Gangs in South Carolina: An Exploratory Study, Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 196993
• Author(s): Mark A. Small Ph.D.; Susan P. Limber Ph.D.; Robin L. J. Kimbrough-Melton J.D.
• Date Published: January 2000
• Length: 41 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
• Corporate Author: Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life
• Sale Source: Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded September 26, 2002

Annotation

This exploratory study assessed perceptions of gang activity within the State of South Carolina.

Abstract

Funded by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, this report details an exploratory study of gangs and gang related activity throughout the State of South Carolina. Focusing on the perceptions of police chiefs, sheriffs, and agents from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon, the authors explored gangs and gang activity as reported in mail-in surveys and interviews with incarcerated youths. Results from the mail-in survey, in which every county within South Carolina participated, demonstrated that criminal justice professionals perceived that some level of gang activities existed throughout the State. While the majority of South Carolina’s gangs were loosely organized by “wannabe” gang members, criminal justice officers in urban areas reported a few highly organized gangs. Law enforcement officials reported low levels of female gang member participation and high levels of drug related gang activity, including the buying, using, and selling of drugs. Other South Carolina gang related activities included assault, burglary, and gun possession. The authors conclude that community involvement is the best way to identify gangs and to target youths who are at risk for joining gangs. This report includes both a copy of the mail-in survey form and the youth questionnaire interview sheet.