ABSTRACT
It is important to know that the U.S. Constitution prohibits criminalizing mere membership in a gang. Aligning specific gang activities with the generations of gangs they represent requires a determination of the level of sophistication, politicization, and internationalization of the gang. Three generations (or types) of gangs have been identified. To evaluate the process of gang member identification using the point system, you should choose an objective and consistent set of gang membership identifiers. Confidential informant (CI) development begins with acknowledging that the use of CIs can pose a significant risk to investigators if they are not properly managed and controlled. Differentiating the methods used for gang prevention, treatment, and suppression allows one to identify the appropriate treatment. The primary goals for the program are often to decrease gang involvement and illegal behavior.
