Policing Gangs and Youth Violence

This title is part of The Wadsworth Professionalism in Policing Series, edited by Samuel Walker. This reader is a descriptive presentation of current practices within policing and juvenile justice (focusing on gangs) that utilize the community-policing model. By looking at specific strategies and their efficacy, the authors attempt to combat a major perceived problem with community policing; that the methodology of community policing can be subjective and nebulous, using ill-defined and misinterpreted practices. This book shows what is working for agencies across the country and how these "best practices" can be employed.

Presented in this book are current practices within policing and juvenile justice (focusing on gangs), which utilize the community-policing model. By looking at specific strategies and their efficacy, the authors attempt to combat a major perceived problem with community policing; that the methodology of community policing can be subjective and nebulous, using ill-defined and misinterpreted practices. This book shows what is working for agencies across the country and how these "best practices" can be employed. Includes a focus on Boston as a model for gang policing strategies, other chapters are set in different regions of the United States.

Presents problem-solving and suppression-based approaches that police agencies are using to address youth and gang violence. The 12 chapters emphasize the complexity of issues that surround gangs, and the need to expand thinking about how to respond more effectively. Most of the contributions are case studies of projects launched by large American cities, and are written by academics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR

Scott Decker is regarded as one the most nationally recognized expert on juvenile issues in the discipline. His work is seminal in the area of gangs and police response; his research in the area forms the backbone of what is known about juvenile crime. His primary focus at this time is his research with the National Institute of Justice. Recent publications include CONFRONTING GANGS: CRIME AND COMMUNITY, (Roxbury).