NCJ Number
248025
Date Published
December 2014
Length
4 pages
Publication Series
Annotation
This fact sheet provides an overview of the nation's gang problem as identified in the 2012 National Youth Gang Survey (NYGS).
Abstract
This fact sheet provides an overview of trends in gang activity, law enforcement designations of gang membership, factors influencing local gang violence, and anti-gang measures. The National Gang Survey is administered annually by the National Youth Gang Center to a national representative sample of local law enforcement agencies. Data from 3,100 jurisdictions in 2012 estimated that there were 30,700 gangs (8% increase from 2011), 850,000 gang members (11% increase), and 2,363 gang-related homicides (20% increase compared with previous 5-year average). Nearly 30 percent of responding agencies reported gang activity, which continued to be concentrated primarily in urban areas, even more so in recent years. Gang-related homicides increased overall nationally, partly due to increased and more complete reporting by agencies.
Date Published: December 1, 2014