This paper examines the increase in gangs and gang related violence in America, as well as the available programs and strategies to combat this growing problem.
Abstract The writer of this informative paper details the growing number of gangs and membership to gangs which have become a public security threat that communities are now recognizing that must be addressed. This paper supplies relevant statistics and data relating to gangs and various acts of gangviolence. Approximately half of all youth gang members are 18 years or older and thus more likely to become involved in serious and violent crimes than younger gang members. This paper discusses the spread of gangs across America. While gangs have been a problem in L.A. for years, and account for roughly 50% of the city's murders, gangs are now responsible for 41% of the homicides in Omaha, Nebraska. This paper details the various preventative measures and programs available to curtail this growing problem. The writer contends and explains why preventing adolescents from joining gangs seems to be the most cost-effective long-term strategy. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has implemented a school-based gang prevention program that has shown positive preliminary results. The writer of this paper stresses the need for communities to organize a collaborative approach to gang problems from the outset rather than beginning with a predominantly suppression strategy.
From the Paper "Since 1980, the United States has witnessed a rapid proliferation of youth gangs. According to a 1998 Juvenile Justice Bulletin, there were roughly 286 gang jurisdictions with some 2,000 gangs and approximately 100,000 gang members in 1980. By 1996, there were some 4,800 jurisdictions with more than 31,000 gangs and an estimated 846,000 gang members. In an eleven-city survey of eighth graders, researchers found than nine percent were currently gang members, while seventeen percent stated they had belonged to a gang at some point in their lives. Other studies show similar percentages and also indicated that gang members were responsible for a large proportion of violent offenses."
Abstract This paper discusses gangviolence as a multi-generational problem in many communities. Many gangs are decades old, and solutions to the gangviolence problem have been sought after for equally as long. The paper explores the structure and roots of gangviolence, future trends, and proven solutions to the problem. It concludes that early intervention, as well as providing safe havens for youth at risk in troubled neighborhoods, are valuable tools to help stem the tide of gangviolence.
From the Paper "Gangs undertake a variety of criminal pursuits, and the level of violence that is perpetrated by the gang is directly related to the particular crimes that are committed. The drug trade is the primary involvement of the gangs. Gangs are also involved in intimidation, robbery, and other acts of violence as well. There is an increasing trend among gangs becoming involved in less traditional crimes, and becoming involved in identity theft and credit card fraud. (2005 National Gang Threat Assessment p. 4) The gangs are also becoming involved more and more with organized crime. The organized crime syndicates include the Mexican and South American drug cartels, Russian Organized crime, Asian Crime families, the more recognizable La Cosa Nostra (Mafia) and assorted other group throughout the world. (id p. 6) Gangs are also availing themselves to technology. The technology of choice by the gang members is the push-to-talk cell phone. This is of particular use in coordinating efforts of the individual members regardless of the criminal undertaking. The gangs also make use of the internet, postings on websites to communicate with members and notify them of event dates, as well as boasting of recent illicit activities. (id p.4)"
Abstract The writer of this paper details relevant statistics and data regarding the growing problem of violence and gang related incidents in prisons, both in America and around the world. This paper cites federal reports which state that there was a 400% increase in prison gang disturbances during the 1990s. This paper examines the unique management issues facing prison guards and administrators in trying to control the violence. The writer explores several published articles with information and solutions to the gangviolence problem in prisons. This paper delves into the reason gangs exist in prison, which include current gang members who enter prisons who are quick to locate affiliate members from their own gang. Young people who enter prison for the first time learn quickly that the fastest way to get protection from the older, tougher inmates is to join a gang. The writer discusses the importance of systematically monitoring gangs in prison for purposes of seizing drugs and other illegal contraband. This paper also examines the lack of rules or restrictions in dealing with gangs in prison.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
The Statistics
Monitoring
Restrictions
Characteristics Common to all the Gangs Around the World Include
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Gang activity through prison is most often tracked by a data base computer system. This insures that an inmate who is known to belong to a particular gang is in the computer data base and can be tracked if he re-offends and goes to another prison or comes back to the same one.
"Also, three systems use regularly scheduled reports, incident reports and intake interviews to track gangs, and in Connecticut, Nebraska and Tennessee, gang coordinators are present in the facilities. Utah uses a graduated point system to document gang activity before the information is officially validated and logged, and Delaware refers all cases of gang-related activity to its internal affairs section."
