Leadership in street gangs is usually not formally recognized. The person who is the toughest, possesses a gun, sells drugs or has the most money can become the leader, but this may be short-lived. With smaller gangs, however, it is more likely that a single individual will become a recognized leader. Cliques and sets Large gangs are sub-divided into sets or cliques. A clique or set will usually have its own name.
Sets usually apply to black gangs and cliques to Hispanic gangs.
Monikers Individual gang members usually have a nickname or moniker that fits the individual's physical, personal or psychological traits. Without a doubt, this type of vandalism decreases property values in residential neighborhoods and creates a sense of concern about community safety. Of grater concern than the property damage is the random violence associated with gang graffiti. When a neighborhood is marked with graffiti indicating territorial dominance, the entire area and its inhabitants become targets for violence. A rival gang identifies everyone in the neighborhood as a potential threat.