What role does gang association have in criminal activity?

Gang association can significantly influence the nature and severity of criminal activity. When individuals are part of a gang, they often become involved in organized criminal behavior, which can lead to more severe offenses. Gangs may engage in activities such as drug trafficking, robbery, and violent crimes, all of which can escalate in severity due to the collective nature of their operations and the willingness to commit more violent acts as a display of loyalty or reputation within the group.

Moreover, gang affiliation can create an environment that normalizes violence and illegal behavior, making members more likely to engage in criminal acts that they might otherwise avoid. The presence of hierarchy and loyalty within gangs often compels individuals to participate in more serious crimes to maintain or bolster their standing within the group.

This context underlines why gang association is linked to an increase in the severity of crimes committed. While some may suggest that it could lead to decreased criminal behavior or unrelated crime, the trend consistently shows that gang involvement escalates criminal activity both in frequency and in severity.