Full Description
The Gang Life: Laugh Now, Cry Later examines the criminal gangster mindset and offers gang prevention strategies, using real-world examples to demonstrate a holistic approach toward combatting this surging societal problem. The text outlines the evolution of gang membership from a state of interest, to association, to hardcore "O.G." (Original Gangster) status, and explores the evolution of law enforcement's multi-pronged approach to combating criminal street gang violence, from the catch-and-release mentality of the 1970s and 1980s to today's collaboration with private organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs.
In-depth profiles, case studies, and lengthy histories of gangs, gang members, and their transformations are provided to demonstrate the deleterious effect of gangs on society. Designed for criminal justice students and for practitioners in the field, this text offers readers a holistic approach toward gang prevention from three nationally awarded educators and gang investigators.
Contents
Forewords Acknowledgments Introduction 1. The Problem 2. National Perspective 3. Discussion 4. Criminal Justice Transformation 5. Gang Trends 6. First Contact 7. Intervention 8. Second Contact 9. Sustained Programs 10. When Efforts Fail 11. Suppression 12. Final Contact 13. Case Studies 14. Strain to the Criminal Justice System 15. The Way Forward 16. Findings Conclusion Afterword References Index
