NCJ Number
147262
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: (1988) Pages: 44-51
Date Published
1988
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the nature and characteristics of juvenile gangs and notes that beginning in the mid-1980's, some youth gangs with origins in large urban centers became heavily involved in drug trafficking and have developed intrastate and interstate networks to expand their highly profitable participation in the drug market.
Abstract
Significant levels of violence and related criminal behavior have accompanied this phenomenon. The Crips and Bloods of los Angeles, the Miami Boys of south Florida, the Jamaican posses of Florida and New York, and the Vice Lords of Chicago are among the gangs who have entered the field on a large scale. These gangs consciously exploit the difference between juvenile and adult law in their activities. They employ youths ages 8-17 in their street operations, because these youths will be referred to juvenile courts if apprehended. These gangs also thrive on the indifference of parents, friends, and neighbors who tolerate lawbreaking and illicit wealth. To address drug law offenses by juvenile gangs, communities should use a variety of strategies, including aggressive suppression. Parents must become informed and assume responsibility for preventing their children from becoming involved in juvenile gangs. Judges and intake, probation, and casework staff also need training on these issues. Juvenile offenders should be screened and assessed for their possible involvement in gang drug trafficking activities; courts should consider juvenile court waiver for serious offenses. Finally, Federal and State legislation should make serious juvenile youth gang drug trafficking an interstate criminal activity. Map and gang descriptions