NCJ Number
142683
Date Published
1991
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The broad functions through which the police address the problem of youth gangs are investigation, intelligence, suppression, community relations, and training.
Abstract
Investigation involves follow-up inquiry and activity on reported youth gang crimes; intelligence requires the development of background information on gangs and gang members for investigative purposes; suppression involves the targeting of youth gang leaders and other hard-core members for surveillance, arrest, and prosecution; community relations requires the reduction of circumstances under which youth gang crimes are likely to occur through community involvement, social intervention, and opportunity programs; and training and evaluation require specialized instruction in the police resonse to gangs and the evaluation of gang-related programs and activities. The discussion of multiple program strategies addresses planning, investigation, intelligence/investigative files, targeted gang suppression, community mobilization and opportunity provision, administrative leadership, and evaluation.