Criminal Justice: Gang Prevention Strategies Report - Analysis

This report delves into the issue of gang prevention within the criminal justice system, specifically focusing on the G.R.E.A.T (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program. The author highlights the prevalence of youth gangs in the United States and the need for effective prevention strategies. The report examines the program's objectives, which include reducing juvenile delinquency and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and community members. Despite potential challenges such as resource constraints and manpower, the author advocates for the implementation of the G.R.E.A.T program and similar initiatives to address gang-related issues and promote community safety. The report also includes a reference to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Running head: CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Authors Note

1CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Taking membership in the youth gangs of the US is becoming a rising problem and it
becomes important to take necessary steps in order to control it. Some scholars who made
researches in this context are of the view that near bout one million members of young gangs
present in the US. Among them, many youngsters fall within the age group of five to seventeen
years and youngsters belong to this age group are also considered to be the active gang members.
As the numbers are shocking, therefore, it is the responsibility of the US to reduce the numbers
of the gangs. For this purpose, Comprehensive Gang Model Core Strategies, such as community
utilization, prospect provision, social interference, dominance, and structural modification and
growth are considered to be the most significant way for reducing the numbers (Howell, 2010).
However, after reviewing the programs as mentioned in the website of the Office of
Juvenile Delinquency Prevention’s Gang Prevention Program, I have particularly chosen the
Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T). It is a fact that I have never
heard about this program before and it is also not followed by every nation. In spite of that, I
believe that it would be a helpful program for every community. I have observed that the
program has been executed in the year 1991. This program aims to protect youths against
juvenile wrongdoing, youth ferocity, and gang membership ("Home | Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention", 2020). Sadly, in the US, youth crimes are observed in schools and
for this reason, School Resource Program have been executed compulsorily by numerous
community leaders into these schools . I think that as gang problem is not a big issue in my
community, therefore managing and executing G.R.E.A.T in my community may help in
reducing juvenile crime and increasing a positive relationship between law enforcement and
future leaders of community.

2CRIMINAL JUSTICE
However, certain disadvantages have been observed by me, such as manpower, expenses,
and time of training. Moreover, due to low pay and high-risk, law enforcement is not considered
to be a good career option nowadays. Therefore, in this complex situation, application of
prevention programs like G.R.E.A.T is very important.

3CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Reference
Home | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2020). Retrieved 2 March 2020,
from https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/
Howell, J. C. (2010). Gang Prevention: An Overview of Research and Programs. Juvenile Justice
Bulletin. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.