THE EVOLUTION OF GANGS IN THE CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The crime pandemic in Mexico, Brazil and Jamaica owes much of its genesis and coverage to criminal networks, particularly gangs than others. The geo-political zones are somewhat different; there has never been an evaluation of the similarities among these gangs in the different regions, their operations, and how strategies can be employed to normalize their functionalities.  OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current paper is to evaluate the formation and development of the Tivoli Gardens Gang in Jamaica, Los Zetas in Mexico and the Premerio Commando da Capital of Brazil.  FINDINGS: One of the findings which emerged from this study is the hierarchal command structure of gangs in the Caribbean and Latin America based on the studied population. There is a clear leader at the top (or apex) of the command structure and a wider base comprised of many individuals. Decisions are made at the top of the pyramid by a few senior people who stipulate the functions, responsibility, duties, and direct of the organization. The Los Zetas gang in Mexico began out of a need to be a drug kingpin, unlike the one in Jamaica. Like the one in Jamaica, it grew to become a transnational drug, gun, and other criminal activities network. Both Los Zetas and Tivoli Gardens gang had a structure of leadership, responsibilities and purpose in the structure. They were also based on loyalty to the leader, the willingness to execute the commands of the structure, large members, violence, reprisals, and murders.  CONCLUSION: This paper provides a clear understanding of gangs, their similarities and functionalities and such an understanding can be employed to address the crime pandemic by better formulation of crime strategies.