At issue in this essay is an analysis of the causes and effects of gang-related activity in the United States. Macionis (2003) estimated that there are more than 23,000 youth "gangs" in the country engaged in some type of criminal activity with membership well over 650,000 individuals; however, the extent of the truly violent and dangerous gangs in the country, including both youth and adult groups, is somewhat less. Nevertheless, these gangs are seen by Siegel and Senna (2000) as largely responsible for such ongoing problems as violent crime in urban enclaves, crimes against property, and increased drug sales and use. This report will explore such groups and efforts to prevent or contain their activities.
Juvenile delinquency is defined as participation in illegal behavior by a minor who falls under a statutory age limit (Siegel & Senna, 2000). More than two million American youths are arrested each year for crimes ranging in seriousness from loitering to murder; many of these young people are members of criminal gangs whose activities range from simple vandalism to drug sales and use, robbery and assault, burglary, and violent conflicts with rival organizations in their territories. . Although most juvenile violations tend to be minor, some young offenders are extremely dangerous and violent and gang involvement is a clear indicator of a propensity or potential for violent criminal behavior. Serving this population and society is the juvenile justice system, that segment of the justice system, including law enforcement officers, the courts, and correctional agencies that are specifically designed to treat youthful offenders (Siegel & Senna, 2000).
A recent statement by former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales highlighted the problem posed by these gangs, noting the following:
. That a growing number of offenders appear to be younger, their crimes more violent, and that laws in some states provide few, i...