SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 27
Gangs & College Carter F. Smith carterfsmith@gmail.com 615-656-3505
	Given USC’s location in downtown Los Angeles, crime can seem almost inevitable, especially when there are two gangs operating within miles of campus. These groups are active and potentially dangerous, but their threat doesn’t extend to the USC campus, experts say.
This ain'tSoCal it's Mid TN
Gang numbers are up! More than 1/3 of US jurisdictions had gang problems in 2007 highest number since before 2000 (NYGS).  Progressive increase in adult gang members since 1996 (then 50-50%). In 2006 it was 36.5 juvenile -- 63.5 adult. ,[object Object]
80% of all crimes committed by gang members. ,[object Object]
22% saw a gang problem off campus
16% saw a gang problem on campus
For Reference Purposes
36% saw gang problem increase
Half thought gang members were responsible  for over 10% of crime on campus
One-third thought more than 10% of students were active members
Police perspective Most (88%) thought gang members were responsible less than 10% of crime on campus
Why would gangs want college graduates?
3G2 Based on the coining and development of the phrase Third Generation Street Gangs by John P. Sullivan and Dr. Robert Bunker
Third Generation Street Gangs Some gangs evolve/transition through three generations Turf gangs Market-oriented drug gangs Mix of political and mercenary elements
Three factors determine evolutionary potential Politicization Internationalization Sophistication
Characteristics of Street Gang Generations
First Generation Gangs Traditional street gangs - turf orientation  Lower end of extreme societal violence Loose leadership  Focus on turf protection and gang loyalty Criminal activity - opportunistic and local Limited in political scope and sophistication
Second Generation Gangs Entrepreneurial and drug-centered Protect markets - use violence to control competition Broader market, sometimes overtly political Broader spatial or geographic area Sometimes multi-state and international
Third Generation Gangs Evolved political aims Operate or aspire to operate globally  Garner power, aid financial acquisition, mercenary-type activities Most primarily mercenary  Some seek to further political and social objectives
Potential Third Generation Gangs: 18th Street Mara Salvatrucha Gangster Disciples Vice Lords Calle Treinta Pagad Hard Livings
Third Generation Gangs Economic and military power equal or better than many nation-states. Propensity for indiscriminate violence, intimidation, coercion, transcending borders, and targeting nation-states  Significant national security threats  Both regional and transnational phenomenon
Continue the conversation . . .
Gangs negatively affect campuses.  Developed gangs have sent their members to college to advance the gangs.  The mindset and criminal activity of gang members can negatively affect all on campus. Take aways

More Related Content

What's hot

Military trained gang members in the volunteer state- four year follow-up wi...
Military trained gang members in the volunteer state-  four year follow-up wi...Military trained gang members in the volunteer state-  four year follow-up wi...
Military trained gang members in the volunteer state- four year follow-up wi...
Carter F. Smith, J.D., Ph.D.
 
Bloods V Crips
Bloods V CripsBloods V Crips
Bloods V Crips
MrG
 

What's hot (20)

Gang Violence
Gang ViolenceGang Violence
Gang Violence
 
2016 Voter Insights - Seniors
2016 Voter Insights - Seniors2016 Voter Insights - Seniors
2016 Voter Insights - Seniors
 
Aging Out Or Evolving
Aging Out Or EvolvingAging Out Or Evolving
Aging Out Or Evolving
 
2016 Voter Insights - Millennials
2016 Voter Insights - Millennials2016 Voter Insights - Millennials
2016 Voter Insights - Millennials
 
Consumer Energy Alliance Poll of Voters in NC, VA, WV re Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Consumer Energy Alliance Poll of Voters in NC, VA, WV re Atlantic Coast PipelineConsumer Energy Alliance Poll of Voters in NC, VA, WV re Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Consumer Energy Alliance Poll of Voters in NC, VA, WV re Atlantic Coast Pipeline
 
What Does It Mean and How Did We Get Here?
What Does It Mean and How Did We Get Here? What Does It Mean and How Did We Get Here?
What Does It Mean and How Did We Get Here?
 
2016 Voter Insights - Latino Millennials
2016 Voter Insights -  Latino Millennials2016 Voter Insights -  Latino Millennials
2016 Voter Insights - Latino Millennials
 
Racism isn't just the GOP
Racism isn't just the GOPRacism isn't just the GOP
Racism isn't just the GOP
 
Military trained gang members in the volunteer state- four year follow-up wi...
Military trained gang members in the volunteer state-  four year follow-up wi...Military trained gang members in the volunteer state-  four year follow-up wi...
Military trained gang members in the volunteer state- four year follow-up wi...
 
