NCJ Number
147403
Date Published
1992
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This analysis of street gangs and their impacts on the United States Air Force concludes that street gang violence involving the Air Force community is escalating and that active duty Air Force personnel and their dependents are being targeted for exploitation or recruitment by street gangs.
Abstract
During the last 20 years, street gangs have evolved from local, loosely formed groups operating only in large cities to relatively sophisticated, often transregional organizations. One group of potential members apparently being targeted by gangs is active-duty Air Force personnel and their dependents, especially those still in their teens. The extent and impact of this recruitment effort is difficult to assess, although it varies widely at installations. The problem is currently limited but is likely to increase during the next several years. Particularly with respect to drug sales and use, it may become a major contributor to criminal activity involving Air Force members. Photographs, illustrations of hand signs, and case examples