The Re-Evolution of American Street Gangs

The problem of gangs and gang subculture is a growing threat to the stability of neighborhoods and entire communities. During the past two decades, gang members have increasingly migrated from large urban centers to suburban areas and other countries. This book addresses the intricacies and diversities of street gangs, drawing on the expertise of high-ranking law enforcement officials monitoring terrorist activity and gang-related crimes as well as professional private investigators who have spent several decades investigating gangs and learning their subculture, lifestyle, motivations, and relationships.

Ideal for supplemental reading in gang violence courses on criminal justice, sociology, law, and psychology, this comprehensive anthology presents thorough coverage of a notoriously difficult subject. It explores the following key topics:Social, psychological, and criminal impact of street gangs on juvenilesPsychology of gang membership and the pathways that lead into and out of gang cultureRelationship between religion and dangerous criminal gangsHow U.S.-based gangs are using technology to advance their operationsUse of graffiti by street gangsEvolution of gangs and recommendations for preventing future growthGang enhancement crimes and associated misconduct of police and prosecutorsLike any type of crime, street gang criminal activity cannot be totally eliminated. This book aims to provide a better understanding of gangs so that we can influence today's potential gang members to make the right decisions for their sake and the sake of society.