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GANGS, CRIME AND VIOLENCE IN LOS ANGELES: FINDINGS AND PROPOSALS FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

NCJ Number
142795
Author(s)
I Reiner
Date Published
1992
Length
334 pages
Annotation
This study of gangs in Los Angeles by the District Attorney's Office profiles gangs and their activities as well as criminal justice and community responses to them.
Abstract
More than 36 local gang experts were interviewed for this report, including gang enforcement officers, academic researchers, prevention workers, and ex-gang members. An extensive body of written material was also reviewed and summarized, including sociological studies, police reports, and anecdotal accounts of gang life on the streets of Los Angeles. The study found that gangs in Los Angeles, some of which are 50 to 60 years old, are deeply rooted in the life of many neighborhoods. There are approximately 1,000 gangs with 150,000 members. By every measure, gang violence in Los Angeles is the worst in the country and spiralling upward. Gang members are heavy drug users and even heavier drug sellers. The average gang member is reponsible for six times more crime per year than a nongang youth of similar age and background. Ways to improve criminal justice and community responses to gangs include improved police gang databases, the targeting of hardcore gang members, the coordination of gang enforcement with gang prevention in target areas, improved opportunities for education and employment, and the development of a systematic, communitywide, sustained program of gang prevention. This report provides detailed recommendations on criminal justice system responses and gang prevention programs.