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Research Summary:
This study details a network analysis of the street gang landscape in Newark, New Jersey. Using individual gang members as the unit of analysis and multiple layers of associations as the linkages within the networks, the results suggest that the gangs in Newark are loosely organized with pockets of cohesion. In addition, there is variation with regard to individual connectedness within the gangs, and certain gang members emerge as "cut-points" or the only connection among gang members or groups of gang members.
Policy Implications:
The results lend further credence to the notion that problem analysis should precede gang interventions. In particular, the findings suggest that particular groups of gang members may be amenable to the collective accountability tactic, whereas others may become more cohesive as a consequence. Indeed, an intervention focused on individuals may be more productive in Newark. The cut-points within gangs are particularly worthy of attention, both for their capacity to act as communication agents for a deterrence message and for their potential vulnerability to the pulling levers strategy.
KEYWORDS: Gangs, Street Gangs, Network Analysis, Intervention
The street gang literature is one of the most prominent in criminology, not only in size, but also because it is populated by some of our field's most influential theories and empirical works (see, for example, Cloward and Ohlin, 1960; Cohen, 1955; Short and Strodtbeck, 1965; Thrasher, 1927; Whyte, 1943). Despite its breadth and history, however, debates remain with regard to many seminal issues, such as how to define a street gang and the mechanisms of proliferation both within and across geographical regions. The status of the literature is not the only impetus for continued research, however. Indeed, the very nature of the problem courts attention for three primary reasons.
First, the sheer number of gangs in our nation suggests that this is a phenomenon worthy of attention. National trends have shown that gangs are increasing in number and, at the same time, illustrating a contagion effect across the country (Crane et al., 2000; Miller, 2001; OJJDP, 1998; Spergel et al., 1999). In particular, the 1990s witnessed a large growth in gang presence and activity (Curry and Decker, 2003; Howell, 1998). The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) (1998) reported that approximately...