Street gangs terrorists and outlaw bikers smith-harms withpaper
Street gangs terrorists and outlaw bikers smith-harms withpaperStreet gangs terrorists and outlaw bikers smith-harms withpaper
Street gangs terrorists and outlaw bikers smith-harms withpaper
 
American Youth Disengaging from Politics
American Youth Disengaging from PoliticsAmerican Youth Disengaging from Politics
American Youth Disengaging from Politics
 
Usa politics News
Usa politics NewsUsa politics News
Usa politics News
 
Gang Safety
Gang SafetyGang Safety
Gang Safety
 
Statement...On The Grand Jury Decision Re the Death of Michael Brown
Statement...On The Grand Jury Decision Re the Death of Michael BrownStatement...On The Grand Jury Decision Re the Death of Michael Brown
Statement...On The Grand Jury Decision Re the Death of Michael Brown
 
Bloods V Crips
Bloods V CripsBloods V Crips
Bloods V Crips
 
Hashtags trending essay
Hashtags trending essayHashtags trending essay
Hashtags trending essay
 
5 Things You Need to Know About the Coming Trump vs. Clinton Showdown
5 Things You Need to Know About the Coming Trump vs. Clinton Showdown5 Things You Need to Know About the Coming Trump vs. Clinton Showdown
5 Things You Need to Know About the Coming Trump vs. Clinton Showdown
 
Gangs and the military
Gangs and the military Gangs and the military
Gangs and the military
 
2016 Election Opinion Interviews
2016 Election Opinion Interviews2016 Election Opinion Interviews
2016 Election Opinion Interviews
 
Hate Crime in Prison
Hate Crime in PrisonHate Crime in Prison
Hate Crime in Prison
 

Similar to Gangs+college

Gang member undergrads what are gang members doing in our colleges and univer...
Gang member undergrads what are gang members doing in our colleges and univer...Gang member undergrads what are gang members doing in our colleges and univer...
Gang member undergrads what are gang members doing in our colleges and univer...
Carter F. Smith, J.D., Ph.D.
 
racial profiling
racial profilingracial profiling
racial profiling
ordonia.pl
 
Guatemal A Large Latin American Country
Guatemal A Large Latin American CountryGuatemal A Large Latin American Country
Guatemal A Large Latin American Country
Courtney Davis
 

Similar to Gangs+college (11)

3G2 - Third Generation Gangs
3G2 - Third Generation Gangs3G2 - Third Generation Gangs
3G2 - Third Generation Gangs
 
Gangs And The Military
Gangs And The MilitaryGangs And The Military
Gangs And The Military
 
Gang member undergrads what are gang members doing in our colleges and univer...
Gang member undergrads what are gang members doing in our colleges and univer...Gang member undergrads what are gang members doing in our colleges and univer...
Gang member undergrads what are gang members doing in our colleges and univer...
 
racial profiling
racial profilingracial profiling
racial profiling
 
Guatemal A Large Latin American Country
Guatemal A Large Latin American CountryGuatemal A Large Latin American Country
Guatemal A Large Latin American Country
 
Gang terroroc scja2011
Gang terroroc scja2011Gang terroroc scja2011
Gang terroroc scja2011
 
Latent Transitions in Sexual Violence Perpetration in a nationally representa...
Latent Transitions in Sexual Violence Perpetration in a nationally representa...Latent Transitions in Sexual Violence Perpetration in a nationally representa...
Latent Transitions in Sexual Violence Perpetration in a nationally representa...
 
FINAL+DRAFT-2
FINAL+DRAFT-2FINAL+DRAFT-2
FINAL+DRAFT-2
 
A Crucible Of Conflict Third Generation Gang Studies Revisited
A Crucible Of Conflict  Third Generation Gang Studies RevisitedA Crucible Of Conflict  Third Generation Gang Studies Revisited
A Crucible Of Conflict Third Generation Gang Studies Revisited
 
0747405 Gang Violence
0747405 Gang Violence0747405 Gang Violence
0747405 Gang Violence
 
Violence in Latin America
Violence in Latin AmericaViolence in Latin America
Violence in Latin America
 

More from Carter F. Smith, J.D., Ph.D.

