The youth gang problem in Southern California has reached epidemic proportions, and it calls for immediate action. Solving California's gang problem will not be easy, but it is worth the effort. The solutions involve increasing self-esteem among youth at risk, stressing the importance of education, and providing training services.
Juvenile offenders are the nation's fastest growing crime problem. While adult violent crime rates have remained fairly steady over the past decade, juvenile offenses have soared. A study by the U.S. Department of Justice reveals that in 1994 approximately 500 arrests were made per 100,000 juveniles (age 10-17) compared to 250 arrests per 100,000 adults (Gest 29).
In low-income, urban areas of Southern California, much of the increase in youth violence can be traced to gangs, often in the form of confrontations between rival gang members. As one expert witness has testified, "Drive-by shootings, turf wars, and homicides are mostly tied to gangs" (Congressional Oversight Hearing 5). In Los Angeles County, which has been called the "gang capital of the world," gang activity accounts for a significant percentage of violent crime: "Gang members were believed responsible for 19 percent of the robberies, and 10 percent to 12 percent of the total felonious assaults in the southeast division of Los Angeles" (Gang Violence Recommendations 2). An estimated 950 gangs are active in Los Angeles county with an approximate membership of 100,000 youths (Congressional Oversight Hearing 5).
Southern California gangs come from a variety of ethnic groups. Asian gangs are found in many parts of central Orange county, particularly among the Vietnamese, Hmong, Cambodian, and Thai. African-American gangs include the well-known Crips and Bloods, and are found in South-Central Los Angeles and other parts of Los Angeles County. Hispanic gang activity is widespread throughout Los Angeles County and some parts o...