (the Centers), and to assess the effectiveness of their contributions to the Department's anti-gang initiatives. Specifically, we examined whether the Centers provide comprehensive gang intelligence and coordination services to enhance gang investigations and prosecutions in the field. In addition, we assessed the effectiveness of the Department's management and co-location of the Centers. [...] Our review found that, after almost 3 years of operation, NGIC and GangTECC still have not made a significant impact on the Department's anti-gang activities. Despite being located in the same office suite, both NGIC and GangTECC are not effectively collaborating and are not sharing gang-related information. Most importantly, NGIC has not established a gang information database for collecting and disseminating gang intelligence as directed by statute. NGIC is perceived as predominately an FBI organization, and it has not developed the capability to effectively share gang intelligence and information with other law enforcement organizations. In contrast, we found that GangTECC has no budget and lacks the resources to carry out its mission. We also found that the Criminal Division has not filled an attorney position at GangTECC that is intended to enable it to provide guidance to law enforcement officials conducting gang investigations and prosecutions. [...] As a result of the above, NGIC and GangTECC are not effectively providing investigators and prosecutors with 'one-stop shopping' for gang information and assistance, and they are not contributing significantly to the Department's anti-gang initiatives."
United States. Department of Justice. Evaluation and Inspections Division
2009-11-13
-
Best Practices to Address Community Gang Problems: OJJDP's Comprehensive Gang Model
"This report provides guidance for communities that are considering how best to address a youth gang problem that already exists or threatens to become a reality. The guidance is based on the implementation of the Comprehensive Gang Model (Model) developed through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and most recently tested in OJJDP's Gang Reduction Program. The Report describes the research that produced the Model, notes essential findings from evaluations of several programs demonstrating the Model in a variety of environments, and outlines 'best practices' obtained from practitioners with years of experience in planning, implementing, and overseeing variations of the Model in their communities. The Model and best practices contain critical elements that distinguish it from typical program approaches to gangs. The Model's key distinguishing feature is a strategic planning process that empowers communities to assess their own gang problems and fashion a complement of anti-gang strategies and program activities. Community leaders considering this Model will be able to call on a strategic planning tool developed by OJJDP and available at no cost. OJJDP's Socioeconomic Mapping and Resource Topography (SMART) system is available online through the OJJDP Web site. The main section of the report presents best practices for the Comprehensive Gang Model and highlights results of a National Youth Gang Center survey and a meeting of practitioners regarding their experiences in implementing the Model."
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
2008-06
-
Best Practices to Address Community Gang Problems: OJJDP's Comprehensive Gang Model; Second Edition
"This Report provides guidance for communities that are considering how best to address a youth gang problem that already exists or threatens to become a reality. The guidance is based on the implementation of the Comprehensive Gang Model (Model) developed through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and tested in OJJDP's Gang Reduction Program. The Report describes the research that produced the Model, notes essential findings from evaluations of several programs demonstrating the Model in a variety of environments, and outlines 'best practices' obtained from practitioners with years of experience in planning, implementing, and overseeing variations of the Model in their communities. The Model and best practices contain critical elements that distinguish it from typical program approaches to gangs. The Model's key distinguishing feature is a strategic planning process that empowers communities to assess their own gang problems and fashion a complement of anti-gang strategies and program activities. Community leaders considering this Model will be able to call on the OJJDP Strategic Planning Tool at no cost (http://www.iir.com/nygc/tool/default.htm). OJJDP's Socioeconomic Mapping and Resource Topography (SMART) system is another online resource available through the OJJDP Web site (go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ojjdp, and select 'Tools'). The main section of the Report presents best practices for the Comprehensive Gang Model and highlights results of a survey and a meeting of practitioners regarding their experiences in implementing the Model. This section contains specific practices that work best in a step-by-step planning and implementation process for communities using the Comprehensive Gang Model framework and tools."
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
National Youth Gang Center (U.S.)
2010-10
-
National Youth Gang Survey Analysis
"Since 1996, the National Youth Gang Center (NYGC) has conducted an annual survey of law enforcement agencies to assess the extent of gang problems by measuring the presence, characteristics, and behaviors of local gangs in jurisdictions throughout the United States. The National Youth Gang Survey (NYGS) is based on a nationally representative sample of law enforcement agencies serving larger cities, suburban counties, smaller cities, and rural counties. This Web resource contains analysis and findings from the ongoing National Youth Gang Surveys. Numerous charts and descriptions are provided as a resource for understanding gang problems. Standard questions asked each year include the following in these charts: the presence or absence of gang activity, the number of gangs and gang members, the number of homicides involving gangs, and the assessment of the gang problem from the previous year. Other questions asked are also included in these charts; however, these questions are asked intermittently and not every survey year. The questions include year of gang onset, demographic characteristics of gang members, gang unit operation, gang-member migration patterns, gang-related offenses, definitional characteristics of a gang, and designations of gang membership."
