ABSTRACT
One fact that has been clearly shown throughout this book is that gangs have a number of negative effects on communities, community members, and the individuals who are gang members. Although there are some positive consequences of gang membership for some gang members, the negatives that arise from gangs are far more common. Most of these negative aspects of gangs are associated with the crimes that gang members commit. Therefore, gangs are an important issue that law enforcement agencies need to address. In order to make our communities safe and desirable places to live, the police need to be aware of gangs, work to keep individuals out of gangs, and effectively respond to the crimes committed and victims injured by gangs. Because gangs are involved in a variety of crimes, and sometimes a large number of crimes, it is important that police are aware of gangs, devote time and energy to prevent gangs from forming, and effectively respond to the harm gangs bring to communities.
