Gang Violence Essay Example

It takes strenuous efforts by multiple stakeholders to combat the issue of gang involvement and violence among youths. Combatting youth involvement with gang affiliations is a key component to preventing delinquent behavior. Reducing the amount of gang activity reduces the likelihood of families becoming victims of gang violence. This also enhances the youth population in these dangerous areas to improve their quality of life. Gang violence in Los Angeles County that disproportionately impacts African Americans and Latino individuals. Gang activity is most often correlated with social and economic disadvantages. Downey is a city within the jurisdiction of Los Angeles county and has a population of just over 100,000 civilians. The city of Downey is near some of the most dangerous parts of LA County including Compton and Bellflower. This city is the focus of this research because of its reputation of keeping gang activity out of their jurisdiction despite being surrounded by some of the most dangerous parts of this nation. 

Combating juvenile involvement in gang activity, G.O.O.D. (Gangs out of Downey) has been at the forefront of this fight to prevent young individuals from becoming involved with violent gang affiliations. This is a non-profit organization that has the sole purpose of keeping gang activity out of the city. The program focuses on at-risk youth who are most susceptible to becoming affiliated with gang activity. The Mission Statement provided from the article ‘G.O.O.D. (Gangs Out Of Downey) states “Gangs Out of Downey (G.O.O.D.) strives to involve the entire community in the prevention of youth gang activity.  The people of Downey never want to be in a position of having to reclaim the streets and parks of our city.  G.O.O.D. unifies local government, business, schools, civic organizations, and residents in this effort” (Parks, rotary Club of Downey). The program works closely with the local city Police Department of Downey in creating operations of preventative care to these individuals. This relationship between the organization and police department allows for the opportunity in officers contributing their efforts through the Downey Police Officer School program. The officers in this program focus their work on providing guidance and support to the students they are responsible for. The organization also provides after school programs and schools that keep young individuals out of trouble. These programs also allow for counseling to young at-risk individuals to improve their mental health. 

This organization proves to be a factor to why the city of Downey is currently home to zero active gangs. Small, local level organizations are most successful in creating a sense of community and trust among civilians. A big factor to why the organization has had its rate of success is due to their close relationship with the Police Department, the School District, and community members. Having a close influence on the place where the majority of a young individual’s time is spent is what makes this proponent necessary. The organization has successfully created a strong foundation in its involvement with the community. 

Gang intervention programs are necessary for combatting an issue that primarily occurs in low poverty areas. Young individuals cling to these institutions because it provides a sense of belonging and protection. Juveniles are in a critical time in their life because of the decisions they are forced to make. Many of whom that live in highly populated inner cities, are given minimal resources and lack the treatment they deserve so therefore their decision to join a gang is far easier. The city of Downey has earned a distinct reputation for decades now of implementing a high volume of treatment and care to young individuals. G.O.O.D. is a grounded organization that has rooted itself into the city and its involvement with youth individuals. Creating a community based, volunteer organization allows for all walks of life to serve the youth population in deterring them away from gang involvement.