Maturity Levels for Outlaw Groups: The Case of Criminal Street Gangs

The maturity of street gangs varies among groups as well as among countries where gangs are present. In this article, a four stage model for maturity is introduced to help define the threat represented by outlaw groups. Maturity models can serve several important purposes. First, a contingent approach to law enforcement implies that the police and other government agencies can apply appropriate measures. Second, law enforcement can distinguish approaches for fighting non-mature gangs versus mature gangs. Third, the evolution of gangs over time provides insights into the mechanisms that make gangs threatening to society.