Project Gangs
David Vary
Bryant & Stratton College
CRJU102
25 July 2013
Introduction
This paper is on Gangs. It will include the meaning of gangs both the Federal and State definition. The others areas it will cover will be the History of Gangs, The impact of Gangs, Gang Problems, Drugs and Trafficking, Guns and Violence, and Special gang Units.
Federal Definition
The federal definition of gangs as used by the DOJ, DHS, and ICE is an association of three or more individuals; whose members collectively identify themselves by adopting a group identity, which they use to create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation, frequently by employing one or more of the following: a common name, slogan, identifying sign, symbol, tattoo, or other physical markings, style or clothing, hairstyle, hand sign, or graffiti; whose purpose is to engage in criminal activity and which uses violence or intimidation to further its criminal objectives. Whose members engage in criminal activity or acts of juvenile delinquency that if committed by an adult would be crimes with the intent to enhance or preserve the association’s power, reputation or economic resources? The association may also possess some of the following characteristics: The members may employ rules for joining and operating within the association. The member may have to meet on a recurring basis. The association may provide physical protection of its member from others. The association may seek to exercise control over certain geographical location or region, or it may simply defend it to preserve interest against rivals. The
Association may also have an identifiable structure.
State Definition
A number of states use the following definition of gang, often with minor modifications. Criminal street gang means any ongoing organization, association or group of three or more persons whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of one...