Andrew Henning speaks at a press conference for "The Gang Book," Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in downtown Chicago. The book scrutinizes 59 active Chicago gangs and includes updated gang-turf maps that show gangs continue to splinter. It lists over 2,400 gang factions. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Crime Commission has officially unveiled its first new street-gang guide in six years, detailing changes in where and how 59 Chicago gangs operate.
The 400-page publication, called The Gang Book, was released Tuesday by the crime-prevention group.
The Associated Press obtained advance access and reported Monday about how gangs' embrace of social media is transforming gang culture.
The book also includes updated gang-turf maps and police data showing that once-cohesive, disciplined gangs have splintered into over 2,400 factions.
Commission President J.R. Davis said Tuesday that the splintering means street-level gang members "are becoming their own leaders," prompting more block-by-block violence.
Vice President Andrew Henning says the book will serve as a guide for regional police. He says it'll also help businesses and schools understand threats gangs pose.
Maywood Police Department Lt. Dennis Diaz holds a copy of "The Gang Book" at a press conference, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in downtown Chicago. The department was one of several to provide information and expertise to the Chicago Crime Commission. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
The Associated Press
Members of the Chicago City Commission, Illinois State Police Department, Illinois Attorney General Office, Cook County Sheriff Office and Maywood Police Department stand during a press conference for "The Gang Book," Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in downtown Chicago. The book scrutinizes 59 active Chicago gangs and includes updated gang-turf maps that show gangs continue to splinter. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
The Associated Press
Steven Block looks through "The Gang Book," Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in downtown Chicago. The book describes how gangs have fully embraced social media in recent years, altering gang culture and sometimes making gang conflicts deadlier. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
The Associated Press
Andrew Henning speaks at a press conference for "The Gang Book," Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in downtown Chicago. The book scrutinizes 59 active Chicago gangs and includes updated gang-turf maps that show gangs continue to splinter. It lists over 2,400 gang factions. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
The Associated Press
Guadalupe Garcia speaks with Telemundo at a press conference, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in downtown Chicago. Garcia is treasurer of the Chicago Crime Commission, who unveiled its first street-gang book in six years on how some 59 active gangs operate in the nation's third largest city. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
The Associated Press
Shannon O'Brien answers questions at a press conference about "The Gang Book," Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in downtown Chicago. The Chicago Crime Commission unveiled the book. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
The Associated Press
Guadalupe Garcia speaks with Telemundo at a press conference, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in downtown Chicago. Garcia is treasurer of the Chicago Crime Commission, who unveiled its first street-gang book in six years on how some 59 active gangs operate in the nation's third largest city. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
The Associated Press