What is the minimum number of individuals that comprise a street gang?

The minimum number of individuals that comprise a street gang is defined as three. This is based on the understanding that a gang is typically characterized by a formal or informal structure that allows for a level of organization and operational capacity. A grouping of three or more individuals can create a dynamic that includes shared identity, typically associated with criminal activity, and a collective pursuit of illegal objectives or behaviors.

In many jurisdictions, law enforcement and legal definitions of gangs emphasize the need for a minimum number of members to establish the presence of organized criminal activity. This distinguishes street gangs from mere associations or groups of friends, which may not be engaged in organized offenses. Smaller groups might lack the cohesive structure and criminal enterprise that characterize gang behavior, thus underscoring why three is the recognized threshold.