Current and emerging trends in the private security industry and the need for...
Current and emerging trends in the private security industry and the need for...Current and emerging trends in the private security industry and the need for...
Current and emerging trends in the private security industry and the need for...
Carter F. Smith, J.D., Ph.D.
 
Gang investigators' perceptions of military trained gang members in the south...
Gang investigators' perceptions of military trained gang members in the south...Gang investigators' perceptions of military trained gang members in the south...
Gang investigators' perceptions of military trained gang members in the south...
Carter F. Smith, J.D., Ph.D.
 
Corrections today corrections in the classroom - a recruiting tool
Corrections today   corrections in the classroom - a recruiting toolCorrections today   corrections in the classroom - a recruiting tool
Corrections today corrections in the classroom - a recruiting tool
Carter F. Smith, J.D., Ph.D.
 

More from Carter F. Smith, J.D., Ph.D. (20)

APA Manual 7th Edition - prerelease essentials
APA Manual 7th Edition -  prerelease essentialsAPA Manual 7th Edition -  prerelease essentials
APA Manual 7th Edition - prerelease essentials
 
The Hounds
The HoundsThe Hounds
The Hounds
 
Success tips for (my) classes
Success tips for (my) classesSuccess tips for (my) classes
Success tips for (my) classes
 
James Earl Hitchcox
James Earl HitchcoxJames Earl Hitchcox
James Earl Hitchcox
 
Current and emerging trends in the private security industry and the need for...
Current and emerging trends in the private security industry and the need for...Current and emerging trends in the private security industry and the need for...
Current and emerging trends in the private security industry and the need for...
 
Gang investigators' perceptions of military trained gang members in the south...
Gang investigators' perceptions of military trained gang members in the south...Gang investigators' perceptions of military trained gang members in the south...
Gang investigators' perceptions of military trained gang members in the south...
 
Gangcoptechspeak
GangcoptechspeakGangcoptechspeak
Gangcoptechspeak
 
Forget Internships - Bring Employers and Their Work into the Classroom!
Forget Internships - Bring Employers and Their Work into the Classroom!Forget Internships - Bring Employers and Their Work into the Classroom!
Forget Internships - Bring Employers and Their Work into the Classroom!
 
Domestic Terrorism in the Next Eleven
Domestic Terrorism in the Next ElevenDomestic Terrorism in the Next Eleven
Domestic Terrorism in the Next Eleven
 
12 steps to_id-dt
12 steps to_id-dt12 steps to_id-dt
12 steps to_id-dt
 
I gangs hi tech gang communication-handout
I gangs hi tech gang communication-handoutI gangs hi tech gang communication-handout
I gangs hi tech gang communication-handout
 
All grown up handouts
All grown up   handoutsAll grown up   handouts
All grown up handouts
 
Public service announcement
Public service announcementPublic service announcement
Public service announcement
 
Security administration in the classroom more challenging when it’s not as ...
Security administration in the classroom   more challenging when it’s not as ...Security administration in the classroom   more challenging when it’s not as ...
Security administration in the classroom more challenging when it’s not as ...
 
Gang Investigators' Perceptions of Military-Trained Gang Members in the Sout...
Gang Investigators' Perceptions of Military-Trained Gang Members in the Sout...Gang Investigators' Perceptions of Military-Trained Gang Members in the Sout...
Gang Investigators' Perceptions of Military-Trained Gang Members in the Sout...
 
Flash gangs scja2011
Flash gangs scja2011Flash gangs scja2011
Flash gangs scja2011
 
Gangs in the military forces conspire to make u.s. gangs a worldwide threat
Gangs in the military   forces conspire to make u.s. gangs a worldwide threatGangs in the military   forces conspire to make u.s. gangs a worldwide threat
Gangs in the military forces conspire to make u.s. gangs a worldwide threat
 
Carole Hitchcox
Carole HitchcoxCarole Hitchcox
Carole Hitchcox
 
Perceptions of gang investigators regarding presence of military trained gang...
Perceptions of gang investigators regarding presence of military trained gang...Perceptions of gang investigators regarding presence of military trained gang...
Perceptions of gang investigators regarding presence of military trained gang...
 
