NCJ Number
213991
Date Published
2006
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This chapter presents an overview of gang delinquency.
Abstract
While research on gangs has proliferated in the United States, there is no single definition for a gang. Generally, a gang is thought of as a specific group of people who engage in particular activities or behaviors. The degree to which the group must engage in deviance to be thought of as a gang is unclear in the research literature. Following a consideration of the definition of gang, the authors introduce early gang research conducted prior to the mid-1960s. The prevalence of gangs in the United States and the characteristics of gangs and gang members are examined, particularly in terms of gang organization and size, gang migration, and the demographic and socioeconomic background characteristics of gang members. Reasons for gang membership are considered and include a sense of belonging, status, and financial rewards. Gang activities and behaviors are also considered as the authors confront the question of whether gangs cause delinquency. The types of deviance engaged in by gangs are explored, such as drug-related crimes and violence. Gang intervention strategies are described and legal and law enforcement efforts designed to curb gang membership and criminal activities are also reviewed, such as the Boston Gun Project and California’s STEP Act (Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention). Finally, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP’s) Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention, and Suppression Program in operation in five cities is described. Three discussion questions at the end of the chapter focus attention on the definition of a gang and the types of activities they engage in and gang intervention strategies. Key terms are listed. Tables, figures