For the most part, gang structure is fairly loose. Leadership is usually assumed by a member who demonstrates dominant control at any given time. Most times, members are males from 13 to 28 years old, but police are also seeing female subsets of existing Memphis gangs. Contrary to popular belief, gangs are not just restricted to youths from disadvantaged and low income areas, many middle and upper class youths are also involved in gang activity. In addition, gangs are not just comprised of African-American youths, gang members represent all racial and ethnic groups.
Gang members display recurring interaction.
They hang out together. They then seek to engage in, and encourage, a growing cycle of criminal activity. Then, through names, symbols and leadership, they claim a specific territory or turf. Frequently, gang members seek confrontations with rivals. These confrontations can occur most anywhere - shopping malls, schools, entertainment facilities and other areas.