Guide Note

Some U.S. cities are choosing to file lawsuits against gang members, requesting injunctions forbidding them from congregating on street corners, in cars or in other specified areas. Proponents of the injunctions have cited them as a factor in decreased gang membership in some cities that issue them.

Fast Facts

1. First gang injunctions filed in Los Angeles in the 1980s
2. Fort Worth and San Francisco are among the latest try the tactic
3. Legal basis: Gangs are a public nuisance
4. Goal: Disrupt gang activity before it escalates
5. They give police legal reasons to stop and question gang members
6. Injunctions usually specify specific gang members that may not wear gang clothing, flash gang signs, drink, etc.

Los Angeles was one of the first cities to try gang injunctions. One of these early efforts was 1987's Playboy Gangster Crips injunction. There are currently over 30 gang injunctions in L.A.

Those who oppose gang junctions say they violate civil liberties such as the First Amendment and promote mistreatment of innocent bystanders by law enforcement.