NCJ Number
171594
Date Published
1997
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This is an evaluation of the TARGET program to reduce gang crime in Westminster, CA.
Abstract
The TARGET program is based upon two fundamental principles: (1) multi-agency cooperation, which involves a probation officer and a prosecutor working together with police officers, at the police department, to coordinate investigation and prosecution of gang members; and (2) selective incapacitation, i.e., incarceration of gang members who pose the greatest threat to community safety. Violent gang crime decreased by 19 percent since the program's implementation in 1992, while overall gang crime decreased by 60 percent. Since 1990, 4,036 members of street gangs that affect Westminster have been documented and cumulatively logged. Most suspects arrested remained in custody from time of sentencing through their incarceration term. The rate of conviction (or sustained petition) for all cases tried is 100 percent since 1992. The report presents data in the following categories: targeting gang crime; police, probation and prosecution services; targeted gang members; and evidence of reduction in gang crime. Notes, tables, figures, references, appendixes