NCJ Number
173973
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: Spring 1998 Pages: 41-52
Date Published
1998
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper investigates prison gangs in South Africa and compares them to prison gangs in the United States.
Abstract
The paper is a preliminary investigation into the extent of gangs in South African prisons and the scope of their influence. The study grew out of a research and data exchange project involving an American university, a South African university, and the South African Department of Correctional Services. The study attempted to determine: (1) whether gangs in South African prisons are as pervasive as in the United States; (2) measures used by the Department of Correctional Services to control gangs' influence; (3) the dynamics that drive South African prison inmates to join gangs; (4) parallels, if any, between the two countriesþ prison gangs; and (5) whether there are international influences that might foster prison gang development. The paper discusses the history of prison gangs in the United States, South African prison gangs, and the link between juvenile crime gangs and prison gangs in South Africa. Bibliography