NCJ Number
164543
Journal
American Jails Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: (September-October 1996) Pages: 28-29,31-34
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The use of a threat analysis scale to determine the feasibility of using a simple classification to differentiate the behavior risks of various inmate gang members is described.
Abstract
Most correctional facilities have established the position of Security Threat Group (STG) coordinator to gather information, identify gang members, and limit the problems they can cause. Project GANGECON, research conducted with a national sample of 1,015 gang members, suggests ways to achieve these goals. Threat analysis of these 1,015 gang members assigns each individual a score ranging from 0 to 3. Each person starts with a score of zero. One point is added for affirmative answers to each of the following questions: (1) Are you still active in the gang? (2) Have you ever held rank or a leaders position in the gang? and (3) Have you been in the gang for 6 or more years? Analysis of the results of assigning these scores to the sample revealed that this classification consistently differentiates many background factors, as well as specific factors relating to a propensity to violence, gang friends and family, and the gang's sophistication and organizational capabilities. Further research by the National Gang Crime Research Center is focusing on field testing the development of a national gang-risk classification system for jails and other correctional settings. Notes and 4 references