| Abstract: | Once found principally in large cities, violent street gangs now affect public safety, community image, and quality of life in communities of all sizes in urban, suburban, and rural areas. No region of the United States is untouched by gangs. Gangs affect society at all levels, causing heightened fears for safety, violence, and economic costs. Funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), this report is the result of a collaborative effort among the members of the National Alliance of Gang Investigators Associations (NAGIA). NAGIA is composed of the leadership of 15 state and regional gang investigators associations, representing over 10,000 gang investigators across the country, and representatives of federal agencies and other organizations involved in gang-related matters. |
