Information on 40 variables was collected from a stratified random sample of confirmed gang members and a comparison group of other inmates, based on the knowledge that the majority of gang members from Las Vegas and Reno are either black or Hispanic males under age 25. Results revealed that in many areas, the two groups did not differ significantly. Both were about equally as likely to have parents who had been divorced or separated and to never have married. Their educational levels were also similar, with a clear majority never having finished high school. Test results indicated that the majority from both groups rated below the seventh grade level for spelling and math, while their reading levels averaged between the seventh and ninth grades. However, 30 percent of gang members, but only 8 percent of non-gang members, had juvenile court referrals. The most significant difference between the two groups was in the adult record, particularly total arrests and total felony arrests. Thirty-two percent of the gang members had 15 or more prior arrests, compared to only 7 percent of the non-gang members. Nevertheless, the two groups did not differ significiantly in the number of previous misdemeanor arrests, prior convictions, and prior prison and jail terms served. A majority of both groups were convicted of a personal crime. With respect to their current incarceration, gang members violated prison rules much more frequently and were less likely to participate in prison programs, although a majority of gang members took part in educational programs in the prison. Tables and 24 references