Verified Document

Gang Violence, Focusing On Drug-Related Term Paper

(Hagedorn, 1997). These studies suggest a co-relation between drug and alcohol use and violence, and that most violence occurs when one or both (the victim and the perpetrator of the crime) are high on alcohol or drugs. However, it is important to consider the fact that most "drug-related" violence is actually drug trade related. In an analysis of New York City's homicides in 1988, Paul Goldstein and his colleagues concluded, "74% of drug-related homicides were related to the black market drug trade and not drug use." Goldstein's study further notes that the leading crack-related homicide cause was shown to be territorial disputes between rival dealers, and not crack-induced violence or violence (predatory thieving) to obtain money for crack purchases (Goldstein, 1989).

Now we will briefly look at some measures that can prevent drug-related gang violence. As we have seen previously, most drug-related crimes are done for economic gains. Hence effective programs for creating jobs and expansion of job opportunities for the youth of the inner cities can significantly reduce such crimes. Prisons are breeding grounds for gang culture: it is only logical that imprisonment for petty crimes such as possession of small quantities of drugs should be done away with. Promotion of Boot Camps, Boys' ranch and other alternate programs for first-time offenders can also help in keeping the youth away from prisons and from becoming hardened criminals. Guns are very easily available in the U.S.A. Perhaps, it is now time for a crackdown on illegal sales...

More stringent gun-control laws are necessary if we are to be successful in our fight against street gang violence. The glamorization of violence and gangs by the entertainment media, such as Hollywood movies and "gangsta rap" musicians, has also played its role in promoting violence in our society. Responsible community leaders -- educators and family members -- can play a big role in the prevention of violence by stressing moral instead of material values.
There is no doubt that violence in general and drug-related gang violence in particular is a serious problem in most of our cities. It is the responsibility of all of us to analyze the real causes behind such violent behavior among the youth. Only then would we be able to find appropriate solutions for the problem.

Works Cited

Gang Awareness." Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit Website. February 13, 2002. http://www.lunaweb.com/memgang.htm

Goldstein, Paul, J., Henry H. Brownstein, Patrick J. Ryan and Patricia a. Bellucci. Crack and Homicide in New York City: A Conceptually-Based Event Analysis: Contemporary Drug Problems. (1989) 16(4):651-687

Hagedorn, John. Final Report of the Drug Posse and Homegirl Studies. Findings October 9, 1997. February 13, 2002. http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/CUIR/3Research/Gangs/final.html

Swan, Neil. NIDA Refocuses Its Research on Drug-Related Violence. Nida Notes: Violence and Drug Abuse. March / April, 1995. February 13, 2002. http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNVol10N2/Violence.html

Sources used in this document:
Works Cited

Gang Awareness." Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit Website. February 13, 2002. http://www.lunaweb.com/memgang.htm

Goldstein, Paul, J., Henry H. Brownstein, Patrick J. Ryan and Patricia a. Bellucci. Crack and Homicide in New York City: A Conceptually-Based Event Analysis: Contemporary Drug Problems. (1989) 16(4):651-687

Hagedorn, John. Final Report of the Drug Posse and Homegirl Studies. Findings October 9, 1997. February 13, 2002. http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/CUIR/3Research/Gangs/final.html

Swan, Neil. NIDA Refocuses Its Research on Drug-Related Violence. Nida Notes: Violence and Drug Abuse. March / April, 1995. February 13, 2002. http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNVol10N2/Violence.html
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Drug-Related Crime Many People Who
Words: 1590 Length: 4 Document Type: Term Paper

One example of the kind of policy change that is being suggested by some in the particular war on Meth is the reduction of the ability of meth makers, especially large scale makers to realize the supplies of a small number of raw materials used to make the drug pseudoephedrine is quaaludes, as this drug was successfully removed from the radar screen by the banning of the chemicals used

Gang Activity Please See Notes
Words: 3398 Length: 10 Document Type: Essay

This becomes further complex as economic ties blur between the poor and middle classes and the expectations each has about the definition of materialistic success. By belonging to a subculture, however, one can feel part of something larger, insulated a bit from the criticisms and unattainable messages of the upper middle class, and certainly a way to belong and feel important with one's own environment (Siegel and Welsh, 2009,

Drug Trafficking in the United States
Words: 2465 Length: 7 Document Type: Research Paper

Drug Trafficking In The United States drug trafficking in the united states "Drag trafficking is an activity that involves the importation, manufacturing, cultivation, distribution, and/or sale of illicit drags. In this hierarchical system, narcotics are moved from smugglers, growers, or manufacturers to wholesalers who pass the product down through the chain of distribution to retailers and eventually to the consumer or drug user" (Desroches, 2007, ¶ 1). Despite the problems inherent in drug abuse promoted by

Drug Addiction and Crime Over
Words: 2728 Length: 8 Document Type: Research Paper

(Cussen, 2006, pp. 39 -- 48) The Role of the Church, Family, Community and Nonprofits Like what was stated previously, our focus will be on those organizations that are through: the church, family, community and various nonprofits. The basic idea here is to have each one of these groups effectively reach out to various addicts and offer them a way of effectively dealing with their addiction. This is significant because, this

Gangs As Culture and Subculture Gangs Are
Words: 2103 Length: 5 Document Type: Essay

Gangs as Culture and Subculture Subculture Gangs are a global presence. There are gangs in nearly every culture. While they are variations in intentions and behaviors, there are general patterns and basic characteristics of all gangs. The paper will briefly explore the definition of gangs, the history of gangs, the effects of them both locally & globally, as well as the reactions from the communities in which they gangs reside and conduct

Gang Growth and Membership, Characteritics
Words: 4946 Length: 15 Document Type: Term Paper

However, some gang members specialize in multiple criminal activities such as street robbery, human trafficking and drug trafficking. Street Gangs Street gangs are the major concern to parents, school administrators and the communities because they recruit students and the youths across the United States to enhance the growth of gang memberships. Street gangs are the most prevalent type of gangs in the United States because they influence a strong control in

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now