Examines the relationship between theory, policy and practice in the context of the current UK gangs debate Applies a unique, critical realist perspective to the field of youth gangs, to formulate a less partial analysis Critiques present formulations of gangs

Autorentext

Dr Paul Andell has more than twenty years of experience working in the criminal justice field. He has worked in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors undertaking criminal justice related work in practice, policy and research. Paul has worked as Head of the Criminal Defence Service for the Legal Services Commission, as a Performance Advisor for the Ministry of Justice, Community Safety Manager for the Greater London Authority and for 14 years was Vice Chair of the Lambeth Community Police Consultative Committee which was set up after Lord Scarman's Report following the Brixton Riots. Paul was Director of the Brixton Gang X-IT project and was the Vice Chair of the London Gangs Forum. His current research interests are focused towards youth gangs and County lines.

Inhalt

1. Realism, Street Culture and a Border Clash.- 2. Realist Methodology and Motivation.- 3. Policy Denial and New Gang Cities.- 4. Policy Blame: 'Addressing Gangs in Austere Times'.- 5. Drivers and Contingencies of Gang Policy Formulation 1: Gangs Call-ins and Policy Transfer.- 6. Drivers and Contingencies of Gang Policy Formulation 2: 'Bedazzled'-Think Tanks and the Media.- 7. Towards a Critical Realism of Gangs.- 8. Conclusion.