1776Reporting
New Jersey, often known for its scenic suburbs and quiet neighborhoods, is facing an unsettling shift as dangerous gangs infiltrate even the most tranquil areas of the state. According to the latest Statewide Gang Assessment from the New Jersey State Police, the state is home to an estimated 12,500 gang members, with an additional 3,500 behind bars. This growing presence of gang activity highlights a troubling trend that no corner of New Jersey is immune to.
Evolving Gang Dynamics in the Garden State
When most people think of gangs, they often envision large, well-organized groups with clear leadership structures. However, the reality in New Jersey is more complex. While some gangs indeed have thousands of members, others operate as loosely connected groups, sometimes numbering only a few dozen individuals. This shift in structure reflects a broader evolution in how gangs function today.
Gone are the days when gang activity was limited to specific urban areas or marked by easily identifiable symbols like colors or tattoos. Today, gangs are present in every county in New Jersey, from small rural towns to major cities. The 2017 report from the state police confirms this widespread reach, emphasizing that “no place is immune from gang activity.”
Young Men at the Heart of Gang Culture
One of the most concerning aspects of gang culture in New Jersey is the age of its members. State officials report that most gang members are young men, typically between the ages of 13 and 25. This statistic is particularly alarming when considering the life-altering consequences that often accompany gang involvement.
For many young people, the allure of gang life may seem like a path to a better future or a way out of a difficult environment. However, state officials warn that the opposite is true. Those who join gangs are less likely to graduate from high school, find stable employment, or avoid substance abuse problems. Moreover, gang members are more likely to commit crimes, face incarceration, and even become victims of violence themselves. Female gang members are particularly vulnerable, often facing sexual victimization.
The Most Dangerous Gangs in North Jersey
The northern part of New Jersey is home to some of the most notorious gangs in the state. Seven Tier 1 gangs, classified as high-threat groups, have established a strong presence in the region. These include the Bloods, Crips, So Icey Boys, Brick Squad, Trinitarios, 230 Boys, and the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
Among these, the Trinitarios gang stands out as one of the most organized. Originally formed in the New York City correctional system in 1989, the gang was created as a means of protection against other Latino gangs. Today, Trinitarios operates beyond the prison walls, posing a significant threat in North Jersey.
Similarly, the Brick Squad, 230 Boys, and So Icey Boys are neighborhood-based gangs that have roots in the city of Paterson. The Bloods and Crips, with origins in Los Angeles, have also expanded their influence across the country, including into New Jersey. The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, an outlaw biker gang dating back to the 1940s, is known for its highly selective membership and reputation for violence and intimidation.
Central Jersey: A Hotbed for Gang Activity
Central Jersey is not exempt from the growing gang problem. The region is home to seven Tier 1 gangs, including the Bloods, Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, Pagan’s Motorcycle Club, Rollin 60s Crips, and 18th Street.
The Fruit Town Brims, a set of the Bloods street gang, have a moderate presence in Ocean County. Originally from Compton, CA, this gang is loosely organized but remains a cohesive group with a dangerous reputation. The Rollin 60s Crips, another gang with origins in Los Angeles, have also established themselves in Central Jersey.
The Pagan’s Motorcycle Club, an outlaw group with a history of criminal activity dating back to the 1960s, has a long-standing presence along the East Coast, including New Jersey. The 18th Street gang, another Los Angeles-based group, has evolved into a transnational criminal organization with a nationwide presence, although its numbers in New Jersey remain uncertain.
South Jersey: A Region Grappling with Gang Violence
South Jersey faces its own challenges with gang activity, with four Tier 1 gangs operating in the area: the Latin Kings, Sex Money Murder Bloods, Only the Family, and Only the South.
The Latin Kings, known for their organization and structure, evolved into a nationwide criminal organization and established a presence in New Jersey in the late 1980s. The Sex Money Murder set of the Bloods has developed a significant presence in the region as well.
Only the Family, which originated in Camden around 2012, has become an extremely violent gang, though its membership remains relatively small. Meanwhile, Only the South, a newer gang believed to have originated in Cumberland County, has yet to expand its footprint significantly beyond that area.
Conclusion
The expansion of gang activity into New Jersey’s quiet towns is a stark reminder that no community is immune from this growing threat. As gangs continue to evolve and adapt, law enforcement and communities alike must remain vigilant to protect the safety and well-being of all residents. With gang members becoming increasingly younger and more integrated into the fabric of everyday life, addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, prevention, and enforcement.
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