NCJ Number
44999
Date Published
1977
Length
13 pages
Annotation
STREET HUSTLING, ITS VARIATIONS, CAUSES, UNIQUE ETHIC, AND WAYS OF DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM ARE CONSIDERED.
Abstract
AT ONE TIME, URBAN YOUTHS OBTAINED PRESTIGE THROUGH MEMBERSHIP IN GANGS. STATUS IS NOW MEASURED MORE IN TERMS OF ONE'S ABILITY TO USE DECEIT, CUNNING, AND DARING TO COMMIT ESSENTIALLY PETTY AND NONVIOLENT CRIMES FOR PROFIT. THE CRIMES INCLUDE PIMPING AND PROSTITUTION, SMALL-STAKE GAMBLING, RUNNING STOLEN GOODS, AND BURGLARY. STREET HUSTLERS ARE PREDOMINATELY MALE, OF VARYING RACIAL AND ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS, YOUNG (15 TO 30 YEARS OLD), UNEDUCATED BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL, AND WITHOUT CONVENTIONAL SKILLS. THEIR PRIMARY CONCERN IS MAKING LARGE SUMS OF MONEY QUICKLY. THE HUSTLING ETHIC INCORPORATES THREE MAJOR TENETS: (1) A 'SITUATIONAL ETHIC' OF EXPLOITING OTHERS, INCLUDING ONE'S PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCES; (2) AN EXTREME CONTEMPT FOR WORK; AND (3) FOR MOST NONWHITE HUSTLERS, AN OBSESSIVE COMPULSION TO ACQUIRE VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF WEALTH, SUCH AS EXPENSIVE CARS AND FASHIONABLE CLOTHES. THE VARIABLE OR RACE AMONG HUSTLERS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SELECTION OF CRIMINAL HUSTLES, THE CLIENTELE TO BE SERVED, AND THE STYLE IN WHICH CRIMES ARE CARRIED OUT. STREET HUSTLERS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO ARREST AND PROSECUTION, AS THEY DO NOT SPECIALIZE IN A PARTICULAR AREA OF CRIME, OFTEN WORK ALONE, AND ARE FREQUENTLY INSOLVENT AND CANNOT AFFORD AN ATTORNEY. THE RISE IN NONVIOLENT STREET CRIMES CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO SEVERAL FACTORS: THE CROWDING TOGETHER OF PEOPLE IN IMPERSONAL URBAN AREAS; AN EXPANDED YOUTH POPULATION UNABLE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT; THE ABUNDANCE OF THINGS TO STEAL AND WAYS TO DO IT; THE AFFLUENCE THAT MAKES PEOPLE LESS PROTECTIVE OF THEIR POSSESSIONS; THE HIGH COST OF ADEQUATE SECURITY IN HOMES; AND A LINGERING ROMANTICIZING OF NONVIOLENT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. IN ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY COMBAT STREET CRIME, POLICE MUST ESTABLISH GOOD COMMUNTIY RELATIONS, FOOT PATROLMEN SHOULD EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON CRIME PREVENTION, AND REHABILITATION MUST REMAIN A MAJOR GOAL OF JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION. A DISCUSSION OF THE PROBLEM BY CRIMINOLOGISTS AND OTHER EXPERTS IN THE AREA FOLLOWS THE ARTICLE, AND REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (VA)