Science / Medicine : Study Finds Rapid Growth of Gangs

The number of street gangs in the country is growing rapidly, according to USC social scientist Malcolm W. Klein.

In 1961, only 23 U.S. cities had street gangs, and the number had increased to only 78 in 1980. As of Jan. 1, the total had climbed to 187. Once found only in large cities on the coasts, the gangs have spread to the Midwest and South and to cities with as few as 8,000 inhabitants.

The prevailing notion that street gangs are key drug distribution centers is misinformed, he said. “Street gangs are a lousy mechanism for drug distribution,” he said. “The members aren’t trustworthy and the gangs aren’t well organized.”

Though some research also points to an increase in gang violence over the years, Klein says most of the crimes remain less-serious types such as vandalism and theft.

“What gang members do most is nothing,” Klein said. “Members typically sleep late, wander around and gather to watch the action. The only thing more boring than being a gang member is being a researcher watching a gang member.”