The papers define gangs as a social and legal problem, review various ways of examining them, reveal the extent and nature of the current gang problem, and explain responses through gang prevention programs, law enforcement agencies, and public policy. Individual papers focus on definitional issues; the often-conflicting perceptions of local gang situations held by law enforcement, policymakers, and juvenile offenders; gang types in specific major cities; and gender differences in gang participation, juvenile delinquency; and drug use. Other paper focus on the effects of neighborhood dynamics on gang behavior, the role of gangs in increasing delinquent behavior, the relationships between gangs and drugs, gang suppression programs, and contrasting styles of policing gangs. Introductions to each article and section identify and explain central issues, crucial concepts and relationships among topics. Tables and chapter notes and reference lists