Female Gang Statistics and Facts
The term gang has such a psychological impact that the correctional system changed the name to Security Threat Groups to lessen the negative impact.
In the past and even currently the role of the female gang member is typically “hid the weapons and drive the car.” Females did not form gangs; either as mixed-gender gangs or exclusively female, and were not leaders of gangs.” (Lauderdale, Burman, 2009) Due to this, many of gang statistics exclude women. “Involvement in the gang, and how the female member is ultimately used by the gang, may be dictated by her status as a female in a particular culture.” (Lauderdale, Burman pg 275) Meaning, many women are tied to a STG but not a full-fledged member. “Correctional facilities apply gang status differently for male and female offenders in their custody. Because female inmates do not have the numbers to support the ‘‘threat to physical safety’’ that an STG definition requires (N. S., personal communication, November 15, 2006), they are excluded from being formally recognized by prison officials as prison gang members.” (pg 276) Here are some interesting findings from tables of women in STGs in Prison. (Lauderdale, Burman, 2009)
In the past and even currently the role of the female gang member is typically “hid the weapons and drive the car.” Females did not form gangs; either as mixed-gender gangs or exclusively female, and were not leaders of gangs.” (Lauderdale, Burman, 2009) Due to this, many of gang statistics exclude women. “Involvement in the gang, and how the female member is ultimately used by the gang, may be dictated by her status as a female in a particular culture.” (Lauderdale, Burman pg 275) Meaning, many women are tied to a STG but not a full-fledged member. “Correctional facilities apply gang status differently for male and female offenders in their custody. Because female inmates do not have the numbers to support the ‘‘threat to physical safety’’ that an STG definition requires (N. S., personal communication, November 15, 2006), they are excluded from being formally recognized by prison officials as prison gang members.” (pg 276) Here are some interesting findings from tables of women in STGs in Prison. (Lauderdale, Burman, 2009)