Correlation Between The Locations Of Known Gang Members...

Research Question Is there a spatial relationship between the locations of known gang members and drug violations? Analysis It is expected, based on social disorganization theory, that census tracts with high concentrations of gang members will also be high in disorganization. As seen in figure 1 this will be established by creating a contour line hot spot of gang member locations and drug violations overlaid on a map showing social disorganization. Social disorganization will be based on low education levels and high unemployment rates, which are generally accepted measurements of disorganized neighborhoods (see Gottfredson, Mcneil Gottfredson, 1991; Teasdale, Clark Hinkle, 2012). The map clearly shows that gang members live in†¦show more content†¦However, we know that gangs do form in areas that are already high in crime and according to one study they may not further increase crime in those areas but they do lead to a clustering of drug offenses (Tita Ridgeway, 2007). Therefore, a cluster and outlier analysis (Anselin Local Morans I) was conducted to determine if there is signific ant clustering in gang related areas. Seen in figure 3, drug violations are clustered in the areas around known gang member locations. Based on journey to crime and routine activities a central feature analysis was done to further explore if gang member locations are associated with drug violation locations. Euclidean distance was utilized for this analysis as gang members do not travel large distances and therefore are most likely on foot and not restricted to roadways. Central feature was selected over mean center as gang members are more likely to work out of their homes than any other offenders (Eck Gersh, 2000) so it was likely the central offense would be very close or near the home of a known gang member. When broken down by year the central features were stacked on top of each other with only the slightest variation as can be seen in figure 4. Finally, a buffer will be placed around gang member locations to determine which drug violations are likely related to their gang (f igure 5). The buffer was set at 250ft as drug dealers generally have a limited journey to crime. Approximately 25%