Youth Gang Essay

To define the youth gang problem in Indianapolis, the definition of a gang must be established. While the definition of a “gang” varies among different jurisdictions, there are reoccurring criteria for a gang that is easily identifiable. The National Gang Center lists 5 criteria that are commonly used for classifying groups as gangs. First, the group has three or more members, ranging from ages 12 to 24. This first criteria eliminates the perception that youth gangs simply consist of juveniles. Gangs usually are made up of juvenile and adult members, especially in the Indianapolis area. A common identity is shared among them; the identity is often linked to a name and symbols. Furthermore, members view themselves as a gang and are recognized

Numerous studies found that youth more often report being “pulled” into a gang rather than seeking the gang membership out themselves. Youth may find gang membership to be attractive, such as providing increased reputation and social status or the promise of money, drugs, excitement, or stronger identification with the desired community. Often times, these youth do not have structured time or activities to be involved in. When this occurs, youth are more likely to learn towards activities that foster negative behaviors. However, youth may also join a gang for protective purposes due to high levels of violence and crime in their neighborhood. Youth who have friends or family that are gang-involved makes the youth more likely to join the gang to gain a sense of

IMPD’s Captain Mike Bruin, supervisor with the Crime Gun Intelligence Center, predicts this percentage of gang-related activity is much higher. Furthermore, a feud that occurred in 2021 between two Indianapolis gangs, the Kutthroats and the Insane Money Gang, led to the death of a teenager and four convictions of gang members (Hignite 2021). Interestingly, social media has had a significant impact on gang culture, especially for youth. Disputes online between groups have physically manifested to violence on the streets of Indianapolis. Allison Davids, an intelligence analyst with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office, has stated that the younger the gang members are, the more likely they are to be posting. Furthermore, she emphasizes this constant online interaction allows most youth gang members to know one another and creates a very knitted community that encourages deviant behavior. Indianapolis has attempted to solve the gang-involved youth through programs, such as the Gang Resistance Education and Training program (G.R.E.A.T.). However, it appears this program is one of the few attempts at prevention and treatment for gang involvement. Indianapolis requires additional gang-resistance programs based on criminological theory in combination with previously