Nj Gang Related Homicides
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Violence in New Jersey: The Impact of Gangs
Katherine Hempstead, Director Office of Injury Surveillance and Prevention Center for Health Statistics November 3, 2006
Center for Health Statistics
Office of Injury Surveillance and Prevention z
z z
Analyzes and disseminates information on all types of injuries Assists those engaged in injury prevention activities throughout the state http://www.state.nj.us/health/chs/oisp/index.shtml
Center for Health Statistics
New Jersey Violent Death Reporting System z
z
Surveillance project designed to provide detailed information on homicides and suicides Information disseminated to assist in violence prevention efforts statewide
Center for Health Statistics
…in our country, the greatest threat to the lives of children and adolescents is not disease or starvation, but the terrible reality of violence.” Surgeon General David Satcher, 2002 Report on Youth Violence
Center for Health Statistics
Violence is a public health issue z
Interpersonal violence is a major cause of injury and death to adolescents and young adults
z
Homicide is the second leading cause of death for those aged 15-24 years
z
In 2004, 120 homicides in this group, as compared with @160 motor vehicle deaths
Center for Health Statistics
Age distribution of homicide victims: 2004 deaths 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 < 15 Center for Health Statistics
15-24 25-34 35-44 45-64
65+
Racial and ethnic distribution of homicide victims: 2004 deaths 250 200 150 100 50 0 Black Center for Health Statistics
Hispanic
White
Asian
Long-term trends in homicide z
z z z z
Between mid-1960s and 1980, homicide rates rose sharply Rates declined during mid-1980s Began rising again, peaking in early 1990s Homicide declined sharply since early-1990s Since 2000, the number of homicides in New Jersey has been increasing – trend is less pronounced nationally
Center for Health Statistics
Homicides in New Jersey, 1992-2005 450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1992
Center for Health Statistics
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Homicide Rate per 100000, New Jersey, 1992-2005 6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0 1992
Center for Health Statistics
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Homicide trends z
z
z
z
After a period of declining homicides, we have returned to the levels of the early 1990s The number of homicides has increased by over 30 percent since 2000 The homicide rate has increased over 25 percent since 2000 Homicides are at their highest level since 1993
Center for Health Statistics
Homicides in New Jersey by age of victim, 20002005 180
160
140
120
2000
100
2001
2003
80
2005
60
40
20
0
Under 10
Center for Health Statistics
10 - 19
20 - 29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+
Homicides have risen most among young adults Percent increase in homicides, 2000-2005 90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0% 15 - 19
Center for Health Statistics
20 - 24
25 - 29
30 - 34
35 - 39
40 - 44
Are all kinds of homicides increasing? z
Several major categories of homicide z
Family – z z
z z z z
Center for Health Statistics
Intimate Partner Child Abuse
Committed during a felony Other arguments/quarrel Drug-related/ gang-related circumstances unknown
Trend in homicides by type z
z
z
Family homicides have been declining steadily over past several decades Homicides resulting from arguments, and committed during felonies, have declined as well - but stabilized since 2000 Homicides with circumstances unknown, drug-related or gang-related have risen
Center for Health Statistics
How do we measure gang activity in New Jersey? z z
z
Database on gang members Survey data on gang presence in New Jersey municipalities Signs, symbols, grafitti and tattoos…
Center for Health Statistics
How do we measure impact of gangs on violence? z z
z
Difficult to measure Homicides can be classified according to whether or not “gang-related” “gang-related” – can be divided into: z
z z
“gang-motivated” versus “gang member”
but often – no information is available Non-fatal injuries – even less information
Center for Health Statistics
Current sources of information on homicide circumstances z z z z z
Police reports UCR/SHR Medical Examiner’s report Death certificate Newspaper articles
Center for Health Statistics
Using these sources – explicit mention of gang- or drug-relatedness 60
53
52
2004
2005
50 40
37
30 20 10 0 2003 Center for Health Statistics
Clearly this is an understatement There are types of homicides we associate with gang activity: z z z z z
Young male victim Weapon used – usually firearm Attack occurs in public place Multiple victims and/or multiple suspects No other known cause
Center for Health Statistics
Broader definition: “gang*” z
(Circumstance associated with gang violence z
z z z z z
i.e. gang-related, drug-related, bystander
And… No circumstance not consistent with gang) Or… No circumstances known And for all: Suspect is not relative or intimate of victim
Center for Health Statistics
About 40% of homicides in 2003-2004 fit this definition 786
800 700 600 500 400
407
379 310
300 200
135
175
100 0 2003 Center for Health Statistics
2004
Total
Total Gang*
Over 70% of these homicides occurred in 8 cities Newark Camden Irvington Paterson Trenton East Orange Elizabeth Jersey City Total Center for Health Statistics
94 48 19 14 13 13 11 10 222
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Racial and ethnic characteristics of gang* homicides, 2003-2004 80 70 60 50 40
8 Big cities Elsewhere
30 20 10 0 % Black
Center for Health Statistics
% % White Hispanic
Weapons used in gang* homicides, 2003-2004 90 80 70 60 50
8 Big cities Elsewhere
40 30 20 10 0 % Guns Center for Health Statistics
% Knives
Prevention z
We often hear about the “epidemic” of violence
z
We also often hear: “Violence is not a disease. It is a learned behavior. Therefore it is preventable.”
