NCJ Number
236653
Date Published
2011
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the problem of gangs in Montana.
Abstract
Major findings regarding the problem of gangs in Montana include: 30.8 percent of law enforcement agencies in the State indicated there were gangs or gang members within their jurisdiction; the most common juvenile gang identified by agencies was the Insane Clown Posse, the most commonly named young adult/street gang were the Native Bloods and/or some variation of Native Pride (American Indian street gangs), and the most commonly named outlaw motorcycle gang was identified as the Bandidos/Banditos and the Hermanos/Hermonos; active gang membership in the different jurisdictions varied from less than 5 (31 percent) to 31 or more (13.8 percent); the most common crimes committed by gangs were drug crimes (30 percent), theft (29.6 percent), and assault (26 percent); and the most effective gang intervention strategies listed by law enforcement agencies were enforcement, identification of gang members, and joint efforts with other agencies. This report presents an assessment of gang activity in Montana. Law enforcement agencies across the State were surveyed to determine the nature of gangs in the State, to identify county-level characteristics that served as risk factors for the formation of gangs, and to determine if multiple marginality affected the presence of gangs in the State. The findings indicate that certain street gangs and outlaw motorcycle gangs are present in the State, and that these gangs are typically involved in drug, theft, and assault offenses. Study limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed. Tables, figures, references, and appendixes