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Perceptions of gangs among prosecutors in an emerging gang city

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  • Fox, Kathleen A.
  • Lane, Jodi

Abstract

Gangs were a target of widespread political and social attention during the 1990s, and despite a short-lived lull in policy focus, gangs are recently receiving increased attention from policymakers. In spite of political concern about gangs, very little research had examined perceptions of gangs. By conducting face-to-face interviews with thirty of thirty-five county prosecutors, this study was among the first to examine prosecutors' perspectives of gangs in Gainesville, Florida, an area that could be considered an "emerging" gang city. Themes from the interviews were extracted and included prosecutorial perceptions of the: (1) definition and prevalence of gangs in Gainesville, Florida; (2) personal and social characteristics of gang members; (3) reasons people join gangs; and (4) best approaches to stop or eliminate gangs. The ways in which prosecutors' perspectives mirror prior research on gangs is highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • Fox, Kathleen A. & Lane, Jodi, 2010. "Perceptions of gangs among prosecutors in an emerging gang city," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 595-603, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:38:y::i:4:p:595-603
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Decker, Scott H. & Curry, G. David, 2000. "Addressing key features of gang membership: Measuring the involvement of young members," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 28(6), pages 473-482.
    2. St. Cyr, Jenna L. & Decker, Scott H., 2003. "Girls, guys, and gangs: Convergence or divergence in the gendered construction of gangs and groups," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 423-433.
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