Gang Violence, Focusing on Drug-Related Term Paper

(Hagedorn, 1997). These studies suggest a co-relation between drug and alcohol use and violence, and that most violence occurs when one or both (the victim and the perpetrator of the crime) are high on alcohol or drugs.

However, it is important to consider the fact that most "drug-related" violence is actually drug trade related. In an analysis of New York City's homicides in 1988, Paul Goldstein and his colleagues concluded, "74% of drug-related homicides were related to the black market drug trade and not drug use." Goldstein's study further notes that the leading crack-related homicide cause was shown to be territorial disputes between rival dealers, and not crack-induced violence or violence (predatory thieving) to obtain money for crack purchases (Goldstein, 1989).

Now we will briefly look at some measures that can prevent drug-related gang violence. As we have seen previously, most drug-related crimes are done for economic gains. Hence effective programs for creating jobs and expansion of job opportunities for the youth of the inner cities can significantly reduce such crimes. Prisons are breeding grounds for gang culture: it is only logical that imprisonment for petty crimes such as possession of small quantities of drugs should be done away with. Promotion of Boot Camps, Boys' ranch and other alternate programs for first-time offenders can also help in keeping the youth away from prisons and from becoming hardened criminals. Guns are very easily available in the U.S.A. Perhaps, it is now time for a crackdown on illegal sales of guns. More stringent gun-control laws are necessary if we are to be successful in our fight against street gang violence. The glamorization of violence and gangs by the entertainment media, such as Hollywood movies and "gangsta rap" musicians, has also played its role in promoting violence in our society. Responsible community leaders -- educators and family members -- can play a big role in the prevention of violence by stressing moral instead of material values.

There is no doubt that violence in general and drug-related gang violence in particular is a serious problem in most of our cities. It is the responsibility of all of us to analyze the real causes behind such violent behavior among the youth. Only then would we be able to find appropriate solutions for the problem.

Works Cited

Gang Awareness." Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit Website. February 13, 2002. http://www.lunaweb.com/memgang.htm

Goldstein, Paul, J., Henry H. Brownstein, Patrick J. Ryan and Patricia a. Bellucci. Crack and Homicide in New York City: A Conceptually-Based Event Analysis: Contemporary Drug Problems. (1989) 16(4):651-687

Hagedorn, John. Final Report of the Drug Posse and Homegirl Studies. Findings October 9, 1997. February 13, 2002. http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/CUIR/3Research/Gangs/final.html

Swan, Neil. NIDA Refocuses Its Research on Drug-Related Violence. Nida Notes: Violence and Drug Abuse. March / April, 1995. February 13, 2002. http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNVol10N2/Violence.html