Corrections today corrections in the classroom - a recruiting tool
Corrections today   corrections in the classroom - a recruiting toolCorrections today   corrections in the classroom - a recruiting tool
Corrections today corrections in the classroom - a recruiting tool
 

Recently uploaded

Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
kauryashika82
 
Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024Final.pptx
Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024Final.pptxSeal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024Final.pptx
Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024Final.pptx
negromaestrong
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
ciinovamais
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
heathfieldcps1
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Asian American Pacific Islander Month DDSD 2024.pptx
Asian American Pacific Islander Month DDSD 2024.pptxAsian American Pacific Islander Month DDSD 2024.pptx
Asian American Pacific Islander Month DDSD 2024.pptx
 
Mixin Classes in Odoo 17 How to Extend Models Using Mixin Classes
Mixin Classes in Odoo 17  How to Extend Models Using Mixin ClassesMixin Classes in Odoo 17  How to Extend Models Using Mixin Classes
Mixin Classes in Odoo 17 How to Extend Models Using Mixin Classes
 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
 
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptxBasic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
 
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdfKey note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
 
Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024Final.pptx
Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024Final.pptxSeal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024Final.pptx
Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024Final.pptx
 
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan FellowsOn National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
 
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptxUnit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
 
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning ExhibitSociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
 
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
 
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
 
Explore beautiful and ugly buildings. Mathematics helps us create beautiful d...
Explore beautiful and ugly buildings. Mathematics helps us create beautiful d...Explore beautiful and ugly buildings. Mathematics helps us create beautiful d...
Explore beautiful and ugly buildings. Mathematics helps us create beautiful d...
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
 
TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...
TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...
TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...
 
General Principles of Intellectual Property: Concepts of Intellectual Proper...
General Principles of Intellectual Property: Concepts of Intellectual  Proper...General Principles of Intellectual Property: Concepts of Intellectual  Proper...
General Principles of Intellectual Property: Concepts of Intellectual Proper...
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
 
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
 

Gangs+college

  • 1. Gangs & College Carter F. Smith carterfsmith@gmail.com 615-656-3505
  • 2. Given USC’s location in downtown Los Angeles, crime can seem almost inevitable, especially when there are two gangs operating within miles of campus. These groups are active and potentially dangerous, but their threat doesn’t extend to the USC campus, experts say.
  • 4.
  • 5.
  • 6. 22% saw a gang problem off campus
  • 7. 16% saw a gang problem on campus
  • 9. 36% saw gang problem increase
  • 10.
  • 11.
  • 12. Half thought gang members were responsible for over 10% of crime on campus
  • 13. One-third thought more than 10% of students were active members
  • 14. Police perspective Most (88%) thought gang members were responsible less than 10% of crime on campus
  • 15.
  • 16. Why would gangs want college graduates?
  • 17. 3G2 Based on the coining and development of the phrase Third Generation Street Gangs by John P. Sullivan and Dr. Robert Bunker
  • 18. Third Generation Street Gangs Some gangs evolve/transition through three generations Turf gangs Market-oriented drug gangs Mix of political and mercenary elements
  • 19. Three factors determine evolutionary potential Politicization Internationalization Sophistication
  • 20. Characteristics of Street Gang Generations
  • 21. First Generation Gangs Traditional street gangs - turf orientation Lower end of extreme societal violence Loose leadership Focus on turf protection and gang loyalty Criminal activity - opportunistic and local Limited in political scope and sophistication
  • 22. Second Generation Gangs Entrepreneurial and drug-centered Protect markets - use violence to control competition Broader market, sometimes overtly political Broader spatial or geographic area Sometimes multi-state and international
  • 23. Third Generation Gangs Evolved political aims Operate or aspire to operate globally Garner power, aid financial acquisition, mercenary-type activities Most primarily mercenary Some seek to further political and social objectives
  • 24. Potential Third Generation Gangs: 18th Street Mara Salvatrucha Gangster Disciples Vice Lords Calle Treinta Pagad Hard Livings
  • 25. Third Generation Gangs Economic and military power equal or better than many nation-states. Propensity for indiscriminate violence, intimidation, coercion, transcending borders, and targeting nation-states Significant national security threats Both regional and transnational phenomenon
  • 27. Gangs negatively affect campuses. Developed gangs have sent their members to college to advance the gangs. The mindset and criminal activity of gang members can negatively affect all on campus. Take aways

