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Strategy for Addressing Illegal Youth Gang Activities by a Mid-Size Police Department

NCJ Number
134137
Author(s)
B Tognetti
Date Published
1991
Length
100 pages
Annotation
This report presents a specific framework for mid-size police departments to address the problem of illegal youth-gang activities.
Abstract
The futures study included an extensive literature review and site visits to mid-size police departments with anti-gang programs. Additionally, a group forecasting process identified five trends and events that underscore the severity of illegal gang activities and the problems they are causing mid-size police departments. The report recommends a comprehensive, cooperative strategy that involves law enforcement, other components of the criminal justice system, local government, the schools, and a variety of community resources. Elements of the plan include efforts to counter gangs as a top police priority, gang reporting and intelligence, "zero tolerance" law enforcement, City Council commitment, graffiti abatement, police-school liaison, youth outreach programs, news media involvement, an areawide law enforcement task force, and interdisciplinary criminal justice coordination. A transition management plan is presented to facilitate the development of a police-led communitywide effort to counter gangs. 3 tables, appended supplementary material, and 16 references.