The author relied on five major sources: (1) index crime complaints and complaint rates of Manhattan's 21 precincts, 1968-83; (2) tape-recorded interviews with Triad, tong and gang members, law enforcement authorities, and other related persons; (3) ethnographic field notes; (4) official reports; and (5) newspaper and magazine accounts. The data indicate that Triad societies are very active in contemporary society, and the norms and values of the societies are being emulated by the tongs, organized crime groups and street gangs. However, the four groups are quite distinctive both in nature and in the kinds of activities in which they engage; there is no evidence to support the assumption that they are interrelated structurally on a national or international basis. As a result, this study does not support the hypothesis proposed by American law enforcement authorities that Chinese criminal organizations in the United States will emerge as the number-one crime problem in this country in the near future. Tables, figures, bibliography, index