The SANDAG Criminal Justice Research Division has release their latest CJ Bulletin highlighting findings from data collected as part of the Substance Abuse Monitoring (SAM) program. As part of this project, adult and juvenile arrestees are approached within 48 hours of their arrest (and booking) to conduct an interview regarding their drug use and other recent behaviors. Since 2004, when federal funding for the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) program was suspended, San Diego has been the only site to continue this project uninterrupted.
This interesting bulletin answers questions such as: What types of activities do these individuals report engaging in with the gang? How involved are gang members in illegal activity before and after affiliation begins? Do any of those with current affiliations want to leave this lifestyle?
Click here to read the entire CJ Bulletin on Gang Involvement Among San Diego County Arrestees in 2008.