NCJ Number
171574
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1997) Pages: 1-8
Date Published
1997
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study identifies what gangs exist in Eastern North Carolina prisons and considers demographic characteristics of the gang members.
Abstract
Data were collected via a questionnaire submitted to 1,000 inmates. Of the 871 inmates who returned usable responses, 223 (24 percent) reported gang membership. The study disclosed that nationally known gang sets were appearing in Eastern North Carolina prisons, and their agendas differ from traditional southern local gangs. Their focus exceeds racial hatred parameters and extends to violence not only against authority figures but also against each other. Their activities were limited and had not reached the level of violence noted in certain other States, e.g., California. Although physical fights occurred, they did not to any significant extent involve rival gang issues. Findings of the study may be useful in training corrections administrators and staff on the nature and scope of the prison gang problem, and in implementing a gang classification system. Tables, references