Posted on 02/07/2009 7:29:01 AM PST by AuntB
Gangs are morphing, multiplying, and migrating—entrenching themselves not just in our inner cites but increasingly in our ever-sprawling suburbs and wide-open rural spaces.
In some communities, they are responsible for as much as a staggering 80 percent of all crimes. They are selling drugs to your kids, shooting up your neighborhoods, invading your homes, robbing your banks and stores, stealing your identities and money, and sowing plenty of fear and violence along the way.
There are gangs in the military…gangs in prison…gangs all over the Internet (recruiting, communicating, intimidating)…gangs on Native American reservations…and gangs on motorcycles roving the countryside. More and more women are joining gangs, too, sometimes leading their own subsets of larger criminal groups.
At last count (this past September), our nation had at least 20,000 gangs with at least one million total members from coast to coast.
These conclusions—and many more—are all part of the just released National Gang Threat Assessment 2009.
Now matter how you slice it—locally, regionally, nationally—it’s a sobering portrait. And well worth reading for its insights, statistics, and predictions…whether you are a law enforcement professional, a community leader, an educator, a social services provider, or just a concerned citizen.
Mouse over each gang to learn more about them. And see the full report for more details.
The report is based on law enforcement’s collective intelligence—the product specifically of the National Gang Intelligence Center, the National Drug Intelligence Center, and a host of other local, state, and federal agencies.
Besides contributing to this report, we in the FBI—working with our partners more closely than ever—continue to put a lot of time, energy, and resources into tackling the growing gang threat. That includes:
* Synthesizing information on gangs from around the nation and even from around the globe (largely through the National Gang Intelligence Center) and pushing that out as intelligence assessments to our law enforcement partners to help them make cases and get a better handle on local threats;
* Leading the multi-agency MS-13 National Gang Task Force, which coordinates investigations and prosecutions of this extremely violent gang, including with law enforcement officials in Central America, its birthplace overseas;
* Taking part in the Department of Justice’s National Gang Targeting Enforcement and Coordination Center, or GangTECC, a task force that looks for ways to make the most impact through multi-jurisdictional investigations involving federal law enforcement; and
* Putting boots on the ground, so speak—hundreds of highly trained special agents nationwide who work to dismantle gangs from the top down through more than 200 multi-agency Safe Streets Task Forces, including about 150 that specifically target gangs.
Of course, we need your help. Please report crimes and potential criminal activity to us. Please be alert to common gang warning signs in your children and in your neighborhoods. And please get involved and stay involved in anti-gang activities and proactive outreach initiatives in your community.
Resources: - FBI Violent Street Gangs website - Department of Justice Resources and Publications - Advice from an Expert on Street Gangs
A sobering and scary must-read. These guys are dead inside.
If you mean that the current gang culture are convinced that they are entitled and not criminal, and these (and other) liberal victimology areas have moral and ethical (lack of) principles that encourage "entitled to be a gang banger" thinking, I agree.
Modern bangers feel entitled to impose by force the gang rules on everyone, and bangers see others as the criminal oppressors.
There is a foreign movie "City of God" (hard R rated) but it epitomizes gangs in South America and is very difficult to watch (for many reasons), but casts a bright light on gang mentality. The extra information is mind-numbing and frightening (it could not be filmed in the real gang area of Brazil because it would have been far too dangerous).
That our borders remain open and gangs like MS-13 are free to proliferate here is equally frightening and dangerous for all Americans in their own country.
Yes, very sobering. Cnn did a special about these gangs a couple years ago that was pretty good.
I’m with you. COUNT ME IN!!!!!!!!
Just came back from the Island of St. Kitts which use to be one of the few “safe” places in the world.
Now they tell you not to go out in the city of Basterre because more than likely you won’t make it out because of gangs.
Not pointing fingers, but IMHO there is too much bling, bang and gang promotion on TV that makes these kids think they deserve everything they see on TV.
If Al Gore believes in global warming eliminate satellite dishes from the “hoods” around the world. It will save more lives than installing a fricking sun panel in Jamaica.
Kitts has been tough for at least 15 tears
A buddy of mine from Bermuda pointed out this happening there as well. Before the broadcast of stations glorifying inner city thugs and their music this type of behavior was not seen on the island. Now? Its all over the place and the problems are through the roof.
The mayor here has been in office for 20+ years and his father was mayor before that. It’s a dynasty. ;( No joke!
If I had known all the “issues” this small NC town had when we were looking to move to this area, I would probably have looked elsewhere.
Drugs, gangs, racial problems, a beautiful small town on the surface, but deep problems when that surface is disturbed.
You nailed it.
The only way to prevent someone from WANTING to be a gang member is to make their lives as miserable as possible. This includes, as you say, killing them outright when they are found to have committed a homicide or rape.
Immediate and permanent punishment is the only way.
Family Values Don’t Stop at the Rio Grande.
Just doing the Job That Americans Won’t Do Anymore.
http://www.gangsorus.com/graffiti.html
http://www.slugsite.com/archives/825
http://www.slugsite.com/archives/826
http://gangwar.com/dynamics.htm#graffiti
I’m really confused! Where were the listings for the white gangs?
I have to agree that death is the only way. Even the gangs know that by the way they kill others and each other. Think about it. When war is declared there has to be killing.
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