How Significant Is the Gang Threat?
The Gang Threat Assessment published by the NGIC in November 2011 indicates that there are an estimated 1.4 million active street, prison and outlaw motorcycle gang members in more than 33,000 gangs operating in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Gang membership continues to increase.
The assessment found that gangs are responsible for 48% of violent crime in most jurisdictions and up to 90% in several others. The assessment also pointed out that gangs are acquiring high-powered military style weapons and equipment, which poses a potential to engage in lethal encounters with law enforcement and citizens alike, to include hospital security.
The Gang Threat Assessment further revealed a growing threat of “Hybrid Gangs.” The Hybrid gang culture” is characterized by members of different racial/ethnic groups participating in a single gang, individuals participating in multiple gangs, unclear rules or codes of conduct, symbolic associations with more than one well established gang (e.g., use of colors and graffiti from different gangs), cooperation of rival gangs in criminal activity, and frequent mergers of small gangs.
Charles D. Moore Sr., CHPA is the director of security at Northwest Hospital in Randallstown, Md.
