What is meant by the term serious, violent, and chronic offender? Why is it important in the field of crime and justice?
What are the defining characteristics of a “gang”?
Compare and contrast the emergent, crystalized, and formal gang structure.
Why do gangs develop? Under what historical conditions did gangs develop? What are the characteristics of the community within which gangs form?
Why do youth join gangs? Why do they leave? What do you believe prevents individuals from joining gangs?
Describe female participation in gangs. What kinds of roles do females play within the gang? How is female participation different from male participation?
Why is it important to prevent gangs and gang involvement?
Describe the role of the streetworker in the prevention of gang involvement and the reduction of gang violence.
Describe the Pulling Levers and Project Safe Neighborhood strategies. Explain how these comprehensive programs work to reduce serious and violent offending in urban communities.
