NCJ Number
148541
Date Published
1989
Length
150 pages
Annotation
This 1989 symposium on youth gangs, held in Los Angeles, explored the link between gang violence and the drug trade, weapons used by gang members, and strategies to confront gang activities; the symposium was designed for key juvenile and criminal justice personnel, representatives of community-based organizations, and school officials from cities with emerging gang problems.
Abstract
Symposium presentations addressed early enforcement as a radical option for preventing gang violence, contemporary nationwide and local youth gangs, gangs in schools, crack cocaine and street gangs, and gang task force investigations. Presentations also focused on gangs in Los Angeles, Chicago, Ohio, Miami, and Phoenix. Symposium workshops looked at promising gang prevention programs and strategies involving the police, prosecutors, educators, court services, and community organizations. The development of systemwide strategies that cut across geographic jurisdictions was discussed, as well as gang information networking and Federal and State initiatives and assistance. Definitions, workshop guidelines, program descriptions, a list of symposium participants, and a faculty roster are included.