NCJ Number
171777
Journal
Valparaiso University Law Review Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1997) Pages: 485-500
Date Published
1997
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Based on data collected in a long-term field study of the male and female adolescents in a Kansas City, Mo., youth gang (the "Fremont Hustlers"), this study recommends ways to control youth gangs and gang-related violence.
Abstract
The study, which was conducted in the mid-1990s, used the technique of ethnography, which is the study of social processes over an extended time period with the use of such techniques as long-term involvement in a study site and participation in and observation of daily activities. This degree of involvement permitted a close look at Fremont youths' families and daily street lives. The study found that "hanging out" and "working" (selling drugs) were the main components of Fremont gang life. Male and female gang members sell illegal drugs, but the boys also burglarize houses to obtain stereos, cameras, weapons, cash, and drugs, all of which have street value. Some of the boys specialize in carjackings. Girls distribute sex to boys who have drugs, cash, cars, and apartments. Intragang and intergang violence was an element in Fremont gang life, but Fremont kids tried to keep violent behavior to a minimum, since it attracts police. Effective gang intervention requires more systematic action than arresting gang members. Long-term intervention compels an understanding of gang members' families. An analysis of gang members' families found them to be abusive, neglectful, involved in alcohol and drug abuse, and involved in criminal behavior. Protecting children from abuse and neglect should be the top priority of State and Federal legislatures; protective measures must continue in schools. Further, there should be on- site multidisciplinary teams to ensure that families in high-risk neighborhoods are receiving the services they need. Also, firearms education taught in schools and on corners in gang neighborhoods is as important to adolescent life-safety as driver's and sex education. Simple acts, such as learning how to determine if a weapon is loaded, may save kids' lives. 29 footnotes