With a nationwide problem of gangs in America, a need was identified for the codification and dissemination of pertinent social scientific and applied knowledge on gangs. This National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC) special report briefly reviews the research needs on American gangs and the current situation as one of a lack of fundamental knowledge on gang crime and gang function. The report begins with the need for research on gangs with the primary goal of knowledge development. The report then briefly discusses the research agenda for the future that encompasses scope and extent of the problem, organizational functions with regard to gang crime, the economics of gangs, and communication patterns among and between gangs. The NGCRC presented their 5 year plan which included the following initiatives: (1) expansion and support of “Gang Profile Analysis” activities; (2) organizational and economic factors inside American gangs; (3) density and gang population issues; and (4) gangs on the Internet. To overcome Federal or foundation funding limitations the NGCRC developed a consortium approach utilizing concerned scholars and practitioners under a pro bono approach. The NGCRC’s future goal is to put the gang problem issue back on the front burner by integrating service to the public with research.