Firearm Possession and Engagement in Violent and Property Crimes Among Gang-Involved Youth

• In Event: Firearms Possession and Ownership

Abstract

Youth gang members are significantly more likely than their non-gang peers to carry a firearm. Gang-involved youths are also more likely to engage in criminal behavior. However, not all gang members carry guns, and not all gang members commit crimes. In the current study we examine the relationship between gun-carrying and commission of violent and property crimes among adolescent gang members. Specifically, we use data from the Rochester Youth Development Study to estimate fixed effects logistic and ordinary least squares regression equations to determine whether gang members who arm themselves are more likely to commit violent and property crimes, and also whether they commit a greater number of these offenses than gang members who do not carry firearms.

Authors

• Alan Lizotte, University at Albany, SUNY

• Arna Carlock, University at Albany, SUNY

• Marvin Krohn, University of Florida