What Are Gang Programs/Strategies?

Many different programs/strategies have been implemented to address gang membership and gang-related crime. These programs and strategies vary in focus, location, goals, and type of approach. For instance, some programs/strategies target prison-based gang behavior while other programs/strategies are designed to prevent youths from joining gangs.

Community-based gang programs/strategies can be grouped into the following categories: prevention of gang membership; intervention with current gang members to address membership and behavior; suppression approaches; or comprehensive, mixed methods strategies.

Examples of prevention programs include programs designed to improve community conditions for youth, school classroom curricula that promote life skills, and after-school programs.
Intervention gang programs/strategies include programs such as street worker programs, violence prevention, and crisis intervention.
Gang suppression programs/strategies use law enforcement methods (e.g., surveillance, crackdowns, and multi-jurisdictional task forces), legislative measures (e.g., civil gang injunctions), and/or prosecution methods (e.g., enhanced prosecution or vertical prosecution) to reduce gang activity.
Comprehensive programs/strategies typically use multiple approaches including prevention, intervention, and suppression activities.

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