Gang crimes and how to deal with them

 Gang activity is, unfortunately, a common occurrence all across Canada. Trying to understand the roots of the problem requires deep and broad sociological analysis that takes into consideration a multitude of factors that compose our society’s very core, but it is also essential to better deal with it. 

If you're dealing with criminal activity in Calgary, it's important to know that simply declaring war on everyone involved in the act is not a feasible solution. To effectively address gang-related crimes and other criminal activities, there needs to be a fundamental change in society. This requires collaboration between the government, the public, and expert legal professionals such as Lawyers in Calgary who can provide legal guidance and representation to ensure that justice is served.

Where Does it Come From

As stated, the origins of gang activity are a complex matter to understand in a few words, but there is a short answer. Simply put, gang activity is a consequence of social and economic issues that society tends to have. 

To illustrate this, we can take a look at the last few years. According to a study from Statistics Canada, the country has seen an increase in gang-related homicide rates for a third consecutive year in 2021, which ties well with the economic crisis that came along with this same period. In other words, when there are not enough appropriate opportunities for people, the risk of gang formation increases.

The issue is also deeply related to racism and colonialism. In the same study, people from marginalized communities were pointed out to be the main perpetrators and victims of gang-related crimes. This happens solely because, even in 2023, ethnic groups such as African-Canadians and First Nations still face discrimination that leads to the lack of opportunities for them to thrive.

Gang Crimes

Let us understand what are gang activity and the crimes that derive from it. The Government of Canada defines street gangs as “groups of young people and young adults who band together to form a semi-structured organization primarily to engage in planned and profitable criminal behaviour or organized violence against rival street gangs.”

This definition, it is important to notice, differs from the one for Criminal Business Organizations: “organized groups that exhibit a formal structure and a high degree of sophistication. These groups are comprised primarily of adults, including older adults. They engage in criminal activity, primarily for economic reasons, and almost invariably maintain a low profile, which is a key characteristic distinguishing them from street gangs”

A study conducted in 2004 all across Canada concluded that the main gang activity-related crimes vary from assault, drug trafficking, burglary and invasion of properties. Vandalism and graffiti, although still representing a big portion of criminal acts, were not the main focus of gangs. 

Another relevant fact to take note of is that most gang members are youth or young adults who, by themselves, are vulnerable to external influences. Those people, studies show, join gangs to create a sense of belonging and as a mean to lift their socio-economic position in their community. 

What Can We Do?

With all of this in mind, it is natural to ask ourselves, what can we do about it? The answer, however, is not simple. As we saw in the previous topics, gang activity has deep roots in our society, and solving this problem requires extensive work from several fronts.

First, there is police response. To attend to the immediate needs, we require the police to be well-trained and organised, allowing officers to be able to both identify and target the right people. The most problematic point of criticism towards the executive force all over the world is, precisely, police brutality which is more often than not aimed at minorities. So, when you have in mind that gang crimes are most present in marginalized young people, this issue worsens. 

Police officers must be trained to approach people safely and respectfully while also maintaining control of the situation. To achieve this goal, entire police forces will have to undergo a set of updated training and follow rigorous rules, as well as be properly punished in case of deviance. It is not an easy goal but is a vital one.

Second, there is a social solution to it. As previously mentioned, gang activity is related to a lack of socioeconomic opportunities, which essentially tells young adults that they are on their own to survive. 

By establishing a robust set of social programs and combining them with economic ones, it is possible to show those vulnerable people that society is compromised to allow them to thrive. Incentives in education, recreation and professionalization are the entire core of a healthy society, and it is what can make the rates of gang crimes finally lower. 

Dealing with gang crimes is not easy, but it is also not impossible. The solutions will not only benefit the most affected communities, but also society as a whole, and will leave long-lasting impacts for future generations to follow.