Gang Activity: A Deeper Analysis Into The Types Of Crime Committed By Gang Members

Abstract

The aim of this study is to get a better understanding of the different types of gang-related crime. The arrests of 410 gang members in Arlington, Texas from 2010-2014 are the subjects of analysis. These records display the date of arrest, age, committed offense, and gang affiliation of each gang member arrested by the Arlilngton Police Department's gang unit during this time span. Characteristics of gang members, such as age and gang type, were compared to attributes of gang-related offenses. Gang members were broken down into different age groups and gang classifications, while criminal offenses were categorized as being violent, drug-related, or miscellaneous, based on their traits. Descriptive, univariate statistics are utilized to show the basic demographics of gangs and gang crime in Arlington. A bivariate analysis consisting of a chi-square and ANOVA was utilized to calculate the findings. Only one of the gang categories was found to have a connection to drug-affiliated crime. Similarly, age played a significant role in nearly all types of gang-related crime. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that Arlington gangs are more likely to engage in miscellaneous and drug-related offenses than violent crime.