Five reasons political, economic, social, gender relations, and personal are examined as factors that lead to gangsterism. The characteristics, culture, and style of these gangs are described together with information about the types of gangs, their organization, and structure. Over the years, intervention in gang activity has consisted of either a hard tactics approach or a soft tactics approach. The former which involves physical confrontation and intimidation has met with little success. However, the latter, consisting of persuasion, understanding and investigation techniques, has proven more successful. Alternative community peace initiatives can consist of nonviolent approaches such as facilitation of a peace treaty with the gang, gang awareness and anti-crime campaigns, problem solving workshops, or organizing after school and recreational activities to keep the youth off the streets. 4 references