Several kinds of Federal resources can assist local police agencies in their efforts to protect their communities from gang-related crime and violence, collect data, address gang problems, and collaborate with other local organizations to identify and address local problems.
Gangs have a long history and in recent years have become more dangerous, changed in age composition, become more involved in drug trafficking, and become more prevalent in rural counties, small cities, and towns. A national survey revealed that 48 percent of the 2,688 participants reported that youth gangs were active in their jurisdiction in 1998. The Federal Government provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency, including gang problems, through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). OJJDP has developed a comprehensive, coordinated response to youth gang problems that encompasses research, prevention, intervention, suppression, and information sharing. OJJDP resources include publications, funding opportunities, training and technical assistance, and the Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse. Other Federal activities include the research and evaluation activities of the National Institute of Justice, the training and technical assistance activities of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the OJJDP-sponsored Youth Gang Consortium. Table, photograph, and lists of publications