According to HSI, a gang is defined as an association of how many individuals?

The definition of a gang according to HSI stipulates that it is an association of three or more individuals. This threshold is significant because it indicates that a gang is more than just a casual relationship between two people, which could be considered a friendship or partnership rather than a structured group engaging in coordinated or criminal activities.

When three or more individuals are involved, it illustrates a level of organization, identity, and potentially a recognition of shared goals, cultures, or criminal intents. This distinction helps law enforcement agencies to identify and counteract organized groups that can pose a threat to public safety, making it crucial to have a clear and operational definition for analytical and investigative purposes.

The definitions that suggest two, five, or ten individuals might reduce the clarity and effectiveness of law enforcement strategies when addressing gang-related issues, as they could encompass less organized entities or fail to capture larger, more dangerous associations that have the potential for significant criminal activity.