Perceptions of the Organization and Violence of Gangs Research Project

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget.

The University of South Carolina will explore the public's and stakeholder's perceptions of gangs and youth violence in specific communities in South Carolina, as well as the gang problem in collegiate communities. The project will support ten group interviews to take place in areas within the midlands of South Carolina to identify the public perception of gangs and youth violence; determine the nature and extent of the experiences of community stakeholders with gangs and youth violence; identify the perception of how to manage the emerging and existing problems of gangs and youth violence from community members; and assist community leaders and the law enforcement community with the gang and youth violence problem by providing them with the perceptions of community members and other stakeholders. Additionally, a survey of university athletic administrators will be conducted to determine their knowledge, experience, contact, and interaction with gang membership and violence within the student population.

NCA/NCF