Gangs

Instructions

Written Assignment 1This assignment is designed to provide context for the study of gangs by becoming familiar with the appearance, growth, or decline of gangs within your local community and state. What is the view of governmental, school, and social agencies on the trends locally? Check local newspapers and news reports related to the topic.You are required to research local trends through Interviews (phone or in-person) and by obtaining statistics related to this issue. If your area, according to local officials, is not experiencing gang development, include that information in your report. Click the links below to view the guidelines and assessment rubric.Research Options and Interview QuestionsAssessment RubricPlease follow the following two steps to complete your research.1. ResearchStarting with local school and law enforcement, court or social agencies, research statistics on the number, characteristics, and trends in gangs in the local area. Inquire about state statistics. Ask for suggestions for additional contacts and information.Introduce and explain the nature and purpose of your inquiry. Give the name of the University and the course.Make note of names, titles, dates of phone or in-person interviews to include on page one of your Report.Using online resources (see Recommended Web Links) to locate national, state, and local resources for statistics and information and programs. Ask local law enforcement and community agencies for sources for this and future activities.Make note of all necessary and relevant information citing for references.2. Write a 3-4 Pages ReportPrepare a report on your process (resources, approach, search terms) and your findings, using appropriate references (APA Style).Part I (1 page) will discuss your process, how you went about finding the information. What resources did you use? With whom did you speak? What online sources did you use and how did you find them (search terms, search engine used, search terms used to narrow your search, and the URL of sample sites and information located)? Include questions and responses used in interviews.Part II (2 to 3 pages) will present your findings, appropriately analyzed and referenced (APA Style). Include growth trends and support for your position.More InstructionsRESEARCH OPTIONS AND INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Assignment 1 is designed to provide context for the study of gangs by becoming familiar with the appearance, growth, or decline of gangs within your local community and state. What is the view of governmental, school, and social agencies on the trends locally? Check local newspapers and news reports related to the topic. Research local trends through Interviews (phone or in-person; ask for about 15 minutes) and Internet databases and reports. If your local area does not post that data, state that in your report and focus on interviews and local governmental and state statistics. Starting with Local School and Law Enforcement, Court or social agencies, research statistics on the number, characteristics, and trends in gangs in the local area. Inquire about State statistics. It may take going through a couple of people to reach the person who has the information. A. Introduce yourself and explain the nature and purpose of your inquiry. Provide the name of the University, the course title, and the nature of the assignment.Indicate a willingness to call back or come in (if possible). Have a couple of times that would work for you handy and ask if that is convenient for them. If not, ask when it might be most convenient for them and try to reach an accommodation.Be prepared to be flexible. Remember you are asking for their time.Ask your question and allow some time for them to find or think. If they hesitate, ask if it would be helpful if you email your questions to them before coming in or calling back.  (I would recommend you use the University email, an indication of the legitimacy of your request.) B. Make note of names, titles, dates of phone or in-person interviews to include on page one of the final report. Ask for suggestions for additional contacts and information If you cannot reach someone who has the information or it does not exist, indicate who you called (police, sheriff, country state, or other local law enforcement, school, or local agency). Include the phone number, the date and time of the efforts, the name of the person who indicated there were not statistics, and concentrates on the Internet data. Put that information in your Report. C. Using online resources (see Recommended Web Links) locate national, state, and local resources for statistics and information and programs.  Ask local law enforcement and community agencies for sources for this and future assignments. Make note of all necessary and relevant information citing for references. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:  Prepare at least 4 questions however keep an eye on the time (15-20 minutes). Everyone will as the same first 2 questions then ask their prepared questions or follow-up on questions raised by their responses.  Record both the questions and the responses in your Report. What is the type and amount of gang activity in ______ (local) area and how do we know that? What types of complaints, reports, or behavior indicates that?Has this amount of activity changed over the past 5 years, and if so in what way? Your question: think about types of gangs, how they are identified? Have schools been affected?  What they believe the trend to be (more, less) or an aspect of gangs of special interest to you. Your question: think about programs or resources available for dealing with disruptive gang behavior, or perhaps how local organizations have responded to the gang issue. Thank them for their time; as again for recommendations to other persons or agencies that might have additional information. Ask about state statistics and where to obtain them? REMEMBER: you may need persistence and repeated efforts before you reach the right person, so dont leave it to the last minute. Time will be required to set up the interviews, locate the right person (the one who knows) and arrange convenient times. Persistence is one of the attitudes needed for good research. Keep track of your efforts in a journal according to the requirements stated above. You will need this for citing your findings and in reporting your process.

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