Transcript Chapter 14
Chapter 14 Youth Gangs Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Youth Gangs A loose or formal collection of 12- to 24year-olds who identify themselves as a common group, have a group name, wear group clothing, and use other group identifiers Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Female Gangs Number of female members of male gangs and all-female gangs is steadily rising Females involved in fewer violent crimes than males, more in property and status offenses Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Common Identifiers Names, colors, tattoos, insignias, language, hairstyles, jewelry, hand signs, graffiti Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Gang Membership All large cities, most mid-sized cities, and many small cities have a significant gang presence Rural communities report significant gang activity Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Gang Membership and Criminal Behavior A clear relationship between gang activity and criminal behavior exists Youth gang members are more involved than non-gang members, even where non-gang members are high risk in other ways Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Risk Factors for Gang Membership Early involvement in delinquency Violence and drug use Poor academic performance Poor parent-child relationship Disorganized neighborhood Peers involved in gangs Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Penalty Enhancement for Gang Membership Most states have enhanced penalty provisions if the defendant is involved in a gang These statutes require intent to engage in criminal enterprise Gang membership qualifies juveniles as habitual juvenile offenders Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Controlling Gangs Statutes are difficult to craft Many states issue injunctions against gang activities States apply anti-gathering, loitering, and anti-hazing laws to gangs, especially initiation rites States require youths to register as gang members Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.