Presents findings of the 1996 National Youth Gang Survey, conducted by the National Youth Gang Center. Provides nationally representative survey results based on a sample of more than 3,000 law enforcement agencies. Examines results that indicate that the youth gang problem is substantial and affects communities of all types. Provides analysis and statistics on number, types, and locations of gangs; member demographics; and gang involvement in crime and drugs. Copies of the 1995 National Youth Gang Survey are also available.

Presents findings of the 1997 National Youth Gang Survey, the largest and most comprehensive gang survey to date. Discusses the survey's methodology, the prevalence of youth gangs, the number of jurisdictions with active youth gangs, the number of youth gangs and gang members, youth gangs and crime, youth gangs and drugs, youth gang migration, law enforcement responses, and perceptions of the gang problem.

Presents findings from the Rochester Youth Development Study concerning the portion of delinquency in American society that can be attributed to gang members. Describes OJJDP's balanced use of prevention, intervention, and suppression programs in response to the growing gang problem.

Provides step-by-step guidance on how to develop an effective gang and drug prevention program by coordinating the activities of law enforcement, schools, community-based organizations, churches, businesses, and private citizens.

Gives an overview of the proliferation of youth gangs across the United States, the problems associated with these gangs, and suggestions for program options. The first in OJJDP's Youth Gang Series, this Bulletin addresses the mounting public concern about the increase in youth gangs and describes the changing composition of these gangs, the scope of the problem, and the risk factors for youth gang membership in community, family, school, peer group, and individual settings.

Describes the relationships between youth gangs, drugs, and violence. Addresses questions such as: How interrelated are youth gangs, drugs, and violent crime? Is drug trafficking a main activity of youth gangs? Is drug trafficking a major cause, or only a correlate, of youth gang violence? Are there other important sources of gang violence? Includes a detailed review of studies of the gangs, drugs, and violence connection and an examination of other sources of gang violence.

Presents videotaped proceedings of a 1997 teleconference. Explores some promising gang prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies being carried out around the country. Includes a discussion of the rapid growth of youth gangs with a panel of national experts and local program directors of promising gang reduction initiatives.