An estimated
3,330 jurisdictions in the United States reported gang activity,
according to the 2000 National
Youth Gang Survey. According to this survey, more than
24,500 gangs and more than 772,500 gang members were active
in the U.S. during 2000. While overall gang membership seems
to have moderately declined over survey years, the National
Youth Gang Survey reports that the number of gang members
in larger cities has remained relatively constant, even slightly
increasing in 2000. Gangs in the United States are becoming
increasingly diverse, and they affect urban, suburban, and
rural communities. The need for comprehensive gang information
for use by adult professionals in the fields of law enforcement,
courts and corrections, education, social services, and government
is greater than ever.
The articles
featured on this page were written by national experts on
these topics. They do not necessarily represent the opinions
of NAGIA. The enclosed information is provided as a service
and does not constitute legal advice. This material is intended
only for informational purposes. Our goal is to provide useful
information, but we make no claims, promises, or warranties
regarding the completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or adequacy
of this information. Because information relating to gangs
is in a constant state of change, and because gang identifiers
and activities can vary greatly between different communities,
it is strongly recommended the reader not rely on these materials
alone, without checking with other sources. In particular,
we recommend that readers contact their local Gang
Investigators Associations for information relating to
the specific types of gang activity found in their local area.
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