Gang Involvement

Essay by Suzieq2uUniversity, Bachelor'sA, October 2009

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Axia College of University of PhoenixJuvenile Justice 225November 02, 2007Gang membership and gang violence is a large concern not only by the government but also by law enforcement agencies, private business, communities and families all across the nation. Understanding some predictors and risks factors can aid in the prevention of gang involvement. Correctional and detention facilities aid in not only punishment but also aid in deterring further gang activity. The juvenile courts render not only punishment to delinquent youths but they also satisfy retribution to the victim, and the community. Numerous prevention programs helps youths to become productive citizens in society and render solutions for parents' and the community. Then there are the guiding principles, which lay the groundwork down for treatment strategies for our youths involved in gang activity. However, in order to understand why youths of today get involved in gang activity we need to first look at where gangs matriculated.

We first need to look at some street gang history.

In the 1800's, gangs evolved from groups of people of petty criminals to ruthless multi-million-dollar drug cartels. According to Viegel, immigrants where considered to be losers by societies mainstream. Immigrant's daily tasks were to stay alive. The immigrant's found protection in numbers. By doing so, they banned together as surrogate families. Gang involvement started in Philadelphia, New York and Boston by immigrants. The first known violence of gang activity was by Candle Kites (Viegel, 2007). Irish immigrants poured into New York. These immigrants found the conditions in the United States worse that what they left. The Irish immigrants had no skills, no education and no literacy. The Irish immigrants bound together forming gangs.

In 1826, the first known gang leader was Mr. Coleman (Viegel, 2007). His gang was known as the Five Pointers (Viegel). Other gangs formed...