Gangs and Homicide in Trinidad and Tobago Andrew

Gangs and Homicide in Trinidad and Tobago Andrew M. Fox, Charles M. Katz, & Lexi Gill Background Data Ø Ø Ø Homicide rates in the Caribbean are among the highest in the world Most of theories and explanations about communities and violence were developed in the United States. Ø Ø Gang Expert Survey at the 66 police districts in Trinidad and Tobago Census data Homicide counts from TT Police Service Findings Caveats Ø Ø Ø Community factors and homicide Ø Two types of disadvantage were identified, traditional disadvantage and social disadvantage. Gangs and gang members and homicide Ø Controlling for community factors, increases in either gangs or gang members is associated with significant increases in homicides. Ø Ø Gang data is reported by law enforcement Findings from one country in the Caribbean Need more research on what other community factors are related to gangs and homicides Note: Being prepared for “Caribbean Perspectives on Criminology and Criminal Justice, ” a book edited by Dr. Wendell C. Wallace

Policy Implications § Reduction in gang membership can reduce the number of homicides in a community. § Addressing social/ familial disadvantage (unemployment, female headed households with kids) can have an impact on homicide rates. § Need to further address the factors that are related to gang membership and address them early. 2