Strategy for Addressing Illegal Youth Gang Activities by a Mid-Size Police Department

• NCJ Number: 134137
• Author(s): B Tognetti
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 100 pages
• Corporate Author: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report presents a specific framework for mid-size police departments to address the problem of illegal youth-gang activities.

Abstract

The futures study included an extensive literature review and site visits to mid-size police departments with anti-gang programs. Additionally, a group forecasting process identified five trends and events that underscore the severity of illegal gang activities and the problems they are causing mid-size police departments. The report recommends a comprehensive, cooperative strategy that involves law enforcement, other components of the criminal justice system, local government, the schools, and a variety of community resources. Elements of the plan include efforts to counter gangs as a top police priority, gang reporting and intelligence, "zero tolerance" law enforcement, City Council commitment, graffiti abatement, police-school liaison, youth outreach programs, news media involvement, an areawide law enforcement task force, and interdisciplinary criminal justice coordination. A transition management plan is presented to facilitate the development of a police-led communitywide effort to counter gangs. 3 tables, appended supplementary material, and 16 references.