This book is based on the author's own experience in working with gangs as well as research by regional and nationwide law enforcement agencies. The book focuses on well-known gangs in the United States, focusing on gangs from the Midwest and the South. These include African-American, Hispanic, Southeast Asian, and Caucasian gangs, as well as female gangs, Skinheads, and Taggers. An overview of the evolution of street gangs contrasts today's gangs with gangs throughout America's history. This section also provides a breakdown of specific gang nations, as well as their histories, philosophies, factions, and affiliations. Each nation is discussed in detail so readers can focus on those affiliations that might apply to their geographic location. Another section of the book addresses the various gang recruitment processes, organizational structures, hierarchy, and age and race demographics that vary from one gang to another. It explains why gangs appeal to kids and discusses actions members can take when they are ready to quit the gang lifestyle. A third section explains how to use gang identifiers to determine whether a child is involved with a gang. An identifier can be clothing, jewelry, a word, a handwritten symbol, and a certain color combination. Section four discusses how communities, schools, and individuals can respond to the gang problem, and it suggests where to look for outside help. A 28-item bibliography, a subject index, and appended Vice Lord Manifesto, a slang glossary and number codes, and a national directory of resources