Abstract This paper examines how the causes of school violence extend beyond gangs and gang membership, but how gangs are a significant contributing factor. It analyzes how gang members participate in violent acts at school and how the presence of gangs increases both the availability of weapons and the perceived need to seek the protection of a gang. It looks at the typically three different approaches that are used to manage the risk of school violence-- precaution, intervention and enforcement. Precaution includes taking steps to minimize the opportunity for violence such as metal detectors, intervention typically focuses on providing alternative activities for at-risk youths, such as after-school programs and extra-curricular activities and enforcement are those actions taken once an act of violence has occurred.
From the Paper "Intervention typically focuses on providing alternative activities for at-risk youths, such as after-school programs and extra-curricular activities, and on crisis intervention for students who participate in violent (or pre-violent) acts. Effective intervention requires that school personnel and law enforcement work together to ensure that incidents are reported accurately and that opportunities for early intervention are not missed. However, some school officials note that while law enforcement has been generally helpful in areas such as how to conduct a search legally, there remains a lack of knowledge among school personnel about how to conduct such a search effectively (Zolkos, 1996, p. 3)."
Abstract This paper discusses the relationship between gangs, drugs and violence in the United States. It describes the history of gangs in the US and the history of their association with drugs and violence. The paper then analyzes the reasons behind this association and how it is affecting society in the US. The paper concludes that gangs are growing organizations in the United States.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Gangs in the United States
Gangs and Violence Gangs and Drugs
Conclusion
From the Paper "The research indicates that gangs are growing organizations in the United States. Currently there is no the country that is not affected by gangs, and it is the school systems that are the targeted home of many gang groups. Gangs elect to focus on schools because of the large youth population that is attracted to drugs and that contains new members for their organizations. The attraction to drugs is significant for gangs because drug activity is the primary source of income for American gangs, which also leads to the violent acts that gang members commit. These violent acts occur because of the gang's desire to protect their "turf" in most cases. When a gang member believes that other rival gangs may be selling or producing drugs in their own area, gang members retaliate with "drive-bys" or other acts of violence. Additionally, the violent acts mat occur because of the gang's desire to collect money that will either support their operation, or buy drugs that the gang members will use themselves. In the modern era gangs are becoming more organized in their drug related activities, producing and importing many of the drugs that they sell on the street. As their businesses grow, so does the violence that is believed to be required to protect their organizations."
Abstract This paper examines through an extensive literature review how the problem of violence in the schools continues to increase and while the incidents of extreme violence, are the most visible, there is an ongoing current of public school violence that includes rape, sexual assault, physical assault and attacks with various weapons, including guns. It evaluates how much of this violence is associated with gang activity, although not all of it and how associations with youth gangs create a climate that is not supportive of an academic environment, even without the violence and drugs that they bring.
Outline
Introduction
Background to Topic
Organization of Review
Historical Overview
Characteristics and Traits
Prevention
Rationale for Study
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "Gordon (1998a) reported that the youth gangs in the Puyallup area also differed significantly from the stereotypical urban youth gangs of the 1980s and 1990s. The urban gangs, typified by the Crips and Bloods, were more likely to deal in drugs, claim turf, and engage in drive-by shootings. The gangs in Puyallup, which were limited primarily to two rival gangs, seem to be more like earlier gangs in their activities. They tend to support more one-on-one fights, rather than gang banging. They tend to be multi-racial and multi-ethnic, rather than belonging to only one race of ethnic group. They also tend not to use weapons in their warfare, although clearly knives are an occasional resource. Finally, the gangs do not actually claim, and fight over, specific neighborhood turf."
Abstract The paper describes the gang problem as a serious one, in which the dynamics create a cycle of feeling alone, finding a "family" in the gang membership, committing acts of violence for the gang and becoming incarcerated. The paper discusses how the legislative action that is aimed at enhancing punishment packages will provide leverage for those who prosecute gang members. It will also act as incentives for those who have not yet been caught to change their lives before getting into legal trouble. The paper relates how statistics have shown that since the introduction of such packages, the gang problem has begun to taper off or stabilize which indicates they are, in fact, effective.
From the Paper "The gang issue in America is not a new one. Gangs have been around for many years but in the past couple of years the violence and gang related crime has escalated significantly. Police departments across the nation have developed gang units in which the specific purpose is to target and curtail the area's gang criminal activity. There are many different gangs, with many different names however, they all have certain commonalities in that they are driven by criminal activity, they have involvement with the drug industry and they recruit members to keep their numbers strong."
