Gang Crime and Law Enforcement Recordkeeping

This Research in Brief discusses a survey conducted in spring 1992 of police departments in 79 large cities and 43 smaller cities to gather statistics on gangs, gang members, and gang-related crime. Specific data were solicited on the participation of females and ethnic minorities and on the anti-gang strategies used by the departments. National data on gangs are difficult to obtain because jurisdictions vary in definitions of what constitutes a gang and a gang-related incident. This study showed the need to work toward standardizing the meaning of "gangs" around the Nation to improve collection and reporting of national data on gang-related crime. On the basis of accurate data, the effectiveness of multiple intervention strategies could then be better assessed.