Gang crimes

Topic: Gang crimes
Name:
Date: 23rd April 2012
Introduction
What comes to your mind when you the word gang? Most people in the society today on hearing this word think of a group of drug abusers who are involved in selling drugs, a group of hoodlums who sell guns and steal from neighbors. This ideology is based on the type of labels that the society has placed on various individuals. These labels usually have a certain effect on behavior; they arise because of the presence of social norms in every society thus anybody who fails to conform to them is referred to as being deviant. This then defines the kind of treatment that an individual will receive from the society. The society usually decides who pays for their crimes and does not, some groups commit the same crimes and some get labels and others do not; this depends on their social status in the society (Liska,1987).
In most cases, these labels affect the society greatly, what may appear like a simple definition to society, may affect the society as a whole and it may also adversely affect how these individuals view themselves (Chambliss, 1973).
Definition of a gang
A gang could be defined as a group of thugs that deal with deals, carry crude weapons and terrorize neighborhoods thus ruining the peaceful status of the society. The term thug can be traced back to India in the 13th century where it was used to describe a criminal group that pillaged towns. This group had its own slang, symbols and rituals just like today. The Five Points gang in Manhattan was the most dangerous gang in history. It was comprised mostly of Asians, Hispanics and African Americans.Agang can be simply defined as a group of people whose aim is to indulge in criminal acts; they have their own special symbols, signals and names.
Various researchers from the Chicago school have tried to explain and define gangs; these were mainly urban sociologists who were studying how the urban environment affects its inhabitants. Their study focused mainly on how human behavior is determined by social structures and the physical environment rather than one`s physical traits and genetics. Fredrick Thrasher studied gangs and wrote a book "the gangs" based on his findings. He was a member of the Chicago school of thought and was often referred to as the father of gangs. He explains in his book that members of gangs tend to find a sense of belonging in these groups and this is one their main reason for joining them. They offer an escape from poverty and overcrowding hence they originate mainly from the poverty stricken areas. In his opinion, gangs substitute for areas where the society has failed and are a product of disorganized conditions (Thrasher, 1927).
The youths in the society are the main targets for gang membership since they are most attracted to quick money, they are therefore most likely to indulge in drug trafficking. This drug trade is extremely appealing and is likely to earn more money than most legal professions.
The term violence can be defined as a conscious act that is intentional and aimed at causing body injury or psychological trauma (Oliver, 2003).
Types of gangs
According to the national youth survey held in 1996, gangs were classified into six different types. These types include; Juvenile gangs, taggers, drug gangs, satanic groups, stoners and terrorist groups. Form this survey it was discovered that young people engage in crime even at the tender age of eleven years. At least 16% of gang members comprised of under the age of fifteen. While the largest percentage, was made up of youths between the ages of 18-24 years. Gangs can also be classified as traditional, non-traditional and/or entrepreneur. Traditional gangs, refers to those which are deep rooted in traditions and have multi-generational members. Non-traditional gang members may belong for different reason some being, for power, protection or structure. This type of gang is more loosely organized as compared to the traditional gangs. The entrepreneur gang is generally formed to make money. Such gangs are involved in stealing cars, selling drugs and other illegal activities.
The national intelligence center classifies criminal gangs into three types, street gangs, prison gangs and outlaw motorcycle gangs. The street gangs are those which operate at the local, regional, rural and urban areas. Prison gangs are operate within the prison systems and linked to the street criminal gangs. They have highly structured networks. Outlaw motorcycle gangs are also highly structured and they operate nationwide be it locally or regionally.
Impacts of gangs
Gangs have existed since the 1800s in the United States; they have tremendous negative effects on the society. Gang violence usually drain a country`s police resources due to the large number of people involved, poor witness cooperation and the nature of the gang crimes. These types of crimes usually require the attention of the FBI, expensive resources such as high tech surveillance systems and expensive witness protection programs.
Gangs can also lower the property value in a neighborhood due to the increase in insecurity levels, vandalism and violence. This could discourage big investors from setting up houses or businesses in such areas. This means that resource will not be utilized for fear of gang crimes. Gangs can also drive up the prices of basic necessities such as groceries and other commodities. This is attained through formation of intimidating schemes that extort money from the local business in the name of "protecti...