JuvenileJustice
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Evolution of turf gangs to the gangs of today
Gangshave their history dating back in the 1800s. People of variedreligion and ethnicity entered the US, and some had to join gangs toenable them to gain group identity for defense, and to show theirpresence (Coxet al., 2012).Criminal activities during the premature 20thcentury entailed delinquent actions like fights with rival gangs. Inthe progress of the 20thcentury, however, gangs were seen to commit serious crimes likeillegal drug and weapon trafficking and applying violence measures toattain their goals. Expansion in the number of gang groups led to themovement of gang groups to cover the rural areas.
Characteristics and classification of gangs
Thegangs have characteristics like slang language, colors, hand signs,graffiti, and initiations. Knowledge of these characteristics makesit easy to intervene and help the affected(Cox et al., 2012).Graffiti is seen as a form of communication between gang members.Gangs can be classified into scavenger gangs, violent gangs, criminalgangs, transgressor gangs, and female gangs.
Reasons why youths join juvenile gangs
For identity as being a member of a gang helps one achieve a status not achievable outside the gang.
Protection especially when one lives in the gang area as it guarantees support in case of attacks.
To uphold brotherhood as it provides companionship that may be lacking in one’s home.
To intimidate others who are not members of the gang.
To carry out criminal activities, for example, propagate the sale of narcotics for profit purposes.
Reference
Cox,S. M., Allen, J. M., Hanser, R. D., & Conrad, J. J. (2014).JuvenileJustice(8th ed.). Retrieved May 3, 2016