Continued

Among other factors, the presence of gangs and gang activity directly and indirectly effect communities in the following ways:

"Negative"

• Higher incidence of graffiti and vandalism in neighborhoods and cities
• Increased instances of violent crime including armed burglaries and homicides
• Larger prevalence of drug dealing and drug use in neighborhoods classified as "gang territories"
• Larger rate of high school dropouts and lower levels of academic performances with regards to education
• A strain on municipal, state and federal resources, taking away funds and other resources from other projects and city services to combat gangs
• A negative influence on youth that fatally steers them to a glorified "gang life"

[1.]

Of course, gangs also seem to provide "benefits," both directly and indirectly, which allow them to replenish their ranks and continue the cycle through recruitment of youth.

"Positive"

• Gangs seem to provide a "Sense of belonging," especially enticing to kids with a lack of social support or structure at school, home, etc.
• Similarly, gangs present an opportunity to be members of a surrogate " Family," where associates look for the best interests of each other.
• Direction in life
• Community protection/welfare is the most direct approach used by gangs for recruitment. Gangs promise safety and help to neighborhoods under their control in return for allegiance.