(Wannabe, Peewee, Baby Gangster) Generally 8 - 13-years-old. Wears gang attire. May get their knowledge about gangs from a parent, sibling, friend or the news media. Has little understanding of what the gang stands for or of gang activities. Talks and brags about the gang. They act, walk and talk like actual gang members. They claim to be a member of a gang. Does not participate in gang activities, but may be involved in minor juvenile delinquent acts. Doodles gang insignias and logos and commits acts of graffiti vandalism. May have gang affiliated tattoos. Speaks in slang, uses gang terminology and displays gang hand-signs. (Very few females are in this stage)

(Associate, Peripheral) Generally 12-years-old and older. May wear gang colors out of respect, but will not wear specific indicators. Spends time with one or more actual gang members. Has some knowledge of gang activities. Believes in loyalty and unity in the gang, but will leave loyalty behind when self-preservation becomes an issue. Less likely to participate in acts of violence and more often they will assist after the fact, such as hiding a wanted person or holding onto weapons. Does not participate in gang activities, but may be involved in juvenile delinquent acts. Doodles gang insignias and may commit acts of graffiti vandalism. May have gang affiliated tattoos. Speaks in slang, uses gang terminology and displays gang hand-signs. They have made no formal commitment to the gang. May carry concealed weapons for protection. (Most females involved in gang activity are classified in this stage)

(Gangster, Soldier, Baller, High Roller, Homeboy) Generally 14 - 25-years-old. Wears gang attire. Spends most of their available time with other gang members. Has knowledge of gang activities. Believes in loyalty to the gang. Participates in gang activities, but also may attend school or have a job. Doodles gang insignias and may commit acts of graffiti vandalism. May have gang tattoos. Speaks in slang, uses gang terminology and displays hand-signs. They have made a formal commitment to the gang usually by an established ritual such as 'jumped in.' Will carry concealed weapons for protection. (Some females are classified as members)

(Boss, Veterano, Original Gangster, King, Price, Prime Minister, General, Don, Chief, Shot Caller) Generally 17 - 25-years-old. Wears gang attire. Spends the majority of their time other gang members. Has full knowledge of gang activities and provides leadership to the group. They are the most essential and influential component to the gang. Believes in total loyalty to the gang which constitutes their total identity and therefore is what they most value in life. Instigates violent confrontations. Rarely involved in acts of graffiti vandalism. May have gang tattoos. Speaks in slang, uses gang terminology and displays gang handsigns. They are a veteran of gang life and committed to the gang lifestyle. Will carry concealed weapons for protection. Rarely employed and sometimes involved in drug sales. They will usually have spent time in juvenile hall, jail or prison. Comprise about 5 to 10% of the gang. (Very few females are classified as hardcore)