NCJ Number
123016
Date Published
1989
Length
35 pages
Annotation
In addition to increasing activity by Neo-Nazi Skinhead gangs across the country, two recent trends have emerged: recruitment and activity in high schools and the acquisition of deadlier weaponry. The best course of action is a candid recognition of the problem and consideration of all possible remedies.
Abstract
Skinhead activities in schools include assaults on minority students, racist graffiti, racial epithets and flyers, and general exploitation of racial tensions. Recruitment attempts, which range from distributing literature, sending letters to students, and flying "White Power" flags, have met with limited success in high schools and almost no success on college campuses. Although much Skinhead weaponry is crude, possession of handguns, shotguns, and semi-automatic weapons is becoming more common. The acquisition of sophisticated weapons is due in part to the influence of organized hate groups on Skinheads, some of which have offered Skinheads firearms training. National hate groups, particularly the White Aryan Resistance, continue to reach out to Skinheads, offering them organizational and ideological guidance. Several Skinhead leaders have brought together Skinheads in different cities under a single organizational umbrella, although experts believe their inherent lack of discipline and anti-establishmentarianism will prevent the creation of a single national Skinhead entity. Although the rate of growth of racist Skinhead gangs has slowed somewhat, a total of 3000 activists are located in 31 States. The southeast has experienced the fastest growth rate, but the largest concentration of Skinhead gangs is still located in the western States. The Anti-Defamation League recommends tough law enforcement efforts to counteract Skinhead violence, as well as legislation outlawing the sale of semi-automatic weapons and the development of programs for educators.