Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Actual News Articles

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The newspapers were filled with the violent crimes every day.  Children up to adults all experienced the effects from the violence.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Weapons seized from Santa Ana, Ca. Gang

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Law enforcement realized they were outnumbered and outgunned.  The gangs they were fighting had larger weapons then they did.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Guns, Money and Drugs.

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And with the sales of illegal drugs reaching record sales, the gangs had the money to replenish their weapon supplies.  Meanwhile, law enforcement was strapped with budget concerns.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Police Issued Model 28

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While the gangs were using AK-47’s and other high powered weapons, law enforcement was still issuing revolvers.  Law enforcement knew they needed to increase their fire power, and their tactics.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Law Enforcement with Increased Fire Power

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Utilizing the statistics of violence with gangs, law enforcement was given funds from the federal government to fight the war on drugs and gangs.  And local police officers were turned into soldiers.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Local Law Enforcement Ready for Battle

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It was called the War on Drugs, and law enforcement dressed for battle.  They were no longer outgunned by the street gangs.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Cleveland Police SWAT vehicle named “Mother”

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Not only did law enforcement get higher capacity weapons, they were outfitted with armored vehicles of all shapes and sizes.  From tanks to trucks, they could drive anywhere without being concerned for their safety.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

San Diego PD Detaining Alleged Gang Members

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With the right weapons and armored vehicles, police departments around the country waged a relentless war against the street gangs.  And their efforts were successful.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Law Enforcement holds a news conference detailing the arrests made in the Gates Ave street gang in Brooklyn

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Leaders in law enforcement held news conferences to show the weapons and drugs that were confiscated through their raids.  This pleased society because they were tired of the violence.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Gang members serving their sentences behind bars

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Jails and prisons were filled with gang members who were captured through the increased efforts of law enforcement.  Law enforcement finally got the upper hand on gang violence.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

The crime rate has continued to decrease

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The crime rate has continued to decrease across the board.  But this has created a problem between law enforcement and the communities they are suppose to serve.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Cops stand guard in Ferguson

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Law enforcement still has the armored vehicles and are armed to the teeth.  They are still trained to handle  violent suspects.  And instead of using their force when needed, they have began to use that force on everyone.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

An officer abusing his authority and a civilian

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Law enforcement is trained to deal with violent offenders.  But they fail to realize not everyone is prone to violence.  Relying solely on their training and void of common sense, they continue to abuse civilians.

Gangs in the USA became more violent in the 1980’s and 90’s.  And the police departments increased their response to the violence.

Floyd Dent participates in a protest against police brutality

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This is where the protests against police brutality comes into play.  Society realizes that the crime rate has decreased.  But the treatment from law enforcement has remained the same.