US gang problem isn’t going away anytime soon

Important Takeaways:

  • Gangs in the U.S. include prison gangs, local street gangs, and national street gangs. There are about 33,000 gangs in the U.S., with over one million members. Many of these gangs started and still exist in urban areas. For example, national street gangs developed in major cities like Chicago and New York City but later grew in other cities like Washington D.C. and Albuquerque. Gangs are active in all 50 states, all U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
  • While gang members and gang activity exist across the country, some states have a larger gang presence than others.
  • California, Nevada, Idaho, New Mexico, and Illinois have the most gang members for every 1,000 citizens of the state. Because California, Nevada, and Illinois have major cities, the amount of gang activity would be expected to be higher. New Mexico has been the focus of an FBI investigation of gang activity.
  • Probably the most surprising state on the list is Idaho. There has been a growing gang presence in the state for the past few years. Many of these gangs originated in the state’s prisons, although there are members of national and local gangs as well.
  • American gangs are responsible for about 48% of violent crimes in most jurisdictions. Major cities and suburban surroundings experience most gang activities, especially gang-related violent crimes.

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