Strategies to Address Gang Crime: A Guidebook for Local Law Enforcement

This document provides information about developing and enhancing local law enforcement responses to gangs in their jurisdictions. The focus of the guidebook is on the use of problem-solving strategies to help agencies select the interventions most appropriate for their jurisdictions. In particular, the guidebook describes the SARA model (Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment), a strategic problem-solving process that local law enforcement can apply to its local gang problem. Growing evidence (Dalton, 2004) shows that applying the SARA model will greatly improve the law enforcement response to gangs and will lead to safer communities.

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Author: Scott H. Decker, Ph.D.

Federal Sponsor Agency: COPS

Provider: Institute for Public Safety Partnerships, University of Illinois at Chicago

Publication Date: 2008