Following a brief history of gangs in the United States, gang structures are described. A section on gang identifiers focuses on specific gangs and types of gangs: motorcycle gangs, the Disciples, Vice Lords, Crips, Bloods, Skinheads, and Hispanic gangs. Other sections address gangs in schools, clinical interviews with gang members, and the identification of children at risk for gang activity. A discussion of counseling for gang members recommends the use of rational-emotive therapy. The goal of this therapeutic technique is to acknowledge and challenge irrational and inappropriate behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. The counseling includes family members, since they will be responsible for maintaining consistent discipline, enforcing a dress code that excludes gang clothing, reinforcing positive behaviors, and monitoring peer contacts. The final section discusses the importance of a community response to gangs. Communities that fail to develop a strong negative response to neighborhood gangs will have little preventive impact. Organized community responses to gangs have included suppression, social intervention, social opportunities, community mobilization, and organizational development. Specific community gang programs are briefly described. A street-gang glossary and 50 references