The Chicago area has about 125 street gangs, including between 30,000 and 50,000 hardcore gang members and 100,000 hardcore and marginal members in the city. Street gangs represent all ethnic groups. Although they currently lack the political backing and sophistication of the older forms of organized crime, they are likely to become empowered if the community remains apathetic. Thus, it is vital that the investigation and prosecution of both traditional and nontraditional organized crime continue. In addition, parents and educators must become aware of and address the potential warning signs of gang activity, as well as the advanced signs of gang membership. Young people also must learn the futility of gang involvement and the likelihood that it will lead to death or imprisonment. Descriptions of gang recruitment methods, specific gangs, symbols, clothing, hand signs, structures, and convicted gang members and lists of telephone numbers and suburban gang investigators to contact for assistance in addressing gang problems