Center for Health Statistics
Types of prevention strategies - public health approach z z z
Primary – general population Secondary – at-risk groups Tertiary - those with the condition
To develop prevention strategies, need to think about causes of problem, identify groups to target Center for Health Statistics
Why is gang activity increasing now? One theory: 1.
Explosion in youth violence:
•
Youth violence/delinquency has been rising steadily since 1980s – didn’t decline like other crime indicators - continuation in trend
•
•
Center for Health Statistics
Cohort theory of boom in youth violence – “super-predators” have arrived
National data suggests juvenile homicide offense rates have not increased since 2000
Center for Health Statistics
New Jersey, 2005 (UCR) z
z z z
z
6 % of cleared homicides were juvenile offenders Most frequent offender and victim group: 25-29 year old males Current increase in violence is not exclusively a youth problem Majority of criminals and victims are adults
Center for Health Statistics
Implication for prevention: z z
z
z
Can’t target all efforts at youth Most people committing violent offenses are not adolescents They are not affected by programs in schools, parent education….. Fewer prevention options with adults
Center for Health Statistics
However, gang membership is growing… z
Gang membership is a significant and positive determinant of violence z
z
z
Even controlling for family and community characteristics, and delinquency of peers Several longitudinal studies have established this
So deterring gang membership is an important step in violence prevention
Center for Health Statistics
Why do youths join gangs? z z z z z z z
Community Family Individual In particular: Attachment to delinquent peers Low attachment to family and school “Street socialization”
Center for Health Statistics
Gangs and delinquency z z z
z
Delinquency precedes gang membership But usually increases after joining Gangs have an independent effect on criminal behavior But those who join gangs are not randomly selected
Center for Health Statistics
Primary prevention z
Schools are a major site, z
z z
Parent education Community programs z
z
G.R.E.A.T. (AZ), other examples
After-school programs, etc.
Evaluations of these kinds of programs show modest success….could have long term effects….difficult to measure
Center for Health Statistics
In New Jersey: Community Partnerships for Healthy Adolescents Grants from Division of Family Health Services, NJDHSS
Gang awareness, bullying prevention, anger management, peer-to-peer conflict mediation z z z z
z
Bergen Family Center Sussex County Gang Awareness Task Force Montclair School District Perth Amboy
Many similar programs funded by DHS, DOE, etc…
Center for Health Statistics
Secondary prevention z z
z
z
Programs that target those identified as being at especially high risk Ex: BGCA – provides case management, special training, increased alternative activities Ex: Early intervention programs that identify disruptive boys in elementary schools, visiting nurses…. Good results for some…but expensive!
Center for Health Statistics
Tertiary prevention z z z z z
z
Targets those already involved in gangs Larger role played by law enforcement Early example, “Operation Hammer” – L.A. More recent example, “Operation Ceasefire” Community involvement important to successful efforts D.O.C. program good example of tertiary prevention – targets gang leaders in custody
Center for Health Statistics
Prevention efforts must be system-wide z z
z
Primary, Secondary, Tertiary all important Must target individuals but also macro-level factors No easy solutions
Center for Health Statistics
Reducing gun violence z
z z
z
Important role of firearms in recent increase in homicide has been shown Major problem - illegal guns Reducing proliferation of illegal handguns is important component to reducing fatalities and serious injuries Reducing trafficking and/or getting guns off street
Center for Health Statistics
Reducing inflow of illegal guns z z
z z
z
New Jersey has relatively strict gun control laws Most guns used in crimes in NJ come from out of state, where gun laws are looser Jersey City – “One gun a month” purchase law JHU gun violence center - ideas for local and state law enforcement to use to combat gun trafficking: http://www.jhsph.edu/gunpolicy/How%20Cities%20Can%20Combat %20Illegal%20Guns.pdf
Center for Health Statistics
Getting illegal guns off the streets z
Buy-back program – Jersey City, other jurisdictions – generally modest results
z
“Consent to search” – St. Louis – parent could consent to search home for guns owned by juveniles, no prosecution on gun charges.
