Concern About Gangs, Crime Up Markedly, Poll Shows

Gangs and drugs are an increasing worry for a majority of Orange County residents, who feel that providing alternative activities in the community would help reduce the nearly 300 gangs, according to survey results released Thursday by an anti-drug group.

The study, which was conducted in May for the nonprofit group Drug Use is Life Abuse, focused on determining the attitudes of Orange County residents on the issues of drug abuse, gangs and youth violence. It also asked about possible solutions.

The third annual survey was conducted by UC Irvine professor and pollster Mark Baldassare. He announced the results Thursday in a press conference at the law enforcement booth at the Orange County Fair attend by about 25 police and sheriff’s officials from throughout the county.

The results were released against a backdrop of increasing crime and gang violence in Orange County. Last year, gang-related homicides soared to a record-high 74.

More than half of the people polled said they view drug abuse as a major factor in street crimes, while only a third said it contributed to child abuse, according to the survey.

When residents were asked to rate the seriousness of six different issues, including crime and gangs, drug abuse and jobs and the economy, crime and gangs lead but drug abuse is not far behind.

“Crime and gangs topped the list even more so than the number of jobs and the economy,” Baldassare said.

Two-thirds of the residents called crime and gangs a “big problem,” a marked increase from two years ago, when less than half the residents ranked the problems that seriously. Health care for the poor, the homeless and quality of public schools trailed.

Although drug abuse ranked second in concern, fewer parents are talking to their children about drugs and informing them of the dangers, the survey shows. The number declined by 18 points in the past two years from 71% to 53%. Also, a lower percentage of parents are concerned that their children will experiment with drugs, from 68% in 1992 to 64%.

But almost all parents believe their children’s schools should provide drug education programs. Most parents said the programs also should involve community groups and law enforcement.

Spokeswoman Marilyn MacDougall said law enforcement agencies use the annual survey to learn the needs of the community.

“This year (the survey) showed us people want more education not only in the schools but in the workplace,” MacDougall said. “We always want to do a little more, stretch our funds and hope to reach as many kids as possible.”

Six hundred county residents participated in the random telephone survey, which was conducted May 19-22. The margin of error is plus or minus 4%.

The survey follow’s April’s release of crime statistics that showed gang-related homicides soared 72% from 1992. The total number of violent gang-related crimes, including homicides, robberies and assaults prosecuted in the county, also set a record: 25% more than 1992.

The increase in violent crimes parallels the growing gang population, which totals 16,866 gang members in 293 gangs throughout the county, double the number of gang members in 1989.

As for solving the problem, eight out of 10 residents said that alternative activities for adolescents, such as community sports or other clubs, would limit the growing gang population. Residents also said gang prevention education should not be limited to just children but expanded to include parents.

Baldassare said it is good to hear that people are looking for solutions instead of only acknowledging the problem.

“There is an increased awareness over what needs to be done,” he said. “There is a solution to the gang problem--education.”

The Big Problem

Crime, gangs and drug abuse rate as the major problems facing Orange County. Here’s how residents rate the “big problem”: Crime and gangs: 67% Drug abuse: 59% Jobs and economy: 51% Health care for the poor: 39% Homelessness: 34% Public school quality: 23%

Source: Drug Use is Life Abuse