Experience has shown that prosecutors cannot afford to ignore the juvenile gang members. If only the adult members of the gang are investigated and prosecuted, juveniles will fill the void and the gang will survive. If a gang is being prosecuted federally, it may also be ill-advised to proceed with local prosecutions of the juveniles, unless the juveniles are pleading guilty and cooperating. A concurrent State or local prosecution requires repeated exposure of witnesses, which presents security concerns.

In a May 13, 1996 memorandum from the Attorney General (and others) to all United States Attorney Offices and Department of Justice law enforcement agencies a youth violence initiative was announced. The memorandum provides specific guidance to United States Attorneys' Offices. Prosecutors involved in the implementation of the strategies outlined in this memorandum are encouraged to call upon the expertise of the various components of the Department, and to share successful strategies with the Violent Crime Coordinator, Seth Adam Meinero, with the Office of Legal and Victim Programs, Executive Office of United States Attorneys.

See also JM 9-8.000 (Juveniles).

[updated October 2016]