A systematic and comparative analysis of youth gangs and the youth gang problem in the United States, this book deals with hands-on issues of policy and programs, describing the strategies and techniques for dealing with gangs employed by criminal justice organizations, social agencies, schools, employment programs, and grass-roots organizations. Spergel combines empirical research, first-hand experience, and a solid theoretical base to expose the causes of the gang problem. Importantly, he recommends strategies that deal with gangs at a community level, using both local and national interests and resources to provide gang members with structured social and economic opportunities. He suggests a variety of specific techniques for dealing with the problem and shows how and why existing strategies have gone wrong. A practical and testable approach to a serious social problem, The Youth Gang Problem is a must-read for government officials, researchers, university instructors, and for anyone concerned with the gang problem and how to alleviate it.