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
-
Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report: Gang Units in Large Local Law Enforcement Agencies, 2007
"In 2007, 365 of the nation's large police departments and sheriffs' off ices had specialized gang units, employing more than 4,300 sworn officers dedicated to addressing gang-related activities. Thirty-five percent (35%) of these units were established between 2004 and 2007, suggesting a recent heightened interest in using specialized units to address gang issues. Gangs and gang-related activities are pervasive, nationwide problems. Gangs can contribute to higher violent crime rates, induce community deterioration through behaviors such as vandalism, graffiti, and drug dealing, and increase public fear of victimization. One way for law enforcement agencies to address gang-related problems is to form specialized gang units. The consolidation of an agency's gang enforcement activities and resources into a single unit can allow gang unit officers to develop specific expertise and technical skills related to local gang characteristics, behaviors, and gang prevention and suppression. The 2007 Census of Law Enforcement Gang Units (CLEGU) collected data on 365 local police departments and sheriffs' offices that had 100 or more sworn officers with at least one officer dedicated solely to addressing gang activity. Based primarily on findings from the CLEGU, this report details the types of problems handled by specialized gang units, followed by findings about unit operations, gang officers, and the attributes of the agencies and jurisdictions that contain these specialized units."
United States. Bureau of Justice Statistics
Langton, Lynn
2010-10
-
Combating Gangs: Federal Agencies Have Implemented a Central American Gang Strategy, but Could Strengthen Oversight and Measurement of Efforts, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Thousands of gang members in the United States belong to gangs such as MS-13 and 18th Street that are also active in Central American countries. Federal entities with responsibilities for addressing Central American gangs include the National Security Council (NSC); the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Justice (DOJ), and State; and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review federal efforts to combat transnational gangs. This report addresses (1) the extent to which the federal government has developed a strategy to combat these gangs, and (2) how federal agencies have implemented the strategy and other programs to combat these gangs, coordinated their actions, and assessed their results. GAO examined federal agencies' antigang plans, resources, and measures; interviewed federal, state, and local officials in seven localities representing varying population sizes and geographic regions; and interviewed U.S. and foreign officials in El Salvador and Guatemala where U.S. agencies have implemented antigang programs. The results of these interviews are not generalizable."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2010-04
-
Project Safe Neighborhoods: Strategic Interventions, Strategic Problem-Solving Responses to Gang Crime and Gang Problems: Case Study 8
"The 1980s through early 1990s produced an unprecedented increase in gangs, gun assaults, and youth homicides. These increases spurred federal and local governments to action, including the implementation of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative throughout the nation. [...] In the search for appropriate responses to these problems, suppression has been the strategy most likely to be adopted. This makes sense for a variety of reasons: law enforcement are a visible and generally appropriate resource in the effort to combat crime and are ready to implement strategies with relatively short notice. However, gang researchers have argued that enforcement responses are less likely to be successful if isolated from other strategies. It is important that prevention and intervention activities occur in conjunction with suppression, despite the well-documented challenges in implementing and maintaining such efforts. In the last decade, a number of federal initiatives have been developed to emphasize suppression or social opportunities provision. COPS's [Community Oriented Policing Services] Anti-Gang Initiative is a good example of a program that was based almost exclusively on suppression. This is counter-balanced by HHS's [Department of Health and Human Services] Youth Gang Drug Prevention Program, which focused exclusively on social opportunities. While the evaluation data do not enable a definitive conclusion about the effectiveness of these interventions, they have not made substantial inroads into the gang problem in the communities where they were funded. If there is a single message from this review of prior gang intervention strategies, it is that law enforcement and social opportunities provision must work hand-in-hand if successful interventions are to be implemented."
Project Safe Neighborhoods (U.S.)
