The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #36553

Cliff Akiyama, MA, Jerry Lee Center of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania, 105 South 41st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 746-2489, cakiyama@sas.upenn.edu

Youth gang violence, a new deadly national epidemic, has continued its upward trend as demonstrated by data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In particular, youth gang violence in the Asian and Pacific Islander community has had a dramatic increase in the last few years. In Los Angeles County alone, there are currently 151 documented Asian gangs with a gang membership of over 6,000. Other surrounding counties in California and the cities of Philadelphia, Fairfax Virginia, and Portland Oregon have seen similar results. Demographics show gang member age average of 15 with a range of 8-22 years. The author interviewed 400 gang members out in the streets, jail, juvenile hall, and drug rehabilitation centers using a target questionnaire; concomitantly studied gangs first-hand disguised as a gang member. This study identified a distinct difference between Southeast Asian gangs and Pacific Islander gangs. Moreover, the author identified eight manifestations of youth violence (i.e.: drugs, weaponry, killing over turf, women as status, defacing property, extortion, gambling, and the “state of mind” of having power). Many of the Asian youths in these communities lack “access” to targeted gang prevention/intervention programs and most of all, the community lacks “education” on the issue of youth gangs. The purpose of this study is to present timely data on Asian and Pacific Islander youth gangs; offer strategies for prevention/intervention to help stop this epidemic before it’s too late.

Learning Objectives:

• The purpose of this paper is to not only inform public health personnel about asian gang activity and how to safeguard themselves and others around them, but also encourage all of us to realize that asian gang violence affects us regardless of socioeconomic class, gender, occupation, or geographic location. At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to identify the signs and symptoms of asian youth gang activity. They should also be able to recognize some of the common tattoos that are often found. Moreover, the participant should be able to analyze some novel prevention programs that have worked in the asian community.

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Youth Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.