Picture Me Rollin': An Analysis of California Gang Homicides Across Space and Time

Abstract

Gang homicide rates have fluctuated considerably over the last three decades, as the problem spread to new locations and established strongholds in certain urban epicenters. Unfortunately little is known about the nature of this spread, either over space or time. This thesis employs the FBI Uniform Crime Reports Supplementary Homicide Reports in a descriptive study of gang homicide in the State of California, with a particular focus on Los Angeles County. Geographic Information Systems analysis and trend graphs are implemented in an attempt to identify patterns within gang homicide activity for the years 1976 through 2007. The discussion considers the meaning of the geographic and temporal trends with regard to diffusion and offers avenues for future research.