Feds: Gang Ranks Swell as Violent Crime Drops

Gang membership is swelling, even as murder and other violent crimes as reported by the FBI are falling, reports USA Today.

Across the country, gang membership has grown to 1 million nationally, a 25 percent increase from 2005, according to data included in the 2009 National Gang Threat Assessment. In 2005, the assessment reported 800,000 gang members nationally.

The findings are at odds for Justice Department officials, who acknowledge that violent crime is often triggered by gang affiliation.

Read the full story at USAToday.com.