NCJ Number
251221
Date Published
May 2009
Length
3 pages
Annotation
After proposing criteria for classifying groups as "gangs," this paper reviews the prevalence of gangs in the United States, outcomes for gang members, risk factors for joining a gang, and research findings on programs and practices that counter gangs.
Abstract
The criteria for a group being a gang are three or more members, generally ages 12-24; a group identity linked to a name and/or symbols; members' perception of the group as a gang; permanence of the group and a degree of organization; and engagement in a significant level of group-sanctioned criminal activity. Regarding the prevalence of gangs in the United States, there were approximately 28,100 active gangs across 3,500 jurisdictions in 2009, according to law enforcement estimates. This is an increase of approximately 20 percent since 2002. Gangs have been reported in all 50 states and have had a persistent presence in all cities with a population over 250,000 every year since 1996. One in five public schools reported gang activity in the school during 2007-2008. Being a gang member increases the likelihood of a person's involvement in criminal activity and violent offending, as well as the likelihood of being a direct or indirect victim of violent crime. Gang criminal activity has been documented to include violent and property crime, drug distribution, weapons trafficking, prostitution, extortion, and other economic crimes. Risk factors for joining a gang are outlined under individual characteristics, family characteristics, peer group characteristics, school-related characteristics, and community characteristics. Programs and practices intended to prevent and counter gang involvement have had a wide scope that includes law enforcement and criminal prosecution, individual and family therapeutic approaches, positive social systems for youth, public health approaches, and community empowerment efforts. 24 references