Gang Violence Essay

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Gang Violence Colleen Garland Kaplan University Abstract Gangs can be defined as a group of people who collect together to take part in delinquent and criminal behavior. Gangs and gang activity are flourishing not only in this country, but internationally as well. This essay will briefly discuss three forms of antisocial, or violent behavior that gang members partake in- property delinquency, violent delinquency, and drug delinquency. This essay will also touch upon some proactive solutions that the government is trying to implement to reduce gang activity. Gangs are defined as an organized group of people, generally between the ages of 12-24, who come together in order to engage in criminal activity (Siegel, 2013, p. 215). Gangs are most well known for their antisocial behavior, criminal activity, and ability to induce fear into the communities in which they live. Three common forms of these activities are: property delinquency, violent delinquency, drug delinquency. Property delinquency in gangs varies greatly. It may be something as simple as spray painting graffiti on buildings in their turf or as damaging as vandalizing buildings and cars. Property delinquency or crime also includes burglary, motor vehicle theft, and theft. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2014). Gang members commit these crimes for a variety of reasons. For instance when a gang member sprays graffiti on a building, it shows that gang’s turf in the community. Committing burglary, vandalism, and theft can help a gang member gain prestige within the gang (Siegel, 2013, p.229-230). Violent Delinquency occurs in gangs frequently. Gang members use violence to intimidate witnesses to crimes, maintain control over their turf, and retaliate against rival gangs. Violence is also used to control the members within a gang. For example, if a subordinate fails to obey orders, he will

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