NCJ Number
161966
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
In this video a panel of experts profiles behavioral patterns and signs of gangs as well as the strategies for dealing with them effectively.
Abstract
Prior to the panel presentation, a representative of the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) provides an overview of the gang problem, lessons learned about dealing with it, and the gang-related services of the OJJDP. He notes that available evidence shows that gang-related crime is increasing and has extended into all segments of society. Lessons learned thus far include a recognition that gang prevention and intervention requires a combination of approaches that involves various agencies, institutions, and a comprehensive use of community resources. Following the presentation by the OJJDP representative, G. David Curry, a prominent gang researcher, provides an overview of the gang research, including the number of gangs and gang members nationwide, causes of gangs, and the components of effective intervention and prevention. Panel members then make their presentations. The panel consists of an educator who has been involved in addressing the gang problem, a current gang member who has been involved in violence reduction efforts, a member of the Los Angeles Police Department who has been involved in gang suppression efforts, a member of the Gang Suppression Unit of the Oklahoma City Police Department, and a San Diego probation supervisor. The educator speaks about school efforts to address and prevent gangs and gang behavior in schools. He notes the need for heightened awareness of the gang presence and gang behaviors in schools and the promotion of positive role models for youth in the schools. The gang member justifies his gang membership by arguing that he provides a positive role model for a gang member, as he works as a mediator to address conflicts and reduce violence in his community of Hartford, Conn. The police panel members question the wisdom of his being a gang member, since it compromises his efforts to prevent youth from joining gangs. The representatives of the Los Angeles and Oklahoma City Police Departments describe their work in gang suppression, as they try to make clear to gang members that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated by the community. The San Diego probation supervisor describes the efforts of her department to cooperate with other agencies to promote gang prevention activities and reduce recidivism by gang members. Questions and answers follow the panel presentations.