A street gang is an organization, association, or group (whether formal or informal) of three or more persons which has a common name or common identifying sign or symbol. One of its primary activities is the commission of specific crimes, and its members have individually or collectively engaged in a pattern of criminal activity.
Gang members are criminals whose actions range from drug dealings to drive-by shootings to murder. Gangs thrive on intimidation and notoriety. They find violence glamorous and necessary in establishing their gang as a gang to be feared.
Gangs are predominantly territorial. Each gang has its own turf and graffiti marks its boundaries. Anyone not belonging in the area and who resembles any rival gang members may become the subject of attack.