Information in this report came from surveys returned by police, sheriffs and prosecutors throughout the State. The number of gangs and gang members increased during the year and, although they were most prevalent in the largest cities, gangs also appeared in many small towns and rural communities. Gang crimes included burglary, assault and murder, with an emphasis on drug crimes, robberies, thefts, and drive-by shootings. Survey respondents reported a high rate of information sharing, particularly with school, probation and parole, and other law enforcement agencies. However, standardized terminology and a statewide database are not yet established among Texas law enforcement agencies. Police, sheriffs and prosecutors indicated their confidence in community policing and graffiti control as the most effective means of combating gang activity. Although the situation appears to be more chaotic than before, it also appears that tools are becoming available to slow the development of gangs and to help control the spread of their influence. Figures, tables, resources