Decker, Scott H.; McGarrell, Edmund F., 1956-; Hipple, Natalie Kroovand
2007-02
-
Cultural Explanations for Vietnamese Youth Involvement in Street Gangs
"The goal of this project was to provide recommendations toward the development of effective community-based programs to prevent gang membership and related delinquency. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between gang involvement and delinquency in communities which have a large number of Vietnamese refugee families in Southern California. Intra-ethnic group comparisons of delinquency using 1,032 official records showed that Asian gang delinquency represents up to 48% of all Asian delinquency. Hypotheses concerning both cultural and non-cultural aspects of the etiology of youth gang involvement were developed in a series of focus groups with experts in Vietnamese culture and experts in gang behavior. Interviews with 270 pairs of Vietnamese parents and youths were conducted in a community agency setting by trained Vietnamese interviewers. Gang involvement was measured using both a traditional method, and an innovative method which quantified the centrality of gang members in the social life of the youth. Multivariate analyses indicated that non-cultural explanations were more predictive than cultural explanations of gang involvement. The best predictors were a positive attitude toward gangs on the part of the youth, and the presence of gangs in the youth's residential neighborhood environment. Findings suggest that promising approaches to reducing gang participation should include changing attitude toward gangs from positive to negative. Additionally, youth should be equipped with interpersonal skills to resist the influence of gangs within their residential areas. Attitude change and gang resistance skills should be incorporated into programs designed to reduce gang involvement among youth."
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Kent, Douglas. R.; Felkenes, George T.
1998-06
-
Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Gang Intelligence Units and Task Forces
"This document was developed by the Gang Intelligence Strategy Committee (GISC), a committee under the U.S. Department of Justice's Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative's Intelligence Working Group. The GISC--composed of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement; justice; and corrections representatives-- is tasked with improving gang-related information sharing. This document provides guidance to agencies seeking to establish and operate a gang task force or gang intelligence unit within their jurisdiction or those agencies that participate in a gang task force. [...] There are few communities within the United States that have been untouched by gangs and gang-related crime. The damage and fear caused by these criminal organizations present a tremendous challenge for law enforcement officials charged with maintaining a safe and secure environment for local citizens. It is virtually impossible for a law enforcement agency acting alone to adequately address the complex issues related to the gang culture. Progressive law enforcement leaders have recognized the limitations of 'going it alone' and have embraced the concept of a multidisciplinary/multijurisdictional response to combating gangs in their communities. The 2005 National Gang Threat Assessment pointed out that 'advances in technology and their future exploitation by gang members will create new challenges for law enforcement. However, collaboration and the sharing of intelligence will enable agencies across the country to stay one step ahead of gangs and their criminal activity.' Two efficient and effective approaches to coordinating efforts across agencies and jurisdictions are the creation of a gang task force--an organized system of intelligence sharing and coordinated operations among several departments and/or agencies--and the creation of a gang intelligence unit."
United States. Bureau of Justice Assistance
2008-10
-
Gang Members on the Move
"The proliferation of youth gangs since 1980 has fueled the public's fear and magnified possible misconceptions about youth gangs. To address the mounting concern about youth gangs, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (OJJDP's) 'Youth Gang Series' delves into many of the key issues related to youth gangs. The series considers issues such as gang migration, gang growth, female involvement with gangs, homicide, drugs and violence, and the needs of communities and youth who live in the presence of youth gangs. [...] This Bulletin explores how key terms such as 'gang,' 'gang proliferation,' and 'gang migration' are defined; how and whether gang migration affects gang proliferation; and trends reported in research literature. This Bulletin is based in part on work supported by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and an article previously published in the National Institute of Justice Journal (Maxson, Woods, and Klein, 1996)."
United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Maxson, Cheryl Lee
1998-10
-
United States Attorneys' Bulletin: Gangs, Volume 54 Number 3, May 2006
This issue of the "United States Attorneys' Bulletin" is focused on gang activity in the United States. Included are the following articles: "Understanding Gangs and Gang Mentality: Acquiring Evidence of the Gang Conspiracy", by Donald Lyddane; "The National Gang Intelligence Center--Up and Running for 2006"; "Investigating and Prosecuting Gangs Using the Enterprise Theory", by Marc Agnifilo, Kathleen Bliss, and Bruce Riordan; "Specialized Tools for Use in Gang Cases"; "ATF's Unique Technology, Investigative Experience, and Statutory Authority in Gang Prosecutions", by Mark Kraft, Debby Scott, and David Chipman; "The Special Operations Division's National and International Expertise", by Joseph S. Gerbasi and Meredith A. Mills; "Cyber-Technology in Gang Cases", by Stephen K Brannon; "Victim and Witness Challenges in Gang Prosecutions", by Heather Cartwright and Ronald L. Walutes, Jr.; "Immigration Authorities and Gang Enforcement", by Claude Arnold; "The Criminal Division Offers Expert Advice and Assistance for Gang-Related Cases", by Robert J. Raymond; and "Gang Prevention: How to Make the 'Front End' of Your Anti-Gang Effort Work", by Patrick Phelan.
