Gangs and gang activity in a non-metropolitan community: Perceptions of students, teachers and police officers

This study was conducted in a small community in the south which was identified by its police force as having a sizable gang population. Individuals from 3 groups within the community who have frequent, direct contact with gang members participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires designed to measure their general perceptions of the gangs, the actors associated with gang development, and the community’s response to the gang presence. The results showed striking perceptual differences between the groups, as well as a number of similarities.