NCJ Number
147583
Journal
School Safety Update Dated: (November 1991) Pages: 1-3
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the threat posed to public safety and order by the growing phenomenon of youth gangs, which are becoming part of the suburban, as well as the urban, landscape.
Abstract
A gang is defined here as a group of three or more individuals with a unique name and identifiable symbols, who claim a territory, associate on a regular basis, and engage in criminal or antisocial activities. Schools have become a natural recruiting ground for gangs, who also often operate their drug trafficking operations in the proximity of schools. Fees may be extorted by gang members from other students for the privilege of using school facilities or for protection. Schools may be able to reduce the threat of gang activity by implementing stimulating extracurricular activities, implementing a model discipline and dress code, removing all graffiti from school grounds, and providing support and protection for victims of gang-related crime.