The Rise of Street Gangs

by Brett Stevens

‘The Rise of Street Gangs’ is a former cop’s firsthand account of the spread of the gang culture, where drive-by shootings and communities under siege are the norm. It is a gritty tale of violence, mayhem, and humour, where we see both the cops’ and gangsters’ sides of the story as they fight a war amongst the ghettos and slums beyond. Being one man’s journey, it is a very different narrative from what you may have seen before, where all of the participants are affected in some way, shape or form. Today, the gang culture has developed into a global subculture in more countries than ever; as such, we need to understand how its influence spreads and will ultimately impact us all.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2022

Reviews

[Julie Berzins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brett is a former Aussie cop turned writer and social worker, writing of his experience with gangs worldwide. As a cop in Australia he had experiences with junkies, 5T and the Rebels. He rides with the LAPD dealing with the crimes of the Bloods and the Crips as well as their lower level gangs. He also experiences gangs in Mexico, Manila and other areas. He works in juvenile group homes housing members of all the street gangs who have narrowly avoided jail but need rehabilitation to reenter society. His hard demeanor, starting with his hate of criminals and his laughing at their deaths, grows into compassion. He develops an almost mutual respect of the gangsters and their loyalty to their "cause" and lack of legitimate opportunities. 
Really interesting read, however to me the book doesn't flow as well as it could. I needed more background and context to a couple characters and situations.

[Sean Cooney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting encounters, I felt the chapters could have have rolled into each other a little more fluently, for sure mixing it properly with the gangs.

[John Bentley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish it...it's written by a cop who thinks he can write but can't. The stories are all over the place.