Editor's Notes

  1. http://dailytrojan.com/2011/01/25/gang-violence-near-campus-not-a-threat-experts-say/Gang violence near campus not a threat, experts sayBy KiraBrekke · Daily TrojanPosted January 25, 2011 at 12:14 am in News(Votes: 9; Avg: 4.56)  Loading ...Given USC’s location in downtown Los Angeles, crime can seem almost inevitable, especially when there are two gangs operating within miles of campus. These groups are active and potentially dangerous, but their threat doesn’t extend to the USC campus, experts say.Reform · Jorja Leap, a UCLA professor who works at Homeboy Industries, stands with Fabian Debora, a former gang member, in front of a mural Debora painted as part of the program. - Photo courtesy of Jorja LeapInstead, Jorja Leap, a gang researcher and UCLA professor, said the campus itself motivates, inspires and shows others that a higher quality of life exists.Leap has been working on a five-year study at Homeboy Industries, following 300 gang members as they go through the Homeboy/Homegirl program, which works to counsel young people and to redirect their lives. Leap said all the gang members she has worked with perceive USC as a symbol of opportunity, and most wouldn’t dare bring violence to the campus area.“For them, USC is sacred and they don’t cross the line,” Leap said. “I’m saying this as someone whose been on the faculty at UCLA, and I’m not really interested in propaganda at USC. But this is a phenomenon I’ve seen among the gang members that I’ve worked with.”Dept. of Public Safety Assistant Chief John Thomas said the two gangs closest to campus are the Fruit Town Brims, and the Harpys. Thomas said the Fruit Town Brims are small in comparison to the Harpys, but their area is defined as south of Jefferson Boulevard and west of Vermont Avenue.Leap said these gang members recognize the benefits that USC offers to the community.“Eighty percent of these members love USC, and they want their kids to go to USC,” Leap said. “USC is almost like Switzerland, it’s like a neutral zone and they all observe this.”This rings true for Thomas, who grew up near USC, and ultimately was inspired to attend UCLA.“If it wasn’t for USC, I would never have thought that a college education was a reality. It was the USC students, the people at Doheny, the programs I would go to, being on that campus, and all those things that made UCLA a reality,” Thomas said.Thomas said that gangs don’t often bother students who live in the area, and that the main effect the gang presence has on the community is that it compromises quality of life through intimidation.DPS, LAPD and other departments have been able to identify and closely monitor the majority of the gang members, Thomas said.DPS uses a system called CompStat that compiles all of the crimes that occur every week, according to Thomas. This is part of an accountability process where every week, DPS and other departments dissect the causes of crimes to put together strategies. Thomas said this helps DPS detect patterns of crime earlier, increasing the chances of preventing similar crimes from occurring.“We get a very intimate sense of what’s occurring, where it’s occurring, but usually when we start seeing these patterns, we’re able to jump on them real early to the point where most people don’t see it coming because we’re able to use strategies,” Thomas said.When gang members from the area are released from jail, LAPD officers and other officers often meet with the members to help ease them into a life without crime.Leap and Thomas said that for USC to keep crime rates low, the university needs to maintain community outreach programs as a way to show these at-risk children that a better life exists.“[Community outreach programs are] a win-win. This benefits USC and benefits the community,” Leap said. “The university is kind of a place of enlightenment and it is important USC doesn’t become a place of suppression.”Thomas can personally attest to the value of USC’s community outreach programs.“You walked onto that campus, and you had stepped into a whole other reality, you really did,” he said. “For the folks around [the USC] neighborhood, it’s a blessing to live around USC, it always has been. You felt fortunate.”
  2. With the growing presence of criminal street gang members in the United States, communities everywhere are experiencing the damaging impact of criminal behavior. More than one third of the jurisdictions included in the National Youth Gang Survey (NYGS) experienced gang problems in 2007, the highest number since before 2000. A 2009 report by the National Gang Intelligence Center (NGIC) reported the number of gang members in the United States was conservatively estimated at 1,000,000 as of September 2008. This represented an estimate that was 200,000 (25%) higher than the 800,000 reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Deputy Director Pistole in March of 2008. This grant will provide needed localized training for many of the state’s Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Court Officers regarding the growing threat of criminal street gangs.
  3. Campus police (mostly MTSU) surveyed 2009-2010 said . . .
  4. 2010 MTSUAnnual Security Report http://police.mtsu.edu/policies/cleryactpolicies.pdf
  5. Campus police (mostly MTSU) surveyed 2009-2010 said . . .
  6. Members of criminal street gangs negatively affect our communities with their behavior, and cannot be ignored on college campuses. The more developed gangs have sent their members into the workforce and colleges to advance the intentions of the gangs. Though their physical presence may not be as visible due to limited displays of gang graffiti, clothing, and other indicators, the mindset and criminal activity of gang members can negatively affect all on campus.