FBI Report Details Increase of Gang Membership in U.S.

As a result of terrorist attacks over the past 15 years in the United States and abroad from groups such as Al Qaeda, ISIS, and the Taliban, the federal government and the media has focused on combating terrorism.  The focus on terrorism is timely and necessary.  Nonetheless, communities and civic leaders should remain cognizant of the increasing prevalence of gangs in the United States.

In 2011, the Federal Bureau of Investigation published the 100-page “National Gang Threat Assessment” document.  The Assessment highlighted numerous components of the reality of gangs in the United States.  Below are several key points contained in the Assessment.  Gang activity in communities in the United States is a complex situation with a legacy that involves numerous social challenges.  People might seek out gangs for similar reasons that they are attracted to other organizations.  Gangs can offer a family life, a sense of identity and belonging, street credibility, protection, feeling important and shared beliefs.  Gangs might be an option for people to turn too because of peer pressure, inadequate educational opportunities, dysfunctional family life, and fear of being hurt by a gang or fear of being hurt by a rival gang.

The 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment states:

*There were an estimated 1.4 million people who were active members in more than 33,000 street, prison, and outlaw motorcycle gangs in the United States.  The FBI report indicates that on average gangs are responsible for almost ½ of violent crimes in most jurisdictions.  Gangs exist in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia.  The largest concentration of gang members in the United States is in southern California, southern Arizona, and the metropolitan Chicago area.

*“Gangs encourage members, associates, and relatives to obtain law enforcement, judiciary, or legal employment in order to gather information on rival gangs and law enforcement operations.  Gang infiltration of the military continues to pose a significant criminal threat, as members of at least 53 gangs have been identified on both domestic and international military installations.”

*“Gang members are becoming more sophisticated in their structure and operations and are modifying their activity to minimize law enforcement security and circumvent gang enhancement laws.  Gangs in several jurisdictions have modified or ceased traditional or stereotypical gang indicia and no longer display their colors, tattoos, or hand signs.  Others are forming hybrid gangs to avoid police attention and make it more difficult for law enforcement to identify and monitor them, according to NGIC reporting.  Many gangs are engaging in more sophisticated criminal schemes, including white-collar and cybercrime, targeting and infiltrating sensitive systems to gain access to sensitive areas or information, and targeting and monitoring law enforcement.”

*“Many gang members continue to engage in gang activity while incarcerated.  Family members play pivotal roles in assisting or facilitating gang activities and recruitment during a gang members’ incarceration.  Gang members in some correctional facilities are adopting radical religious views while incarcerated.”

What approaches should be implemented to reduce gang membership?  Do federal, state, county, and local law enforcement departments have the available staff to adequately contain and dismantle gang activity?  Is it possible for society to provide alternative options for people who are susceptible to joining gangs?  What (if any) role does society play in deterring people from joining gangs or participating in gang related activities?

For more information from the FBI National Gang Threat Assessment report: https://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/2011-national-gang-threat-assessment