Abstract The paper discusses the gang problem where the dynamics create a cycle of feeling alone, finding a "family" in the gang membership, committing acts of violence for the gang and becoming incarcerated. The paper discusses how the legislative action that is aimed at enhancing punishment packages will provide leverage for those who prosecute gang members, as well as incentives, for those who have not yet been caught, to change their lives. The paper reveals that statistics show that since the introduction of such packages, the gang problem has begun to taper off or stabilize.
From the Paper "The gang issue in America is not a new one. Gangs have been around for many years but in the past couple of years the violence and gang related crime has escalated significantly. Police departments across the nation have developed gang units in which the specific purpose is to target and curtail the area's gang criminal activity. There are many different gangs, with many different names however, they all have certain commonalities in that they are driven by criminal activity, they have involvement with the drug industry and they recruit members to keep their numbers strong."
Abstract The paper looks ar Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York" and discusses a number of themes which emerge therein. It explains that Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York" is a elegy which tells of the passing of an age of innocence and the emergence of a new epoch in America which will be characterized by violence, upheaval and - ultimately - by breathtaking industrial and technological innovation. The paper discusses how the film illustrates the pull of atavistic collectivity against the counter-tug of individuality. The writer argues that the film's most dramatic and impressive feature lies in its exposition of the dangers of the gang mentality. The writer concludes that "Gangs of New York" is perhaps not Scorsese's best work, but the motion picture will endure simply because it probes the dark psychology of gang life with a vividness that is unforgettable.
From the Paper "Suffice it to say, the elegiac overtones are accentuated by the terrific human loss and waste which typify the film - a rather brutal cinematic tour de force which may not be suitable for many audiences. Additionally, the elegiac components of the film are brought into sharp relief by the desire on the part of the main protagonist, Amsterdam Vallon (played passably well by Leonardo Di Caprio), to avenge the savage murder of his father (Scorsese, Gangs of New York). The tragedy at the heart of all of this is that what appears to be a passably bright, charming young man with a promising future ahead of him is now being marred by events from the long-ago past which compel him to rush forward to seek vengeance; in that sense, the film echoes some of the tropes found in Shakespeare's Hamlet - as Nev Pierce of the British Broadcasting Corporation points out (para.5)."
Abstract The paper discusses the Indo-Canadian gang problem in Vancouver, Canada where deaths continue to mount and recruits of young Indo-Canadian males from related families drive the violence. The paper explains that intercepting the growth of Indo-Canadian gangs requires intervention at two key transition points. The paper also overviews several programs that assist youth through these pivotal points. The paper calls for a program that would create significant change for Vancouver Indo-Canadian gang-involved youth, and reinforce a safe environment for the larger community.
From the Paper "Bolan (2008) provided a thorough recount of the events encompassing a ten year period characterized by over 100 murders between three Indo-Canadian gangs: the Independent Soldiers, the United Nations, and the Indo-Canadian Mafia. The motivations for the killings, according to Gordon (2008), were primarily related to drug control; were familial, retaliatory, and originating in India. The deceased kingpin of the United Nations, still a commanding gang in B.C., was reported to have killed his own associates on impulse for threats of desertion, and simple negative comments directed at him."
Abstract This paper examines how the existence of gangs in the United States can be traced back to the early 1800s and how it was the years following the Civil War, and the subsequent World Wars that gave rise to the number gangs. It looks at how, over the decades, gangs have become not only a major concern for the United States, but for other countries as well. It discusses how gangs are not confined to neighborhood streets, but can be found behind prison walls and how technology has allowed gangs to communicate worldwide. It also shows how today, all three elements, street gangs, prison gangs and global gangs are interconnected.
From the Paper "The existence of gangs can be traced back to ancient civilizations, however the first identified gang in the United States, was formed in 1820 in the Five Points District of New York City (Allender 2001). The end of the Civil War saw large-scale criminal activity on the part of a few veterans who had trouble returning to a peaceful society (Allender 2001). Following World War II, veterans returning home formed motorcycle clubs, and while most were social groups, a few, such as the Hell's Angels, began to engage in criminal activities (Allender 2001). Ethnic groups, including Asians, Italians, Jews, Jamaicans, and many others, formed gangs due to the prejudice and discrimination that they had to deal with and which alienated them from mainstream society (Allender 2001)."
