Gang Violence, Essay Example

Gang violence has been a significant problem in most cities in America with an ever escalating membership. Available statistics document over 20, 000 gangs with a membership of over 730, 000 in active capacity. The prevalence of gang violence is more in urban areas relative to the rural areas and most homicide cases that are reported are attributed to gang violence. High technology including the use of computers is currently applied in committing these crimes (Michael & Charles, 1992).

A variety of reasons are attributed to joining the gangs but the most common ones include poverty, peer pressure, boredom and despair in life. The use of drugs is a common factor behind the mentioned reasons. The huge profits associated with sales of illegal drugs perpetuate the street gangs and favor most conditions that lead to the proliferation of gang membership. Gang life has currently revolutionalized due to its attraction of young people from diverse backgrounds irrespective of their socio-economic classes, ethnic groups as well as races (Richard, 1994).  Gang violence has become a major problem to the law enforcement officers and the entire community and therefore, amicable solutions are imperative.

The government and the society need to implement programs for the youth that caters for their sports, academic, employment, counseling and arts. This positive development shall enhance the future of the youth in the community and discourage gang recruitment. Alliances should be formed with the entire community, the media, civil rights associations, government officials, law enforcers, specialists in gang prevention and the gang members with the aim of educating them and their communities about the importance of restraining from gang violence (Richard, 1994).   The causes of gang involvement including unemployment, drug culture, oppression, socio-economic factors and lack of education should be clearly understood as the starting point to identification of potential solutions

References

Michael, D. B. & Charles, P. C., (1992). Youth Violence. San Diego: Greenhaven Press.

Richard, C., (1994). Substance Abuse & Gang Violence. CA: Sage.