Gangs are organized according to the degree of formal structure within the gang and the level of control held by the leaders. The types of gangs identified in this report include scavenger gangs, territorial or turf gangs, and organized or corporate gangs. An individual's degree of involvement in a gang depends on his willingness to follow the gang and possibly engage in illegal activities. Common characteristics of most gangs include graffiti, turf or hood, dress and use of colors, tattoos, display of wealth, codes of conduct, language, and hand signs. Some gangs are organized along ethnic, racial, or gender lines. Youths generally join gangs for a sense of belonging, safety and protection, status, respect, and financial reward. 1 figure