Center for Health Statistics
Conclusion: Reducing gang violence z z
z z z
Problem is not limited to youth Violence emerges from complex community, family, and individual, factors – requires a multi-disciplinary approach Successful prevention starts early in life Primary prevention must be coupled with other types Reducing supply of illegal guns is important component of violence reduction effort
Center for Health Statistics
Katherine Hempstead, Director Office of Injury Surveillance and Prevention Center for Health Statistics November 3, 2006
Center for Health Statistics
Office of Injury Surveillance and Prevention z
z z
Analyzes and disseminates information on all types of injuries Assists those engaged in injury prevention activities throughout the state http://www.state.nj.us/health/chs/oisp/index.shtml
Center for Health Statistics
New Jersey Violent Death Reporting System z
z
Surveillance project designed to provide detailed information on homicides and suicides Information disseminated to assist in violence prevention efforts statewide
Center for Health Statistics
…in our country, the greatest threat to the lives of children and adolescents is not disease or starvation, but the terrible reality of violence.” Surgeon General David Satcher, 2002 Report on Youth Violence
Center for Health Statistics
Violence is a public health issue z
Interpersonal violence is a major cause of injury and death to adolescents and young adults
z
Homicide is the second leading cause of death for those aged 15-24 years
z
In 2004, 120 homicides in this group, as compared with @160 motor vehicle deaths
Center for Health Statistics
Age distribution of homicide victims: 2004 deaths 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 < 15 Center for Health Statistics
15-24 25-34 35-44 45-64
65+
Racial and ethnic distribution of homicide victims: 2004 deaths 250 200 150 100 50 0 Black Center for Health Statistics
Hispanic
White
Asian
Long-term trends in homicide z
z z z z
Between mid-1960s and 1980, homicide rates rose sharply Rates declined during mid-1980s Began rising again, peaking in early 1990s Homicide declined sharply since early-1990s Since 2000, the number of homicides in New Jersey has been increasing – trend is less pronounced nationally
Center for Health Statistics
Homicides in New Jersey, 1992-2005 450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1992
Center for Health Statistics
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Homicide Rate per 100000, New Jersey, 1992-2005 6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0 1992
Center for Health Statistics
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Homicide trends z
z
z
z
After a period of declining homicides, we have returned to the levels of the early 1990s The number of homicides has increased by over 30 percent since 2000 The homicide rate has increased over 25 percent since 2000 Homicides are at their highest level since 1993
Center for Health Statistics
Homicides in New Jersey by age of victim, 20002005 180
160
140
120
2000
100
2001
2003
80
2005
60
40
20
0
Under 10
Center for Health Statistics
10 - 19
20 - 29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+
Homicides have risen most among young adults Percent increase in homicides, 2000-2005 90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0% 15 - 19
Center for Health Statistics
20 - 24
25 - 29
30 - 34
35 - 39
40 - 44
Are all kinds of homicides increasing? z
Several major categories of homicide z
Family – z z
z z z z
Center for Health Statistics
Intimate Partner Child Abuse
Committed during a felony Other arguments/quarrel Drug-related/ gang-related circumstances unknown
Trend in homicides by type z
z
z
Family homicides have been declining steadily over past several decades Homicides resulting from arguments, and committed during felonies, have declined as well - but stabilized since 2000 Homicides with circumstances unknown, drug-related or gang-related have risen
Center for Health Statistics
How do we measure gang activity in New Jersey? z z
z
Database on gang members Survey data on gang presence in New Jersey municipalities Signs, symbols, grafitti and tattoos…
Center for Health Statistics
How do we measure impact of gangs on violence? z z
z
Difficult to measure Homicides can be classified according to whether or not “gang-related” “gang-related” – can be divided into: z
z z
“gang-motivated” versus “gang member”
but often – no information is available Non-fatal injuries – even less information
Center for Health Statistics
Current sources of information on homicide circumstances z z z z z
Police reports UCR/SHR Medical Examiner’s report Death certificate Newspaper articles
Center for Health Statistics
Using these sources – explicit mention of gang- or drug-relatedness 60
53
52
2004
2005
50 40
37
30 20 10 0 2003 Center for Health Statistics
Clearly this is an understatement There are types of homicides we associate with gang activity: z z z z z
Young male victim Weapon used – usually firearm Attack occurs in public place Multiple victims and/or multiple suspects No other known cause
Center for Health Statistics
Broader definition: “gang*” z
(Circumstance associated with gang violence z
z z z z z
i.e. gang-related, drug-related, bystander
And… No circumstance not consistent with gang) Or… No circumstances known And for all: Suspect is not relative or intimate of victim
Center for Health Statistics
About 40% of homicides in 2003-2004 fit this definition 786
800 700 600 500 400
407
379 310
300 200
135
175
100 0 2003 Center for Health Statistics
2004
Total
Total Gang*
Over 70% of these homicides occurred in 8 cities Newark Camden Irvington Paterson Trenton East Orange Elizabeth Jersey City Total Center for Health Statistics
94 48 19 14 13 13 11 10 222
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Center for Health Statistics
Racial and ethnic characteristics of gang* homicides, 2003-2004 80 70 60 50 40
8 Big cities Elsewhere
30 20 10 0 % Black
Center for Health Statistics
% % White Hispanic
Weapons used in gang* homicides, 2003-2004 90 80 70 60 50
8 Big cities Elsewhere
40 30 20 10 0 % Guns Center for Health Statistics
% Knives
Prevention z
We often hear about the “epidemic” of violence
z
We also often hear: “Violence is not a disease. It is a learned behavior. Therefore it is preventable.”
