NCJ Number
165072
Date Published
1995
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Recent gang research is reviewed, with emphasis on the role of juvenile gangs in the increase in violence; the nature and extent of gang migration; the relationships among gangs, drugs, and violence; and the relationship between gang participation and serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offending.
Abstract
Results reveal that the violent youth gang problem is increasing with respect to the numbers of cities involved, the numbers of violent offenses, and the use of lethal weapons. However, it is unclear whether the increase in urban violence should be attributed largely to gangs, to law-violating youth groups, or to nongang youths. Local genesis and family migration rather than gang unit migration appear to be the main reasons for the emergence of gangs in smaller cities. In addition, empirical research has not documented extensive involvement of gangs in drug trafficking as an organizational activity of gangs. Furthermore, recent research clearly indicates the connection between gang participation and delinquent careers. Delinquents engage in more serious and violent delinquency while they are gang members. The findings indicate the need for research to consider females as well as males and have implications for the further development of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders. 87 references