The main source of income for most gangs is narcotics. Members of all ages are used by the gang in the illegal sale of narcotics and other unlawful activities. It is a mistaken belief that gangs operate only in less affluent neighborhoods. Gangs exist in virtually every community. Lacking recognition in the family, school, athletics or employment, the member seeks the acceptance, support and protection of other losers and cowards.
Gangs are usually a product of the area in which they are active.
The individuals who belong to gangs are members of the community which they intimidate. The leadership is directly related to the character and number of members in the gang. The hard-core members, whose entire ego is involved in the gang's identification, are generally the most violent criminal members of the gang. These two groups influence and encourage others to become involved in criminal activities. The marginal or fringe members drift in and out of the gang according to their needs.