NCJ Number
212379
Journal
Criminology & Public Policy Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2005 Pages: 607-636
Date Published
August 2005
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This study utilized a network analysis approach to explore the organization, cohesion, and structure of various street gangs in Newark, NJ.
Abstract
Despite the large body of research on gangs in the United States, there remains some question concerning the definition of gangs and the mechanisms through which gangs proliferate. The sheer magnitude of the gang problem as well as its shifting nature call for continued research of the gang phenomenon. This article presents a network analysis of street gangs in Newark, NJ that uses individual gang members as the unit of analysis. Researchers interviewed 32 officials from various criminal justice agencies regarding information on known gang members and on the quantity and type of their associates. Analysis of the data focused on overall gang structures and the cohesion of street gangs. Results indicate that gang members in this area are loosely connected, with pockets of cohesion emerging among some gang members. Certain gang members emerged as “cut-points” in terms of gang cohesion and organization; these “cut-point” members were often the only connection between gang members or pockets of gang members. The findings highlight the importance of conducting problem-analysis prior to implementing gang reduction initiatives as well as the importance of targeting “cut-point” gang members as an integral part of interventions. Footnotes, figure, references