Gang Violence
December 13, 2009
by Katherine Orzano
Gang Violence is an issue all over the world. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 gangs, with 800,000 members, impacted 2,500 communities. New York, like many other states, is faced with the ongoing problem of gang violence. Although gangs are nothing new, the meaning, the goal, and even the areas present, have changed.
Years ago, gangs were most affiliated with larger cities whereas now gangs can be found in suburban areas. The people involved with gangs can be any race and any age. Because gangs have been around since the 1850’s, there have been many changes. Years ago, the main purpose for members to be affiliated with a gang was for protection. Many gangs were formed because people did not feel protected by the government and felt there was no justice. Many aspects of gangs have changed since then. Many people today join gangs for protection as well (usually from other gangs) and usually substituting their gang for a family, which they rarely have. Although violence has always been associated with gangs, it has grown tremendously over the years. Many gangs today use violence as initiation such as murder, rape, and armed robbery. This loses the original meaning to form a gang as protections because they are harming others to only prove they are barbaric. Because they are battling a constant war with other gangs as well, they would be better protected if never in a gang at all.
the B's and the C's
The amount of gang related violence that has happened in the past month is astounding. The news articles flood the Internet with an array of gangs, crimes, and targets all happening in New York. On December 2nd 2009, The Buffalo News stated that five members of the 1015 gang were arrested and accused of violent assaults, attempted murders, and drug trafficking. Prosecutors say that this gang is responsible for violent assaults on 5 different occasions from August until November. In gang related violence, innocent bystanders are also victims. On November 18th 2009, 15-year-old Vada Vasquez was shot in the head while walking home from school. Fortunately this young girl survived but sustains critical injuries. Police say she was walking with the intended target who also suffered from injuries. On November 4th 2009, it was revealed that the infamous MS-13 gang members created a plot to assassinate the U.S. immigration official of the New York crackdown. Fortunately, this plot was dissolved when an informant passed on the information to an official. James Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of investigations for the New York office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement stated in the Daily News, “we recognize MS-13 as one of the most violent street gangs; they’re ruthless.”
Sergeant William Glynn of the New York City Police Department describes his experience with gangs on a daily basis on patrol in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. “Over by me its mostly young kids, mostly bloods”, he stated. “The biggest thing they are involved with is robbery, drugs, and shootings.” Sgt. Glynn also discusses the difference between the reality of gangs and the stereotype people believe. He stated, “It’s not strict like you see in movies. It’s a loose organization.” He then goes on to explain that they have some rules, but they don’t usually abide by them. Many of times they will be disloyal and in some cases kill a member of their own gang. He then acknowledged, “Initiation days usually involve robberies or beating someone up from a rival gang.” Sgt Glynn then moved on to the topic of shooting, which he said to be most common in acts of retaliation. These retaliations may be the cause of rival gangs selling drugs on their turf, a gang member having been jumped, bad drug deals, or someone hitting a girlfriend of a member. All of these instances usually escalate to shootings and result in dead citizens and sometimes-innocent bystanders.
In situations like these, people may wonder what can help investigators crack down on the rising gang activities to help end violence. Surveillance systems have been a great ally for many years now proving various criminals guilty. Phone records have also helped investigators crack down on various gang related crimes such as planned attacks and drug trafficking. Although increasing technology and new media are helping officials, they are regrettably helping gang members as well. In a recent Daily News article dated November 29th 2009, gangs in New York are now using Twitter to trash-talk rivals and plan fights. A boy shot in the leg may have been targeted because of a battle started through Twitter. Investigators are monitoring Twitter to search for indications of upcoming attacks and continue searching for clues after attacks to find perpetrators.
It is interesting to look at the history of gangs dated back to the 1800’s up to the 21st century. Gangs now have resources such as phones and social-networks to expand and spread their violent chaos, which is nothing like officials have seen before. Many people have their own opinion in the matter, but it seems that most believe the senseless violent crimes have increased. It is almost impossible to end gang violence at this point in time but it is important hope, patrol, and educated to decrease the rates at which it occurs.
