NCJ Number
192470
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 12 Issue: 70 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 1-9
Date Published
2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article examines gang history, gang migration, and gang structure as well as the efforts of law enforcement to combat and prevent the formation of gangs.
Abstract
America’s first identified gang was formed in 1820 in the Five Points District of New York City. The so-called Forty Thieves operated along the waterfront, engaging in acts of murder, robbery, and assault. A rival group, the Kerryonians organized to get their share of the valuables. The end of the Civil War led to large-scale criminal activity. Jesse and Frank James, for example, recruited friends and relatives to assist them in robberies. In 1927, a study of street gangs in Chicago identified 1,313 active gang members in the city. Many who joined these gangs felt disenfranchised by society. These same feelings of disenfranchisement occur in modern gangs. The gang usually exists before taking part in any type of profit-making activity. The opportunity to make money from crime comes about because the gang exists; the gang does not normally form to make money. Ethnic gangs represent a good example of gangs forming before any criminal activity is undertaken. Other ethnic gangs, including Asian, Italians, Jews, and Jamaicans were formed because they had to deal with prejudice and discrimination, which alienated them from the mainstream society. How do gangs increase their membership? Young people normally get involved in gangs for five reasons: 1) structure: young people want to organize their lives; 2) nurturing: gang members talk about how they love each other; 3) sense of belonging: gang membership provides a place where youth feel accepted; 4) economic opportunity; and 5) excitement. Young people usually enter into the gang because they feel something lacking in their lives. Society needs to provide meaningful alternatives for young people that includes educational programs, social interaction, recreational activities, and employment opportunities. Law enforcement agencies need to structure their efforts to combat street gangs based on case-specific guidelines. Protecting young people from the dangers of gangs requires all parts of society.