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California Council on Criminal Justice State Task Force on Youth Gang Violence

NCJ Number
100714
Date Published
1986
Length
73 pages
Annotation
This 1985 study recommends statewide policy as well as legislative and budget priorities to California's Governor and legislature to counter youth gangs and youth gang violence.
Abstract
Public hearings and written testimony received by the task force indicate an increase in juvenile gang violence in the State, with Southeast Asian gangs, ''heavy metal,' ''punk rockers,' and satanic groups emerging as new phenomena. Youth gangs commit a disproportionate and growing share of violence and vandalism in the schools. Victim and witness intimidation is a major threat to gang case investigations and prosecutions, and current State laws are not effective in countering youth gang violent crime. Recommendations for long-term prevention and intervention to counter youth gang problems focus on new legislation and policy enactments. Recommendations for short-term action cover law enforcement and training. Recommendations are also presented for implementation by schools, public and private agencies, cities and counties, the Federal Government, local police agencies, prosecutors, and probation departments. Appendixes contain a list of public hearing presenters, biographies of task force members, and a list of members of the California Council on Criminal Justice.