Transcript Chapter 18
Chapter 18 Gang-Related Crime Gang • A number of people associated in some way, an organized group of criminals, or a group of youths form the same neighborhood banded together for social reasons. • It has the main characteristics of leadership and organization for the purpose of committing legal acts or crimes, either as individuals or as a group. Street Gang • A group of individuals who form an allegiance, have a name and recognizable symbols, claim a geographic territory and engage in continuous unlawful or criminal activity. Reasons For The Increase In Gang-related Problems • • • • • • • Drugs Immigration Gang names and alliances Migration Government policies Female-headed households Media Why People Join Gangs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Structure Nurturing Sense of belonging Economic security Excitement Types of Gangs • Hedonistic/social gangs • Party gangs (party crews) • Predatory gangs • Scavenger gangs • Serious delinquent gangs • Territorial gangs • Organized/corporate gangs • Drug gangs • Cultural gangs • Instrumental gangs • Hybrid gangs Characteristic Groups of Youth Gangs Black gangs Jamaican Posses Hispanic gangs Asian gangs Pacific Islander gangs White “Stoner” gangs Neo-Nazi gangs Motorcycle gangs Origins in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and other major urban ghettos. Crips, Bloods, Players, Untouchables, and Vice Lords. Immigrant Jamaicans in the U.S. with roots in Jamaica. Identified in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, Seattle, and Anchorage. Origins in Los Angeles, valleys of California, New York (Puerto Rico), Miami (Mariel Cubans, Dominicans), and Washington DC. Tend to use highly stylized graffiti lettering. Origins among recent émigrés from Vietnam, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Activity centered in New York; New Orleans; Los Angeles and Orange County; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; San Francisco; and Houston. Primarily Samoans who have migrated to Western urban areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland. Caucasian groups identified with Heavy Metal and Punk Rock music preferences and with some British working-class gangs. Sometimes involved in Satanic rites and symbols. Tend to articulate white supremacy, racism, and Nazi symbols. Some call themselves “skinheads” and sport close-cut hair or shaved heads. Dominantly Caucasians, branches of Hells Angels and other notorious motorcycle groups. Tend to be heavily involved with the manufacture and sale of methamphetamine. Anatomy Of A Gang Member • Male (92%) • Minority (40% Hispanic, 34% Black, 6% Asian) • 18 years or older (60%) • Unemployed or work part-time • Active at night • Academically weak Criminal Activities Of Gangs • • • • • • • Drug sales (27%) Aggravated Assault (23%) Larceny/Theft (17%) Burglary (13%) Motor Vehicle Theft (11%) Robbery (3%) Homicide (2.3%) Differences Between Street Gangs and Drug Gangs Street Gangs Versatile (“cafeteria-style”) crime Larger structures Less cohesive Looser leadership Ill-defined roles Code of loyalty Residential territories Members may sell drugs Intergang rivalries Younger on average, but wider age range Drug Gangs Crime focused on drug business Smaller structures More cohesive More centralized leadership Market-defined roles Requirement of loyalty Sales market territories Members do sell drugs Competition controlled Older on average, but narrower age range Criteria For Defining Gangs Criteria Used Use of Symbols Violent Behavior Group Organization Territory Leadership Recurrent Interaction Large Cities 93% 81% 81% 74% 59% 56% Smaller Cities 100% 84% 88% 88% 48% 60% Identifying Gang Members • Names • Symbols – Clothing – Tattoos • Communication styles – Graffiti – Signs Investigating Gangs • Establish personal contacts with the gangs in the community • Become familiar with their size • Know the names of as many members as possible • Be able to identify the symbols, graffiti, and colors the gang uses