Center for Health Statistics
Types of prevention strategies - public health approach z z z
Primary – general population Secondary – at-risk groups Tertiary - those with the condition
To develop prevention strategies, need to think about causes of problem, identify groups to target Center for Health Statistics
Why is gang activity increasing now? One theory: 1.
Explosion in youth violence:
•
Youth violence/delinquency has been rising steadily since 1980s – didn’t decline like other crime indicators - continuation in trend
•
•
Center for Health Statistics
Cohort theory of boom in youth violence – “super-predators” have arrived
National data suggests juvenile homicide offense rates have not increased since 2000
Center for Health Statistics
New Jersey, 2005 (UCR) z
z z z
z
6 % of cleared homicides were juvenile offenders Most frequent offender and victim group: 25-29 year old males Current increase in violence is not exclusively a youth problem Majority of criminals and victims are adults
Center for Health Statistics
Implication for prevention: z z
z
z
Can’t target all efforts at youth Most people committing violent offenses are not adolescents They are not affected by programs in schools, parent education….. Fewer prevention options with adults
Center for Health Statistics
However, gang membership is growing… z
Gang membership is a significant and positive determinant of violence z
z
z
Even controlling for family and community characteristics, and delinquency of peers Several longitudinal studies have established this
So deterring gang membership is an important step in violence prevention
Center for Health Statistics
Why do youths join gangs? z z z z z z z
Community Family Individual In particular: Attachment to delinquent peers Low attachment to family and school “Street socialization”
Center for Health Statistics
Gangs and delinquency z z z
z
Delinquency precedes gang membership But usually increases after joining Gangs have an independent effect on criminal behavior But those who join gangs are not randomly selected
Center for Health Statistics
Primary prevention z
Schools are a major site, z
z z
Parent education Community programs z
z
G.R.E.A.T. (AZ), other examples
After-school programs, etc.
Evaluations of these kinds of programs show modest success….could have long term effects….difficult to measure
Center for Health Statistics
In New Jersey: Community Partnerships for Healthy Adolescents Grants from Division of Family Health Services, NJDHSS
Gang awareness, bullying prevention, anger management, peer-to-peer conflict mediation z z z z
z
Bergen Family Center Sussex County Gang Awareness Task Force Montclair School District Perth Amboy
Many similar programs funded by DHS, DOE, etc…
Center for Health Statistics
Secondary prevention z z
z
z
Programs that target those identified as being at especially high risk Ex: BGCA – provides case management, special training, increased alternative activities Ex: Early intervention programs that identify disruptive boys in elementary schools, visiting nurses…. Good results for some…but expensive!
Center for Health Statistics
Tertiary prevention z z z z z
z
Targets those already involved in gangs Larger role played by law enforcement Early example, “Operation Hammer” – L.A. More recent example, “Operation Ceasefire” Community involvement important to successful efforts D.O.C. program good example of tertiary prevention – targets gang leaders in custody
Center for Health Statistics
Prevention efforts must be system-wide z z
z
Primary, Secondary, Tertiary all important Must target individuals but also macro-level factors No easy solutions
Center for Health Statistics
Reducing gun violence z
z z
z
Important role of firearms in recent increase in homicide has been shown Major problem - illegal guns Reducing proliferation of illegal handguns is important component to reducing fatalities and serious injuries Reducing trafficking and/or getting guns off street
Center for Health Statistics
Reducing inflow of illegal guns z z
z z
z
New Jersey has relatively strict gun control laws Most guns used in crimes in NJ come from out of state, where gun laws are looser Jersey City – “One gun a month” purchase law JHU gun violence center - ideas for local and state law enforcement to use to combat gun trafficking: http://www.jhsph.edu/gunpolicy/How%20Cities%20Can%20Combat %20Illegal%20Guns.pdf
Center for Health Statistics
Getting illegal guns off the streets z
Buy-back program – Jersey City, other jurisdictions – generally modest results
z
“Consent to search” – St. Louis – parent could consent to search home for guns owned by juveniles, no prosecution on gun charges.
Center for Health Statistics
Conclusion: Reducing gang violence z z
z z z
Problem is not limited to youth Violence emerges from complex community, family, and individual, factors – requires a multi-disciplinary approach Successful prevention starts early in life Primary prevention must be coupled with other types Reducing supply of illegal guns is important component of violence reduction effort
Center for Health Statistics
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