The book is organized into six sections, each with a different focus: (1) general background and comprehensive view, with answers to frequently asked questions about street gangs; (2) types of gangs, based on ethnicity, sex, place of origin and beliefs, and their graffiti, dress, nicknames and slang; (3) violence associated with the gang lifestyle and signs of gang membership; (4) the impact of gangs on everyday life, including in schools, the media and corporate boardrooms; (5) problem-solving methods available to various sectors of the community and descriptions of anti-gang programs involving multi-agency cooperation; and (6) comprehensive resource guide and bibliography. Special features include actual accounts from gang members, ex-gang members and citizens personally affected by gang violence, and true-life anecdotes from a gang unit officer. Tables, figures, bibliography, index