NCJ Number
183167
Date Published
1993
Length
183 pages
Annotation
This directory provides an alphabetical listing of more than 1,500 active gangs, a list of gang slang, and of hand signals that depict gang members’ hand signals for the letters of the alphabet.
Abstract
The book is intended to help law enforcement, teachers, parents, neighborhood watch groups, and others throughout the country to identify a gang member or gang activity within their community. The introduction explains that gangs originated as a means for protection and that increasing criminal activity gradually forced law-abiding citizens out of gangs. It also notes that today’s gangs are branching out to new cities and that some are evolving into more sophisticated and structured crime organizations and thus become increasingly difficult and dangerous when encountered. The gang listings cover the gang’s name; other names; nature and history; race; symbol; colors; emblem, if available; and locations. The list of slang terminology covers terms used by black gangs, Hispanic gangs, white supremacist gangs, and Vietnamese gangs. Illustrations and index