Gang Violence in Michigan

Law enforcement officers on the streets have reported that gangs have infiltrated virtually every county in Michigan.Some counties have extensive gang problems, others have the beginning of a serious gang problem, or are impacted indirectly by these criminal groups.
Gang violence is not just an urban problem or rural problem. It is not just a problem for any one economic class.

If you were arrested for a violent crime and police determine that you were acting as part of a gang, you may face additional charges. Prosecutors are serious about responding to the threats of gangs in their communities. Unfortunately, there is often confusion about whether you were acting as part of an organized street gang or were just hanging out with friends when events got out of control. By: WIlliam Byrd, Nate Elbert and Tony Carleon

YOUTH GANGS, DRUGS, CRIME, AND VIOLENCE

There are places where violent behavior, gangs, and drug all converge. Teens that use drugs are twice as likely to become violent, steal, use other drugs, and also join gangs. Usually joining a gang for young male starts with no or a bad father figure. usually that's the reason why the male youth join gangs. Then when they join the gang they feel that the older gang member can feel like a father figure to them or just someone to look up to. Also gangs are not just ab big city problem but, now their a world wide problem. Mainly in all of the rural and urban areas. Quote (About one-third of public high school (37%) and middle school principals (31%) report gang activity in their schools. By age 17 one-in-twelve teens (8%) report ever belonging to a gang). If there are gangs around in your area there is a possibility that drugs, guns, and violence will follow. Quote ( The Officer of Juvenile Justice and Oelinquency Prevention found that youth who are involved in youth gangs commit three to seven times as many delinquent and criminal offenses as youth who are not gang involved).