This means that while some larger urban areas have had a long history of gang problems, many cities, large and small, in America have recently come to face some degree of the gang problem as well. The gang problem is no longer limited to large urban areas. That is, these gang members may have the identity of a well known gang, and even use its symbols and gang argot. Once they are established as an identifiable group, a rival group often appears shortly thereafter. The Geographical Dispersion and Representation in New Areas of Individual Gang Members.
Gang members travel and when they do they can spread the gang problem.
But such a gang member may simply start up a new chapter of the gang group or organization at the new location. Importation reflects police and prosecutorial focus on gang members increasing arrest and conviction rates, thereby increasing the number in the correctional system. A prison gang is one that arose for the first time in prison and operates only there and not on the streets. Some believe that when inmates are released, some stay in the geographical area where the facility is located and start new gang operations. Flight to Avoid Prosecution.