Criminal Groups and Networks

Chapter 9

Group Work

1. Describe the psychosocial context of criminal groups. Which factors and circumstances encourage “gangs” or groups to develop?

2. Has too much been made of gang/group violence? Is it overstated, and blown out of proportion by sensational crimes? OR

3. Is the gang problem out of control, with police unable to protect people from crime?

Definitions of a Gang/Group

Are groups of youth who loiter on a street corner or at a shopping center a gang?

Are groups who get into occasional fistfights gangs?

Are groups who steal or vandalize a gang? If they use guns are they a gang? What if

they use sticks and bats?

Definitions of a Gang/Group

“gang” can be misleading way of describing different kinds of gatherings of young people (criminal stereotype and exaggerated media images that both foster & play into already existing stereotypes) White; black; Asian; Native………… Most primarily male; some female They are from lower class communities, middle class

communities & upper class communities

Learning to commit crime

Importance of social psychological perspective: Leaned from others Accept standards, morals & norms (counter-culture) More likely when benevolent & authoritative units of

socialization (family) are dysfunctional or unavailable Salience of social identity In-group vs out-group attitudes Internalize group values

Social Facilitation

Influence of others with regular social interactions Risk or protective factors?

Recruitment, making ‘contacts’, sharing of information, planningCriminal ideologies

Criminal Identity

Identity or self-concept Influenced by social group In-group Adolescence – explore alternative value systems Adulthood – change social group; legitimate groups &

work vs. deviant life style Label & self-fulfilling prophecy Acceptance & support

Violent Crowd Behaviour

Deindividuation (traditional explanation)

Depersonalization (newer explanation)

Careers, Roles and Narratives

‘Career’ – life course criminal Role or status level? Self-defining; what a person does

becomes who they are

Activity 9.1

Group Processes

Co-offending situations Transient groups vs. established teams

Mechanisms of control (conformity & leadership)Processes of social influence

Conformity & leadershipRole differentiation & division of labourSituational demands

Social Psychology & the CJS

The CrimeHow do we organize investigations?Judgements and priorities

The Police and the Public In-group/out-group attitudes

The CourtPlayers interact in accordance with assigned

roles (& values & expectations)

AND NOW

More stuff that is not in the book………

Underreporting

Would you report? Why or why not?

Most don’t because of:

FEAR

Characteristics of Gang/Group Violence

Larger, more cohesive & well-structured gangs of older adolescents & adults (male dominated)

Most street crimes committed by youth is shocking & disturbing (e.g., Reena Virk)

Most younger gang/groups not well organized & often impulsive (more ‘pack’-like = more dangerous & volatile)

Increasing availability of weapons

Much violence is between groups themselves

Characteristics of Gang/Group Violence

Evolving nature of Canadian society – many different ethnicities in same neighbourhoods

Young females more involved in gang-related activity, assaults & robberies; using more weapons (knives); more extreme & violent?

Understanding Gang/Groups

Numerous theories include: Peer pressure, diffusion of responsibility, support & a

feeling of solidarity, need to take risks; boredom; attraction of monetary & psychological rewards

Social learning (what they see on tv, among peers, in their home)

Result of alienation, lack of opportunity or response to poverty; academic failure, abuse

How do we explain majority of gang/group members involve middle class youth – as victims & perpetrators?

Understanding Gang/Groups

There does not appear to be a single risk factor or set of factors that are predictive of gang membership and/or gang/group violence. Societal aspects Community aspects Family aspects School aspects Peers Individual characteristics

Understanding Gang/Groups

B.C. provincial correctional centres files (41) analyzed as part of general census of youth and adult facilities; interviewed 25 inmates Majority were 25 years or younger, male, and members of one of

the 11 gangs First contact with gang at young age (via close relative or friend) Joined gang gradually because of rewards; boredom; offered

some excitement ‘It made me feel proud’, ‘I felt more powerful, I had

nothing else to do and I had more friends if I joined’, ‘It felt good, I felt protected’ (source: Gordon – dissertation, 1994)

Communities and Subcultures

Gangs offer members something they are missing High rates of social interaction within the gang Group interaction produces a system of mutual

obligations essential to group cohesion Can be highly organized Criminal groups: groups of friends that get together with

the motive of committing a crime Street gangs: combined youth and adults who form

semi-organized groups for purpose of profit; identify themselves through dress and using a street name

The Role of Street Gangs in Organized Crime

Organized crime groups may seek out street gangs to carry out various criminal acts (e.g., drug running) Provide a buffer between organized crime group & law

enforcement May be recruited to join organized crime groups

Common characteristic of street gang members is live in one geographic area (within a few blocks of each other)

Street gangs may commit violence against rival gangs & be territorial

Prevention of Gang/Group Violence Key factors in deterring crime is imagined

chance of arrest, conviction, & punishment

Legal Approaches (‘get tough approach’ won’t solve problem – we need more)

Community Approaches Joint effort Recognize growing problem of racial tensions in

gang/group conflicts

Education, education, education