NCJ Number
136998
Date Published
1992
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This report on the proceedings of the National Conference on Youth Gangs and Violent Juvenile Crime, held in Reno, Nev., October 7-9, 1991, highlights conference speeches as well as panel presentations and discussions.
Abstract
The conference brought together Federal, State, and local criminal justice policymakers, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, judges, social service agents, and other persons interested in dealing with the problem of gangs and violence among youths. Conference discussions focused on the history and demographics of gang violence; the definition of gang activity; and the creation of community, law enforcement, and legislative strategies to address juvenile violence. Participants agreed that parents, families, and communities must assume responsibility for the care and well-being of youth before the rising tide of youth violence and gang-related crime can be curbed. During conference plenary sessions, participants discussed the critical role of the family in preventing violence among youth, the difficulties in defining the gang problem, and the reasons why youths join gangs. Many participants agreed that youths often join gangs to satisfy a variety of basic needs not being met at home including a feeling of belonging, security, structure, discipline, and camaraderie. Some law enforcement suggestions for reducing gang-related violence were foot patrol, the location of police posts in close proximity to housing developments, and the imposition of harsh penalties on violent youth. Appended conference agenda, a list of participants, and biographies of conference speakers and presenters