Abstract
The researcher performed face-to-face interviews with six selected law enforcement officials from different social service agencies in the City of Sacramento. There was found to be a measure of lack of understanding by law enforcement and gangs. The study was aimed to investigate the perceptions of community needs and awareness from both sides of the spectrum; and examine the relationship between the level of awareness of law enforcement and gangs. The author found four main themes within this research of law enforcement officials’ perspectives on gangs, these included lack of collaboration, negative influence at gangs’ homes, lack of positive exposure and lack of accountability. These findings suggest that law enforcement officials are not approaching youth gang members with a strength-based approach. Greater collaboration between law enforcement and social work could lead to better outcomes for gang-affiliated youth.