National Assessment of Gang Prosecution

For the National Institute of Justice, ILJ conducted a national assessment of gang prosecution strategies and legislative initiatives related to gangs. The study included a survey of 375 prosecutors nationwide to learn more about their experiences and concerns, and to gain a better understanding of successful and innovative prosecution approaches. Follow-up case studies were prepared on selected sites. A detailed legal and legislative analysis was prepared as part of this study. Existing and pending legislation is being tracked and examined. Such legislation includes enhanced criminal penalties for criminal street gang participation and for the commission of gang-related crimes, as well as civil and juvenile provisions in a few states. The final report discusses prosecutors' experiences in using gang-specific statutes, drug and weapons laws, state and federal RICO laws, and other strategies to combat gang-related crimes.