Youth Gangs and Crime: A Societal Challenge - Essay Sample

Introduction

Crime and drug abuse are a big challenge in society, especially young people. Middle and high school level kids have been reported to involve themselves in criminal and violent activities in the US. The acts are believed to be increasing because of the efforts put by the gangs who are already in action to recruit new members from the society (Donermenyor, 2015). The community has suffered a lot in the illegal acts of the gangs who are known. It is the work of the police to arrest the culprits and take them to be arraigned in court. But the more the groups are arrested, the more they emerge. The situation means that something different has to be done to stop the illegal work of gangs permanently. The best way to end the criminal acts is through education to the youth, who are the primary victims of the scenario. This paper provides an action plan from the police on how the issue can be handled permanently.

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For such an issue to be addressed, there must be several initiatives that will help to rectify the mindset of those who join and recruit illegal gangs. The first initiative is education. The police department will need to organize educational programs for the youth in the society about crime. The plans should be held in every community to educate youth on the effects of criminal activities. A child should be taught that sin causes a loss of precious lives. The life can be either of the casualties of crimes or the criminals themselves. They should know that lives are vital and they should be protected. It would be regrettable to lose lives through criminal acts. It will also be essential to inform the youth that crime causes damage and loss of property. Everyone in society has the right to own property, and no one should take them away from the owner without permission. Crime also inhibits progress in the community in terms of economy, education, infrastructure, and technology. People will shy away from places that experience crimes implying that there is little which will be taking place in such areas. Apart from educating youth on the effect of sin, it will be essential to recommend various activities that they can involve themselves in that can help them in life. Young people need to take part in helping their parents with multiple activities like house chores and other light work. During the free time, young people can involve themselves in recreational activities like playing games. If youth can be made to realize the importance of engaging in meaningful activities mentioned above, they will never want to participate in violent and criminal activities.

Young children are mostly affected by violence because they are defenseless. Some of the adverse effects include insults, sexual harassment, mental and physical torture. Adverse effects of violence on children can be lessened by protecting them from risks that might lead them to violence (Finkelhir, 2015). Children should be accompanied by their parents, guardians, or teachers wherever they are going. The company of those people provides them with protection from violence. Children should not be left alone at home; there must be an adult to watch over them until they are big enough to take care of themselves. Violence on children needs to attract heavy penalties to warn whoever might want to insult them.

There are various things that children engage themselves in that trigger the to join crime. Exposure to videos that show violent acts might tempt children to try them in real-life situations. Violent video games should be limited to children. Every parent needs to be responsible enough to regulate the kind of video games that their children are playing.

Crime in society should not be left for security officers only. It would be beneficial if every member of the community can be vigilant in matters of corruption. The organization can help report any acts of violence or crime whenever they see. They should also set an excellent example for children to enumerate. The society plays a significant role in keeping the community free from violence and crime.

The police measure is not exceptional. It is the role of the police to not only enforce the law but educate the youth on the need to be obedient to the law. The police department needs to organize an education initiative that will be run regularly in every community to make sure that every generation is well informed with matters to do with security.

All these things need time and resources for them to be achieved. The police department ought to set aside some material and financial resources to fund the whole programs. The level of crime incidents can only measure the effectiveness of the plan to provide an alternative solution to criminal acts among the youth. If the episodes reduce, it will be an indication that the action was useful, and if not, then something has to be done.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the action plan on alternative actions to curb criminal acts among youth who are being experienced in the US has solutions. It is upon authorities to implement the strategies as soon as possible to help salvage the child who is trapped in crime.

Reference

Donnermeyer, J. F. (2015). The social organisation of the rural and crime in the United States: Conceptual considerations. Journal of rural studies, 39, 160-170.

Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., Shattuck, A., Hamby, S., & Kracke, K. (2015). Children's exposure to violence, crime, and abuse: An update. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.