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There are a variety of different gangs with various purposes. There are similarities in the various types of these groups, but the differences are something that needs to be discussed.

The appropriate definition of a gang is the first thing that needs to be determined. A gang is a group of people that form a close affiliation for the purpose of protection, allegiance, and enterprise. This is the only definition that works in today's world of gang activity. A gang can be a group of three individuals working toward a common goal all the way to the thousands of members of the more known gangs such as the Bloods, Crips, and the Arian Nation.

The larger and more organized groups have been part of the American landscape for decades. Going back the early days in NYC when various nationalities recently immigrated formed groups to offer protection to each other and the people of their neighborhoods. If we use the definition at it's essence the Mafia can be considered one of the most lucrative and organized gangs of all time. Though I doubt the members would appreciate that title. Prison gangs are something to be aware of as their activity is not limited to the confines of the Corrections community. The larger and more classic versions of gangs have the features that are known to the public. There are initiations, colors, clearly defined leadership and pecking order, specific names, smaller groups that answer to the leaders, an organized cash flow, specific areas of criminal interest, and rivalries with other groups, blind allegiance and following the orders of the higher ups is essential to the survival of the gang.

Less organized and smaller groups are just as deadly and real as the larger ones. Small groups that have loyalties and are working toward a common goal in some ways can be more dangerous than the more "official" gangs. The rules within these smaller groups are subject to change as the group conscious defines the path and there is no real leader in charge. They have no one to answer to, no hierarchy that is looking at the long term. These smaller groups function within small areas of neighborhoods and are less concerned with the turf wars and colors as they are only focusing on making money and self protection.

In many communities gangs are viewed as a necessary evil by the people trapped in neighborhoods riddled with poverty and crime. They protect the neighborhood from "outsiders" who will come in and prey on the unsuspecting, commit crimes such as robbery,

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