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The Evolution of Street Gangs : An Examination of Form and Variation

If street gangs are metamorphosing into organized criminal enterprises and large, highly organized structures, that would suggest they are becoming an even more serious threat. To determine whether this is happening, researchers examined the prevalence of different types of gangs and identified changes over time in their forms and functions. They obtained information from surveys conducted among almost 300 large police agencies and from interviews with members of four Chicago and San Diego gangs. The police and gang members' perceptions were surprisingly similar. Little specialization of roles and organization in the gangs was identified; instead there was a wide range of gang types with various structures and a great variety of criminal activities. Even though some gangs were large and had existed for many years, and even though some gangs exhibited some features of highly structured organizations, overall there was little evidence of evolution into formal organizations resembling traditional organized crime. Instead, the gangs appeared to represent an adaptive or organic form of organization, featuring diffuse leadership and continuity despite the absence of hierarchy. Gangs in both cities experienced considerable organizational change over time—consolidating, merging, acquiring smaller gangs, reorganizing, and splintering. Their " generalist " orientation may have contributed to their ability to adapt to these changes and survive in a volatile environment. The criminal versatility of gangs suggests that law enforcement directed at particular criminal behavior will work primarily for gangs that are specialized , but most are not; and enforcement and prosecution directed at targeting gang leadership may be suitable only to the few gangs that have distinctive leadership patterns. Street gangs continue to be a pervasive problem in America's cities. They contribute to high rates of violent crime, instill fear in citizens, and engage in a range of troublesome behavior, from vandalism and graffiti to drug dealing and property crime. Problems related to gangs—especially those that are more organized, engage in serious criminal activity, or are violent—are a major concern. Although gangs have been around since at least the beginning of the 20th century, it is plausible that at least some of these organizations are changing, developing into criminal enterprises that may be similar in structure and criminal activity to traditional organized crime. Much of the evidence that gangs may be metamorphosing into organized-crime-like enterprises is anecdotal, suggested by high-profile prosecutions, media coverage, or the actions of law enforcement agencies. Cases such as the 1987 conviction of …