GANG INJUNCTIONS

Gang Injunctions

Abstract

In this paper we have explored the concept of Gang Injunctions in a detailed manner. The study starts with the introduction of the Gang Injunctions policy, and then the study illustrates different aspects of the Gang Injunctions. Moreover, the study analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the Gang Injunctions and its impacts on other components of the criminal justice system. Finally, the study concludes with recommendations for improvement in Gang Injunctions policy.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Crime Problem Related To the Policy4

The Injunction Process5

Acquisition Phase5

Implementation Phase6

Discussion7

Magnitude of the Crime Problem7

Who Does the Problem Impact8

Social and Moral Costs8

Emergence of Social Problems Such As Youth Gangs9

Past Policies9

Statistical Overview10

Strengths of Policy11

History of Policy11

Effectiveness11

Accomplishments12

Weaknesses and Flaws13

Impact on Other Components of Criminal Justice14

Discussion and Recommendation15

How Can This Policy Be Improved?15

Revise and Implement Accessible Exit Strategies16

Modify the way in which the injunctions are crafted and implemented so that they promote, rather than deter, involvement in intervention efforts16

References18

Gang Injunctions

Introduction

Gang injunctions, also known as civil gang injunctions, are court orders sought by public prosecutors to quell a specific gang or named gang members and associates' routine activities in a geographically defined space. The injunctions that have been granted primarily affect impoverished, minority neighborhoods and may actually serve to further stigmatize and oppress innocent minority youth who also live in these communities. This entry briefly explains the history of gang injunctions and the gang injunction process and touches upon the potential for abuse in acquiring gang injunctions (Pizzaro & McGloin, 2004).

Crime Problem Related To the Policy

A criminal gang or gang is a group of individuals who share a common ideology; largely caused by their association. One of their characteristic is their readiness to use violence against other gangs and to extend it against just about anyone. They engage in criminal activities, in nature and intensity variables, from this point of view; their representation in the show business industry is quite unrealistic. The notion of organized crime figures in the semantic network of the word gang. The gangs also found in prison, where some born and swarm to the outside world.

The Injunction Process

Although gang injunctions were first utilized in Los Angeles in the 1980s, their use began to expand more rapidly in the 1990s. The lawsuit that is widely credited with marking the beginning of the Los Angeles City Attorney's current use of gang injunctions was filed against alleged members of the Playboy Gangster Crips in 1987. Gang injunctions have received national attention, and Los Angeles has been credited for "pioneering" their use.' Within the city of Los Angeles alone, there are at least 43 permanent gang injunctions in place, restricting the activities of at least 71 gangs, and there are many more injunctions within the county of Los Angeles. Gang injunctions are being increasingly utilized in counties throughout California, and more recently other states have initiated their use.

A gang injunction is a court order that prohibits gang members and associates from engaging in specified behaviors within specifically designated geographical boundaries. An injunction is similar to a civil restraining order in ...