Scope of the Problem Scope of the Problem Assessing the scope of the youth gang problem in the United States is difficult. No consensus exists on what constitutes a youth gang.
Many jurisdictions deny the existence of gangs.
Youth Gang Proliferation Few systematic data are collected routinely on youth gangs at the city or county level, with the exception of a few gang information systems. Most respondents reported that their gang problem began quite recently, with 1994 the most frequently cited year. Thus, the youth gang problem in this country is substantial and affects communities of all sizes. Three surveys have assessed youth gang problems in juvenile detention and correctional facilities. Administrators in detention centers and training schools were asked to estimate the proportion of confined juveniles who had problems in particular areas, including gang involvement.