NCJ Number
129105
Date Published
1990
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Although youth gangs have existed in the city for a long time, trends during the last two decades have alarmed school and community officials. Gangs, now more violent than ever, are spreading to new locations.
Abstract
Gangs vary tremendously in composition and activities. Turf can signify the control of a physical territory, a criminal enterprise, or both. Defense of turf can lead to extreme violence. Financial gain is a powerful motive for gang involvement, especially for impoverished youths with poor education and lack of access to decent jobs. Pressure by police and rivals and the lure of higher drug profits push gangs to seek new territories, such as the suburbs and smaller cities. Meanwhile, in many midsize communities, factory closings and business failures create unemployment and poverty, conditions conducive to gang activity. Schools must be established as neutral ground. Anything related to gang membership should be banned: weapons, violence, illegal activity, and gang-identified clothing. Administrators must communicate clear, consistent standards of discipline and enforce them. Some districts split up gangs by transferring disruptive students. In many communities, schools have joined law enforcement, judicial, and civil authorities to create coordinated anti-gang programs. School officials can take steps to control gang activity within their sphere, and they can make valuable contributions to reducing the problem in their communities. 9 references