The Gang Life: Laugh Now Cry Later: Suppression and Prevention

The Gang Life: Laugh Now, Cry Later examines the criminal gangster mindset and offers predictive gang prevention strategies, using real-world examples to demonstrate a holistic approach toward combatting this surging societal problem. The text outlines the evolution of gang membership from a state of interest, to association, to hardcore, "O.G." (Original Gangster) status, and explores the evolution of law enforcement’s multi-pronged approach to combating criminal street gang violence, from the catch and release mentality of the 70s and 80s to today’s collaboration with private organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs.

In-depth profiles, case studies, and lengthy histories of gangs, gang members, and their transformations are provided to demonstrate the deleterious effect of gangs on society. Designed for criminal justice students and for practitioners in the field, this text offers readers a holistic approach toward predictive gang prevention from three nationally awarded educators and gang investigators.