NCJ Number
148381
Editor(s)
S R Takata,
S D Baskin
Date Published
1987
Length
110 pages
Annotation
This study of the extent and nature of the gang problem in Kenosha, Wisconsin, analyzed existing data within the Kenosha Police Department, the Kenosha County Department of Social Services, and the Kenosha Unified School District.
Abstract
The research team also interviewed key people in the community and self-identified gang members. According to agency data, there were 530 individuals identified as a gang member. A total of 305 were adults, and 203 were juveniles. Ninety-four percent of Kenosha's gang members were males. Over half of gang members were Afro-American, and Hispanics composed 16.4 percent of gang members. Together, African- Americans and Hispanics constituted only 8 percent of the community's population, but composed 77 percent of the gang members. The highest percentage of gang members were between the ages of 17 and 19. The largest percentage of gang members (24 percent) had lived in Kenosha for 10 years or more. The largest percentage of juvenile gang members lived with one parent (20.8 percent) followed by both parents (15.2 percent). The report concludes that, based on the demographic overview of gangs, greater interagency cooperation and community involvement are required to address the problem of street gangs in Kenosha. Existing programs should be reexamined and reevaluated, and more resource sharing is required to improve service coordination and programs. Chapter tables and notes