Reducing Gang Involvement: Summary and Findings of Gang Exiting Interventions and Recommendations for Future Strategies

Gang activity presents a serious risk to many communities across Canada. The prevalence of gang violence has prompted the creation of a variety of prevention, intervention, and suppression efforts. The current study reviews existing intervention approaches, with a particular focus on those targeting high-risk and gang-entrenched individuals, and situates a new intervention and exiting program within the current gang control framework. An overview of findings from a recent evaluation this program – which uses a joint civilian and police officer case management approach – is presented. The process and impact evaluation findings suggest the approach may be an effective strategy for reducing gang involvement, and provide insights for best practices and implementation considerations for policymakers with respect to gang reduction efforts more generally. Key recommendations include maximizing risk and needs assessments, better use of formal case plans, and streamlining staff roles.