Understanding Contemporary Gangs in America

Understanding Contemporary Gangs 1n America: An Interdisciplinary Approach, edited by Rebecca D. Petersen, offers a unique perspective on current gang issues with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, understandable and contemporary format accessible for undergraduate students, academicians, practitioners, and policymakers. line of the most important components of this anthology is the inclusion of a variety of contemporary works on gangs. A diversity of current gang topics and issues are covered including: understanding and defining gangs; gender issues; race and ethnicity; gangs in prisons and schools; violence and drugs; gang victimization; and prevention and intervention programs and policies.

This unique book provides readers with a comprehensive and contemporary perspective on gangs in America. Its current articles, written by national experts in the field, contain a variety of diverse viewpoints and contribute to a well-rounded understanding of gangs and their broad societal implications. KEY TOPICS A seven-part organization covers 1) understanding and defining gangs; 2) gender issues; 3) race and ethnicity; 4) gangs in prisons and schools; 5) violence and drugs; 6) gang victimization; and 7) gang prevention and intervention.

For law enforcement, police, court personnel, prosecutors, public defenders, attorneys, lawyers, judges, prison/correction staff, social workers, educators, and government workers.

Dr. Rebecca D. Petersen, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Texas-San Antonio, received her Ph.D. in Justice Studies from Arizona State University. Professor Petersen recently completed a major Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded study on intimate violence among Mexican American adolescent females in which she was the Co-Principal Investigator. Her recent publications include academic journal articles and book chapters on juvenile justice policy, females and crime, gangs, juvenile corrections, intermediate sanctions and drug courts. Her recent honors include two consecutive years of being included in Who's Who Among America's Teachers.