Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does our community need to do an assessment? We already know where our gang problem is.
2. Why does it take so long to complete the assessment?
3. We do not know anything about analyzing data. How are we supposed to know what is important?
4. There is no money for this kind of assistance. How can we get help?
7. Gangs and gang membership are already defined by law. Why do we need another definition?
1. Why does our community need to do an assessment? We already know where our gang problem is.
Research has consistently shown that gang problems differ among and within communities. Unless communities explore and clearly understand the nature and scope of their gang problem based on multiple sources of information, they cannot begin to respond effectively or efficiently. The gang problem must be regarded as systemic in that the activities of youth in gangs and the community response to the problem are interactive. A comprehensive assessment will provide essential information the community needs to identify the locale and target group(s) to focus resources. A comprehensive assessment of the gang problem will:
Identify the most serious and prevalent gang-related problems.
Determine potential factors contributing to gang problems.
Identify target group(s) for intervention, suppression, and prevention efforts.
Shape community mobilization efforts and identify community members who should be involved.
Identify organizational or systems issues that must be addressed in order to have a long-term effect on the problem.
Identify current efforts to address gangs and gang-involved youth.
2. Why does it take so long to complete the assessment?
Data collected from multiple sources are needed to provide a complete picture of the community’s gang problem. Community demographic data, criminal justice gang crime data, student/school data, gang member interview data, and community perception data all must be collected and analyzed prior to developing a plan for reducing the gang problem. From previous experience, it usually takes communities nine months to a year to complete the assessment and develop an implementation plan to address the gang problem.
The Model was initially designed to be implemented in a section of a city, rather than throughout a city or county. In large cities and suburban counties, the sheer volume of data precludes collecting and analyzing data citywide or countywide. It may be necessary to scan several indicators of gang activity (such as gang crime) in order to "home in" on the target community. Once the focus is narrowed, this smaller area(s) of the city or county becomes the target of the in-depth assessment.
3. We do not know anything about analyzing data. How are we supposed to know what is important?
A research partner, usually someone from a local college, university, or other research organization, can assist communities conducting an assessment by providing data collection and data analysis experience and skills.
4. There is no money for this kind of assistance. How can we get help?
Ask for help from a local university or college. Many are an integral part of the community and have researchers that have been previously involved in community projects.
5. How will the Comprehensive Gang Model work with other programs and services already established within the community to address the gang problem?
The assessment process not only identifies the nature and scope of the community’s gang problem but also helps develop the capacity of the community to address its gang problem. During the assessment process, current resources are identified that are relevant to the problem. The implementation plan that follows combines those resources with additional resources needed as indicated in the Assessment Report.
6. We already have a committee of citizens to address community problems. Why do we need another Steering Committee for this project?
The Comprehensive Gang Model requires specialized oversight. The Steering Committee should be comprised of key community leaders (formal and informal), agency and organization heads, and those representing residents (grassroots and community-based groups). The Steering Committee will oversee the assessment and implementation processes. Members should therefore have not only an interest in impacting the local gang problem but the ability to influence the group or organization they represent so as to effect change or access resources.
7. Gangs and gang membership are already defined by law. Why do we need another definition?
Each community is different, as are its gang problems. The Steering Committee must define key gang-related terms—gang, gang member, and gang incident—prior to the start of the assessment to ensure that everyone understands the focus of the project and that all data relevant to the gang problem are collected. Many statutory definitions have been developed to guide collection of intelligence by law enforcement or to enhance existing penalties for certain crimes. Police or prosecutors usually construct such definitions without consultation with or input from other sectors of the community. These definitions may be too narrowly constructed and may exclude youth who should be targeted in this program. On the other hand, some law enforcement definitions may be perfectly satisfactory if they are discussed and found acceptable to the Steering Committee.
8. How do we go about identifying specific gang crime data when they have not been collected separately from other crime incidents?
Records from criminal justice agencies—courts, probation, parole, and law enforcement—may have to be individually searched for this information. Those familiar with gang-related crime incidents or information can usually identify them as gang-related. Collecting this information is key to identifying the targets for suppression, intervention, and prevention and the areas where gang violence is most prevalent.
