Miami-Dade is a distinctive and very diverse county in Florida. With a population in 2010 of 2,496,435 million, this county includes 27 cities and roughly 284 neighborhoods (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). Miami is well known for its glamour, fashion, prestigious appearance, beautiful scenery, celebrities and famous athletes. Those that live in this city and those vacationing are able to enjoy what Florida offers best: sun, sand and plenty of daily and nightly activities. .
Residents of Miami typically indicate that the real party starts at night. Everything about Miami is unique and diverse, from the various cultures to the streets and neighborhoods. Miami-Dade, like cities such as Los Angeles and Houston, is known worldwide for possessing a truly distinctive style when compared to most large metropolitan areas. However, behind all the glitz and glamour, there is one thing that is not unique about Miami-Dade County: gangs. .
Miami-Dade County has approximately 3,501-10,001 gang members with over 100 gangs residing within its communities (National Gang Threat Assessment, 2009). These gangs fit into both national (well established, tend to commit more severe crimes) and local (neighborhood or community based gangs tend to control their territories through violence and intimidation) categories. Such gangs are labeled as "local " because they usually operate in a single location (National Gang Threat Assessment, 2009).
After having lived in my community since I was born I am well aware of the crime and illegal activities that take place on a daily basis. Much of the crime in my community is gang-related and those influenced by it are not only those who involve themselves in gangs. Over 2,300 gang members engage in a variety of criminal activities, including narcotics dealing and smuggling, robberies, burglaries, shootings, homicides, assaults, and auto theft. Some are located in South Dade, while others have emerged in North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens and still others are in Doral and Sweetwater.
