NCJ Number
197477
Date Published
May 2002
Length
57 pages
Annotation
This survey report provides important statistical information intended to support policy recommendations and gang prevention strategies in Arizona.
Abstract
A statewide survey of criminal justice agencies was conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2000, to obtain information on the prevalence of criminal street gangs and the resources used by criminal justice agencies that responded to gangs within the State of Arizona, with emphasis on coordination of efforts within the criminal justice community. The survey was complemented with site visits to selected criminal justice agencies that responded to gang activity in Arizona. This report contains an overview of the Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission, the Phoenix Police Department, the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, Adobe Mountain School, and the Arizona Department of Corrections Security Threat Group Unit. A measurement tool was devised to obtain information on technological information systems, use of gang membership information criteria, gang task force participation, adequacy of current gang-related legislation, and the resources needed to enhance gang prevention coordination efforts, research methods, sample, report modifications, Arizona legislation, history of gangs, gang trends, Arizona gang assessment, information/intelligence, law enforcement, prosecution, probation, corrections, Department of Juvenile Corrections, focus agencies, public school students, and gangs. In conclusion, it is noted that a concerted, coordinated effort among criminal prevention strategies and the coordination of information sharing among criminal justice agencies are options recommended to successfully address criminal gang activity in Arizona, with increased resources being directed to these efforts. A list of source references is included. Appendices containing survey respondents, a memorandum of understanding, a list of survey participants, and gang-related websites are also included.