Street gangs in Los Angeles County can be described as a group of individuals who may or may not claim control over a certain territory in the community. They engage, either individually or collectively, in violent or other forms of illegal behavior. A gang can be more simply defined as a group of people who form an allegiance for a common purpose and engage in violent, unlawful, or criminal activity.
Gangs involve all races and socio-economic levels, and their activity often affects innocent people.
Street Gangs Gangs are predominantly territory oriented. Each gang has its own turf and graffiti marks its boundaries. Anyone not belonging in the area and who resembles a rival gang member may become the subject of attack. Many gang members adopt nicknames when recruited into the group, if they do not already have one. The gang tends to select a name that fits the individual's physical or psychological characteristics.