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Abstract
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This research used data from a large national sample of 1,042 gang members to develop a behavioral science profile of the use of Molotov cocktails and explosives in connection with gang violence.
Abstract: A literature review revealed no systematic previous research on this topic and that only anecdotal examples and more abstract discussions existed. The data for the present study came from Project GANGMILL, conducted by the National Gang Crime Research Center. The main dependent variable was bomb and arson activity. Results revealed that several factors significantly differentiated bomb/arson gang activity. These included background and childhood factors, workplace violence and crime, drug abuse and drug sales, proneness to violence, high commitment to gang life, and gang-related behaviors during incarceration. Background factors included being male, having nonreligious parents who provided low supervision, being a school bully, and incest involvement. Other factors included stealing from the employer, threats or assaults while at work, selling or using crack cocaine, having fired a gun at a police officer, or having shot someone close-up with a gun. Further factors included rank or leadership in a gang, violent initiation into a gang, volunteering to join a gang, having family members in the same gang, a special language code for the gang, written gang rules, regular gang meetings, physical fights during incarceration, and fighting rival gang members during incarceration. Findings indicated the need for further research that distinguishes between explosive and incendiary devices and that examines the targets for the use of these devices. Tables, illustrations, and 28 references
NCJRS Abstract |