Most big cities around the world have gangs, which are engaged in violence, murder, drugs, theft and destruction. Many term such gangs as the modern-day scourge. If unchecked gangs can create havoc in society and would gradually tear down the social fabric. Indeed, gang violence facts are shocking and disturbing. As gang violence gathers momentum, it is become a huge problem for the US government. Reportedly, cities such as Los Angeles have been witnessing unabated growth in crime related to gangs, with some reports saying that it’s really scary to walk the streets, especially for women who want to pick up children from schools.
If the recently released gang statistics are any indication, then gang-related violence has been rising, especially in large cities, in countries such as the US. The National Institute of Justice has come out with certain startling gang violence facts such as recruitment of teenagers. As a result, teen violence has become rampant, particularly in the backstreets of big cities. A survey taken by US law enforcement officials in 45 cities across the country indicates that there are around 1,500 gangs comprising more than 120,000 members, with a large portion of them being youngsters. Law enforcement agencies in scores of countries have been mulling how to combat the menace of gangs.
According to statistics related to gang violence facts in the US, majority of gang members are young males mostly black or of Hispanic origin, with the former forming around 30 per cent and the latter about 48 per cent. However, women form a low of 2 per cent of recruits. The statistics revealed that in cities with a population of 250,000, gang activity was reported to be nearly 100 per cent, while a little over 10 per cent of rural areas reported gang-related activity. Los Angeles and Chicago figured top among US cities for gang violence.
Experts in the field of crime control have suggested many steps that could be taken to contain the menace. The following are some of the guidelines suggested for bringing down gang violence facts.
- People must organize meetings and programmes within the community or neighbourhood.
- Enlighten people about gangs operating in the area, and apprise them of preventive measures available to them, especially in drug-related activities
- .Provide necessary support and counseling to victims of gang violence.
- With the assistance of police organize community patrols of the neighbourhood, encouraging active participation from people.
- Organize meetings with community and religious leaders as well as police and clubs.
Active participation of people, coupled with prompt and decisive action from law enforcement agencies, would be the greatest deterrent to gang violence.