Think Twice: Fast Facts on Gangs

 

Before you get yourself in over your head, here are a few facts on gangs to give you some perspective.

• Gang members are 60 times more likely to be killed than non-gang members.

• Gang violence has become increasingly deadly in the last several decades as a result of the introduction of automatic weapons and drive-by shootings.

• About 95% of hard core gang members are high school dropouts.

• In 1975 there were about 55,000 gang members in the United States. By 1997 the number had ballooned to over 800,000.

• Once you’re in, it is often times extremely dangerous and difficult to leave.

• Many gangs resort to violence, even homicide, to enforce loyalty and

prevent members from leaving.

Return to Tools and Tips.