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys
Wyrick, Phelan A.; Lyddane, Donald; Agnifilo, Marc
2006-05
-
United States Attorneys' Bulletin: Gang Issues, Volume 56 Number 4, July 2008
This issue of the "United States Attorneys' Bulletin" deals with gang violence in America. Included are articles on safe neighborhoods, the Department of Justice's Gang Squad and National Gang Intelligence Center, federal statutes, federal prosecution of juveniles, combating gangs in St. Louis, and effective anti-gang strategies. Articles include the following: Project Safe Neighborhoods and Gangs--an Expansion of Focus, by Tate Chambers; The Department of Justice's Gang Squad, Gang Targeting Enforcement and Coordination Center, and National Gang Intelligence Center, by David Jaffe; Tools for Gang Prosecutions Available through the Office of Enforcement Operations, by Thomas Taylor; Use of Federal Statutes to Attack Street Gangs, by Joseph Alesia and John Lausch; When Children Commit Adult Crimes: Demystifying Federal Prosecution of Juveniles, by Nancy Oliver; Gangs and the Internet, by Bruce Ferrell; New Methods for Solving Old Problems: Combating Gang Criminality in a St. Louis Community, by Carlos A. Canino, Kurt Franzi, and Dave Joyce; and No Panacea, Some Promises, Much Potential: A Review of Effective Anti-Gang Strategies, by Brendan Groves.
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys
Chambers, Tate; Ferrell, Bruce
2008-07
-
Gangs in Central America [January 28, 2013]
"Congress has maintained an interest in the effects of gang violence in Central America, and on the expanding activities of transnational gangs with ties to that region operating in the United States. Since FY2008, Congress has appropriated significant amounts of funding for anti-gang efforts in Central America, as well as domestic anti-gang programs. Two recent developments may affect congressional interest in Central American gangs: a truce between rival gangs has lowered violence in El Salvador, and the U.S. Treasury Department has designated the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) as a significant transnational criminal organization (TCO). MS-13 and its main rival, the '18th Street' gang (also known as M-18), continue to threaten citizen security and challenge government authority in Central America. Gang-related violence has been particularly acute in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, which have had among the highest homicide rates in the world. Recently, some governments have moved away from repressive anti-gang strategies, with the government of El Salvador now facilitating a historic-- and risky--truce involving the country's largest gangs. The truce has contributed to a large reduction in homicides since March 2012, but robberies, assaults, and extortions have continued. The truce carries risks for the Salvadoran government, such as what might happen if the gangs were to walk away from the truce stronger, better organized, and with more political clout. […] This report describes the gang problem in Central America, discusses country and regional approaches to deal with the gangs, and analyzes U.S. policy with respect to gangs in Central America."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2013-01-28
-
Gangs in Central America [November 26, 2012]
"Congress has maintained an interest in the effects of gang violence in Central America, and on the expanding activities of transnational gangs with ties to that region operating in the United States. Since FY2008, Congress has appropriated significant amounts of funding for anti-gang efforts in Central America, as well as domestic anti-gang programs. Two recent developments may affect congressional interest in Central American gangs: a truce between rival gangs has dramatically lowered violence in El Salvador and the U.S. Treasury Department has designated the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) as a significant transnational criminal organization (TCO). […] In recent years, Congress has increased funding to support anti-gang efforts in Central America. Between FY2008 and FY2012, Congress appropriated roughly $35 million in global International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds for anti-gang efforts in Central America. Congress provided additional support in FY2008 and FY2009 for anti-gang efforts in the region through the Mérida Initiative, a counterdrug and anticrime program for Mexico and Central America, and, more recently, through the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). Congressional oversight may focus on the efficacy of anti-gang efforts in Central America; the interaction between U.S. domestic and international anti-gang policies, and the impact of the Treasury Department's TCO designation on law enforcement efforts against MS-13. This report describes the gang problem in Central America, discusses country and regional approaches to deal with the gangs, and analyzes U.S. policy with respect to gangs in Central America."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2012-11-26