NCJ Number
214733
Date Published
2006
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This CD-ROM presents findings from the 2005 National Gang Threat Assessment, which relied on gang-related data and information provided by 455 law enforcement agencies across the Nation at the Federal, State, and local levels.
Abstract
Findings show that gangs continue to be the primary distributors of illegal drugs throughout the country, and this links them to organized crime groups, including Mexican drug organizations, Asian criminal groups, and Russian organized crime groups. Few gangs have been found to associate with domestic terrorist organizations. Hispanic gang membership is increasing, and migration has expanded their jurisdictions throughout the country. The identification and differentiation of these gangs poses new difficulties for law enforcement agencies, especially in rural communities. The migration of California-style gang culture remains a significant threat as their migration spreads gangs into new neighborhoods and promotes the expansion of gang subculture. Although the number of all-female gangs remains low, the role of women in gangs is evolving as they assist in the movement of drugs and weapons and obtain intelligence from other gangs. Indian Country is reporting escalating levels of gang activity, including gang-related crime and drug trafficking. Outlaw motorcycle gangs are expanding their territory and forming new clubs; this has been accompanied by increased violence among outlaw motorcycle gangs as they battle over territories. Approximately 31 percent of survey respondents reported that their communities refused to acknowledge the gang problem. Several communities did not begin to address gang issues until high profile gang-related incidents occurred. The creation of multiagency task forces and joint community groups is an effective way to combat the gang problem; however, decreases in funding and staffing for many task forces have impeded their work. Data and information are also provided on gangs according to geographic region.