Title: Gangs, Crime and Violence (California) - the California Crime and Violence Prevention Center Tarrant Cares, Texas
Headings: Gangs, Crime and Violence (California)
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Gangs, Crime and Violence (California)
California Gang History
Recognizing Denial
Partnerships for Prevention
What is a gang?
Asian
African American
Hispanic
White
Age
Gang Migration

Content: Gangs are not gender specific. They exist in urban, suburban and rural communities. While many who join gangs are unmarried, unemployed and school dropouts, today’s gang members can also be parents, students, employed and educated. In fact, some gang members are honor students in high school, college students and even active members of the U.S. military. Belonging to a gang severely harms a young person’s future. Gang members often socialize only with other gang members, reinforcing their limited view of life. They frequently establish a lifelong pattern of involvement with the criminal justice system. They may commit serious and violent crimes that lead to lengthy incarcerations. They may be injured for life, or killed. Their gang membership may place an entire family household at risk.