Utah’s Gang Issue Is Targeting Juveniles For Illegal And Violent Crimes

When people think of Utah, the word “gang” isn’t normally associated but with growing gang crime, it may start to be. 

Usually, people think of the large population of Latter-Day Saints or hiking enthusiasts when Utah comes to mind. However, a recent death of an 18-year-old in Holladay is bringing gang related crimes to the surface.  

No state wants to advertise its gang member numbers but the recent data from Utah Department of Public Safety and Statewide Information and Analysis Center, shows some concerning truths.  

One is that gangs are very much an issue in the beehive state and that juveniles are the targeted recruitment group. Kids as early as seven could be introduced to a gang.  

The other terrible truth that the data shows is that gangs are using kids to commit violent crimes as young as 14 years old.  

The 2024 Threat Assessment by the state said there were 1,500 documented gang members in Utah with the actual number being closer to 4,500. This includes juveniles.  

NIBIN or the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network reported 37 leads in Utah. 35% of those leads were gang related just this year.  

Areas like Salt Lake County and Utah County are seeing a rise in gang related crimes due to urbanization, the data said. However, despite knowing this, tackling the issue is much more complicated.  

There is a market in Utah for illegal firearms and illicit drugs which are spurring the recruitment of Utah juveniles. Utah does have a gang taskforce which is working on the issue but there has been no significant show of change.