The Emerging Problem of Preppie Gangs in America

“The Emerging Problem of Preppie Gangs in America” Dr. Gordon A. Crews Department of Criminal Justice Jacksonville State University

“Preppie Gangs” Ø Late 1980 s, youths from affluent, upscale communities started forming their own gangs Ø Numbers still aren’t great, but threat can be Ø Money, mobility, & education deadly combination Ø Natural resistance to label groups as “gangs” Ø Stereotypical image that this only occurs in economically depressed areas Ø Many times we don’t want to see (property values, tax base, etc …) ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

PREPPIE GANG Ø Youth fitting the "preppie" definition Ø From higher income, safer neighborhoods Ø Generally considered of higher intelligence Ø Less structure than most gangs Ø Involved in border-line criminal activities, or living on the edge Ø "Rich white kids" with many options ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

“Preppie Gangs” ØResearch Has Found Three Traditional Types: ØDelinquent Gangs Mimicking Other Street Gangs, Desire Profit and Lifestyle ØIdeological Gangs Specific Ideology, or Belief System ØOccultic Gangs Occult or Other Belief System Connections ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

CHARACTERISTICS OF PREPPIE GANGS Demonstrated behaviors within the context of their schools, homes, neighborhoods, and sub-culture: Ø intimidation of peers and adults Ø displaying arrogance Ø seeking attention Ø being different, cool Ø being a part of a group Ø imitating members of musical groups Ø excitement; to keep from being bored ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

CHARACTERISTICS OF PREPPIE GANGS Demonstrated behaviors within the context of their schools, homes, neighborhoods, and sub-culture: Ø using technology to communicate Ø employing their intellectual and creative talents Ø intimidation of peers and adults Ø acquiring drugs and alcohol Ø practicing an "alternative belief" ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

PSYCHOLOGICAL o o o Revenge Acquire attention Acquire "respect" Achieve immortality Enhance ego, self-esteem ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

PSYCHOLOGICAL o Fulfill their fantasy o Release tension and anger o Outlet of intellectual and creative talents o Fill a "void" in their lives o Intimidation of others ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

SOCIOLOGICAL o Exert power over their lives and manipulate others o Being a part of a group o Being part of a "cause" o Defying/Challenging society's traditional beliefs and expectations of youth ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

ECONOMIC o Need for more money (in some instances) o Link with groups/gangs to secure drugs, contraband, and other economic interests ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

PREPPIE GANG ACTIVITIES Important concepts: Ø very intelligent, not necessarily smart Ø very deceptive and secretive Ø access to money to finance their activities Ø activities, both criminal and social, that are similar to traditional street gangs ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

PREPPIE GANG ACTIVITIES Ø Intimidation of youth not in their own sub-culture or group: Minorities “Inferiors“ Outsiders Geeks, Nerds ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

PREPPIE GANG ACTIVITIES Ø Generating excitement or "living on the edge" often taken to the extreme intake of dangerous drugs creating drug combinations drive-by shootings for thrills alternative sexual activities combining Satanism, Vampirism some form of Witchcraft create their own particular cult or belief system ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

PREPPIE GANG ACTIVITIES ØMuch emphasis on appropriate dress and grooming style of haircut type of jewelry color combinations brand-names logos ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

PREPPIE GANG ACTIVITIES ØUse of personal electronic communication devices Computers – to research various topics associated with their beliefs Cell Phones, Pagers – to communicate among group members ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

INTELLIGENT, CREATIVE, & CRAFTY Preppies can be very intimidating and frustrating to authorities because their parents are often very influential economically and politically, and have access to the best lawyers to influence the political and judicial process ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

ATTITUDE OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS Anger Frustration Embarrassment Humiliation Complete Denial Clueless Blame Themselves Blame Peers' Parents Blame Authorities VERY DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

DANGERS OF PREPPIE GANGS o drawn into a cult or deviant group o sexually transmitted diseases o unwanted pregnancy o ruined health o family conflict o financial drain on family and/or society ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

DANGERS OF PREPPIE GANGS o o o unmotivated to improve self or life style alcoholism drug addiction criminal record jail and/or prison time severe mental and emotional problems ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)

One of the biggest problems we are seeing is … their negative impact on other students! ACJS 2001 ~ Washington, DC (Dr. Gordon A. Crews)