Abstract The paper explores gangs, with a focus on female gangs and the behavioral differences between male and female gangs. The paper also provides evidence that although female gang behavior may be less violent, it is still a cause for social concern.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Gang Overview
Female Gangs Differences in Behaviors Between Male and Female Gangs Female Gangs: Still a Cause for Social Concern
Conclusion
From the Paper "Early on, sociologists and the media portrayed gangs as groups of deviants who were not clearly in violation of any laws, but were considered to be in violation of folkways. However, today the term "gang" conjures entirely different images. Instead of a group of boys hanging out on a corner, gangs today bring forth images of lawless groups, images that cause people to feel angry or fearful. Today, gangs are most often thought to be involved in violent crime and drug-related activities. "In other words, gangs have become to be viewed as groups of individuals involved in illicit or illegal drug-dealing accompanied by violence" ("Youth gang", n.d.)."
Abstract This paper discusses research into North American youth gangs and suggests a basic intervention for senior public school girls involved in girl gangs. The paper focuses on explaining the vulnerabilities of girls when they're involved in gangs or associating with gang members and paper discusses urban youth gangs according to a systems approach borrowed from the study of North American families. In particular, the paper examines how the school has proven to be a place where parents or other adults can commence volunteer service towards protecting girls and their communities from gang influences. The paper also looks at how school-based interventions for young people tend to attract concerned adults who can make strong everyday contributions to 'reclaiming' their areas while aiding youths involved in gangs.
Outline:
Introduction
The Problem
Significance
Review of Literature
A School or Community Centre Intervention
Presenting Materials
Responding to Questions on Girl Gangs Including Adults
Discussion
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "Alarm at the crack cocaine culture of often violent youth gangs began in the mid-1980s, at first, failing to address the reality of girls as opposed to gang-involved boys, but by the time of the 1990s national assessment of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, it was known that girls should be addressed as a distinct entity, that one could not refer to generic young people. (Ramsey Et Al: 2003, Williams Et Al: 2002, Esbensen & Osgood: 1999) Girls are threatened by gang membership because their experiences of gang life differ from those of most boys in the presence of a very sexist subculture. "
Abstract The paper examines gangs from a historical perspective and shows how immigrant communities formed gangs as a reaction to living in a new world and having to confront difficulties with schooling and police brutality. The paper reveals that in today's society, certain races and ethnic groups are prone to engaging in gang activity because they feel disenfranchised or because they are products of one parent homes in which the father is not present. Finally, the paper discusses the negative impact of gang activity.
Outline:
Introduction
History of Race and Ethnicity in Gangs Why People Join Gangs Effects of Gang Activity
Conclusion
From the Paper "As it pertains to race/ethnicity and the current structure or status of gang activity, the majority of gangs are composed of people of the same race or ethnicity. For instance, when two of the most notorious rival gangs, the bloods and the crips began they were composed mostly of African Americans. These two gangs are no longer race explicit and they have been warring for decades with the largest concentrations of these gangs residing in South Central Los Angeles. However the gangs also have a presence in other regions of the United States. Although the Bloods and Crips and their rivalry are amongst the most infamous in the United States, there are also many other gangs throughout the United States. Again these gangs are most abundant in densely populated urban areas."
Tags: bloods, crips, MS-13, guns, violence, immigrants, family
Abstract The paper discusses the street gang problem in the US and what can be done to help curtail gang activity. The paper specifically looks at how Hollywood has helped to glamorize street gangs as well as how the rap music industry glamorizes gangs. The paper then shows how more research is needed to better understand street gangs, since law enforcement on its own is failing to impact the problem.
Outline:
Glamorizing the American Gang Image
Deglamorizing American Street Gangs
From the Paper "The American street gang problem is one of a layered problem. The image of the American gangster has been glamorized by Americans, and shown to be one way, perhaps the easier way, of accomplishing the American dream. Unfortunately, as anyone living in a major American city like Chicago, Boston, or LA can tell us, there is nothing glamorous about bullets ripping through the paper thin walls of a housing development or finding your own child lying dead in the street before he or she has even reached puberty as a result of gangland violence. American street gangs have evolved, spreading now beyond the cities, to the suburbs and are now doing battle for the rural areas in order to expand the operations that feed the gangland lifestyle: drug marketing and manufacturing, prostitution, coercion, money laundering, and any other illicit vice that might be sold to Americans for a one hundred percent profit. "
