When trying to learn more about gang problems in your community, the following questions can be helpful as you begin your assessment:

• Do gangs exist in our community?

• How do we know they exist?

• How long have these gangs been in operation?

• Approximately how many youth are involved in these gangs?

• How are youth recruited into these gangs?

• What behaviors do these gangs engage in?

• What specific harm do these behaviors cause?

  • Is someone being injured?
  • Is something being stolen? If so, what?
  • Is property being damaged?

• Could serious social or economic costs result from these behaviors?

• Who carries out these behaviors?

• What efforts, if any, have already been made to control gang membership or harmful activities?

• Are specific individuals, businesses, or community groups complaining about gang activities? If so, what specific behaviors or activities are they reporting?

• Are these behaviors being carried out at certain times and places?

Source:

Addressing Community Gang Problems: A Practical Guide (1998). Washington, DC.: Bureau of Justice Assistance. Available on-line at: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles/164273.pdf.