NCJ Number
122246
Journal
Ohio Police Chief Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1989) Pages: 21,23
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The Skinheads in Cincinnati are a neo-Nazi, white supremacist group which demonstrates a tendency toward violence against racial and religious minorities.
Abstract
A branch of the Skinheads settled in Cincinnati in 1987, referring to themselves as White American Skinheads (WASH). As their activities began to escalate, the Cincinnati police department, the business community, and the media became involved. Gang members were given the opportunity to identify themselves and be recognized in the media. In response to the actions and publicity of the Skinheads, students from the University of Cincinnati initiated an anti-Nazi rally. What started out as an orderly meeting of 50 people grew to near riot proportions, and police intervened to prevent the Skinheads from being injured by the crowd. After this incident, Skinhead activities escalated in 1988. They were suspects in numerous crimes, including the explosion of a phone booth and graffiti. Despite the increase in activities, certain factors began to take the steam out of the movement. Lack of community support for Skinhead ideals and police arrests were major factors. The Cincinnati police department feels that the heart of all youth gang problems is dysfunctional families and that such gangs will continue as long as youth are left unsupported in their communities.