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."

Tags:cocaine, marijuana, turf, rivalry

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)."

Tags:violence, programs, precaution, intervention, enforcement

Abstract
This paper discusses gang violence as a multi-generational problem in many communities. Many gangs are decades old, and solutions to the gang violence problem have been sought after for equally as long. The paper explores the structure and roots of gang violence, 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 gang violence.

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)"

Tags:ethnic, Hispanic, Asian, organized, crime, delinquency

Abstract
The paper discusses how gangs in the United States have become a significant concern for the criminal justice system because of two primary factors. The paper explains that gangs are the number one source of drug activity in the country, and, members are connected to violent acts more than any other citizens.

From the Paper
"Gangs in the United States have become a significant concern for the criminal justice system because of two primary factors. First, gangs are the number one source of drug activity in the country. Second, gang members are connected to violent acts more than any other citizens. However, the existence of violence in association with gangs is apparent because of the drug trade that occurs by the gangs.
"Clay and Aqulia (1994) describe a gang as a group of individuals that are..."

Tags:gangs, violence, drugs

Abstract
This paper examines organized crime in the US, focusing on the phenomena of outlaw motorcycle gangs such as Hell's Angels. First, the paper discusses the history of organized crime in America, starting with the prohibition era. Then, it addresses contemporary gang culture in the US, which has emerged in urban areas. Here, entire local communities have been terrorized by violent street gangs. Next, the paper addresses why community members do not come forward to report violence. The paper then explores outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs), which have also have played a significant role in contemporary organized crime since their evolution from social organizations of the 1950s and early 1960s. It further shows how these groups have become nationwide, and in some cases, international criminal enterprises. The origins of OMG's are described and today's largest are named. The paper concludes by addressing the connection between OMG's and South American drug lords.

Outline:

The Modern History of Organized Crime in America
The Origin of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
Hell's Angels
Outlaws
Pagans
Mongols and Banditos
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Domestically, a gang culture has also emerged in urban areas throughout the U.S. in which entire local communities are terrorized by violent street gangs, such as the Crips and Bloods and their many subsets and affiliated gangs. In addition to being responsible for drug trafficking, prostitution, and other major crimes in American cities, these criminal organizations are notorious for their hatred of law enforcement and have perpetrated numerous attacks in which police officers have been murdered. Likewise, civilians living in gang-dominated communities have been extremely reluctant to cooperate with police efforts to address gang-related crimes because of the propensity of these remorselessly violent street gangs to kill civilians who cooperate with criminal investigations or who testify against them at trial."

Tags:prohibition era, Mexican drug cartels, drug lords, street gangs

Abstract
A 1996 Children's Institute International Poll of American youths showed that 47% of all teens believe that their school was becoming more and more violent and 10% feared for their lives. This paper studies the effect this escalating violence has on the students, their learning habits and their score results. It also pinpoints areas and socio-economic classes where violence is higher.

From the Paper
"Schools are supposed to be a safe haven for children. Somewhere they can go to and escape the drama of their home lives. Somewhere they can be free to explore new ideas and learn. A child is shot outside his school by an awaiting sniper, another is stabbed to death in a hallway, and yet another is beaten up in the bathroom. Yet, despite all the incidents occurring in schools lately, murders are still very rare in schools. That doesn't mean though, that children feel any safer. A 1996 Children's Institute International Poll of American youths showed that 47% of all teens believe that their school was becoming more and more violent and 10% feared for their lives (SAMHSA 2002). In one year alone, there were 187,890 physical attacks in schools (Tenenbaum 1999). It is beyond comprehension as to why any educator would believe that this was a "safe" learning environment. If even one student fears for their safety, it is one too many. Children cannot learn as well if they fear for their safety; it does not make any sense to expect that students will be at their best if they are in fear. Thus school violence must play a pivotal role in the learning of students."

Tags:educator, gangs, homicide, bully

Abstract
Discusses the nature of gangs. Examines why children and teenagers join gangs. Considers children at-risk and gang involvement. Reviews and critiques five studies on gangs and violence, and discusses the methods of the studies.

From the Paper
"Over the last 20 years in the city of Los Angeles at least 10,000 African American and Latino young men have died due to gang activity and gang warfare (Vigil, 2002). As large as that figure is it is still only a portion of the deaths..."

Abstract
The following paper is a proposal for a city-wide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, run by former criminal offenders, that will endeavor to steer young people away from crime, drug use, and - not least of all - violence. In working towards this important goal, the organization will join hands with the local university in an ambitious research program that will propose new methods for dealing with various types of crime while, at the same time, quantifying the impact and effectiveness of those methods using the latest evaluative tools. As well, the program I have in mind will train individuals both young and old how to live their lives constructively and in a manner consistent with the highest in civic values. In the final analysis, the program is a comprehensive outreach program that will work with young people on the street, in the community's schools, and will utilize peer mentoring, job counseling, remedial education, and (where needed) cognitive behavioral therapy to take back our streets from local gangs and others who seek to drag young people down the wrong path.

From the Paper
A Proposal for Creating a City-Wide 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization That Will Prevent, Deter and Decrease Crime, Drugs and Violence in an Urban Community The following paper is a proposal for a city-wide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, run by former criminal offenders, that will endeavor to steer young people away from crime, drug use, and - not least of all - violence. In working towards this important goal, the organization will join hands with the local university in an ambitious research program that will propose new methods for dealing with various types of crime while, at the same time, quantifying the impact and effectiveness of those methods

Tags:crime, drugs, community

Abstract
This paper examines A. Blumstein's article, "Youth, Guns, and Violent Crime", and relates that this article addresses the particular vulnerability and over-representation of youth in crimes involving violence. The paper discusses Blumstein's correlation between youth involved violent crime trends during the 1980s and 1990s, and trends in gun access and drug marketing peaks during these years. Also discussed are the three factors Blumstein sees as the reason for the eventual decline in youth violence since 2000. In addition, the paper looks at the belief held by many criminologists that early exposure to guns and other forms of violence produces violent criminal behaviour throughout life. Lastly, the paper notes that a consistent theme applied in intercepting urban violence is to fortify both the justice system and social development programs.

From the Paper
"Blumstein (2002) explains the decisions to engage in violence in terms of the form and level of previous exposure an individual has to surrounding violent conditions. He discusses the particular vulnerability and over-representation of youth in crimes involving violence, and attributes current trends of violent crimes to drug addiction, drug market involvement, and increased access and utilization of lethal weapons. He further challenges the concept of "superpredators", a presumed breed of ruthless youth, destined for reckless, violent lifestyles. This breed of predators is argued to be helplessly predisposed to violent acts without hope of intervention (Blumstein, 2002)."

Tags:guns, drugs, street, gangs, upbringing

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 gang violence. 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."

Tags:youth, gang, community, violence, statistics