NCJ Number
155406
Date Published
1994
Length
449 pages
Annotation
This document is intended to serve as a reference and learning tool for professionals in the law enforcement, judicial, and community arenas by providing current information on the awareness and identification of street gangs and their members.
Abstract
The introductory section discusses gang organization and general notes on identifying gangs. Other chapters cover gang- related terminology, basic identifiers, and hand signs/manual alphabets used by gang members. The bulk of the manual is devoted to an alphabetical listing of known gangs in the U.S. For each gang listed, the current symbols, colors, and general allegiance are shown, as well as their hand signs. Photographs depicting identifiers have been included and at least one portion of each graffiti shot has been explained in detail to allow law enforcement officers to better interpret the graffiti and keep track of changes which occur over time in terms of gang allegiances, conflicts, and goals.