Question

Identify at least 2-3 possible responses to gang violence, potential solutions/ responses with the possible ramifications and potential value of each. These responses can address the perception of the problem, the actual problem, or both.

Answer 1

A gang is a group of friends or members of a family with a defined leadership and internal organization that identifies with or claims control over territory in a community and engages, either individually or collectively, in illegal, and possibly violent, behavior.

Gang violence refers mostly to the illegal and non-political acts of violence perpetrated by gangs against civilians, other gangs, law enforcement officers, firefighters, or military personnel. Throughout history, such acts have been committed by gangs at all levels of organization. Modern gangs introduced new acts of violence, which may also function as a rite of passage for new gang members.

In 2006, 58 percent of L.A.'s murders were gang-related. Reports of gang-related homicides are concentrated mostly in the largest cities in the United States, where there are long-standing and persistent gang problems and a greater number of documented gang members—most of whom are identified by law enforcement.

Possible solutions :

Some believe gang violence can be stop by using problem oriented policing and through law enforcement methods, but some disagree and believe in order to stop gang violence we have to address the root causes and fund more social programs. The government’s tactics used to approach gang violence does not work. We cannot stop gang violence completely but we can reduce gang related crimes through prevention programs and social services.

Two of the most common factors are modeling and social approval for delinquent acts. Some blame these acts on the media. Movies can have a negative effect on youth (Synder). Movies and other media may serve as control systems for the working through of social conflicts and gang violence.