What is one of the primary factors that differentiates clubs from gangs?

The primary factor that differentiates clubs from gangs is criminal activity. Clubs, often referred to as motorcycle clubs for example, typically have a focus on specific interests or hobbies, such as riding motorcycles, and often engage in lawful social activities. While some clubs may partake in illegal behavior, it is not the core of their existence or identity.

In contrast, gangs are usually defined by their involvement in ongoing criminal enterprises. Their primary purpose often revolves around illegal activities, such as drug trafficking or violence, distinguishing them sharply from clubs. This focus on criminal activity as a defining characteristic makes it clear why it is the correct answer, emphasizing that the purpose and activities of groups form an essential basis for classification in law enforcement contexts.

The other factors, such as membership size, social events, or types of vehicles, may vary greatly between different gangs and clubs and do not necessarily serve as definitive markers for differentiating between the two. For example, both gangs and clubs can have large or small memberships and host social events, which do not inherently reflect their nature as a gang or a club. Similarly, the types of vehicles driven are not exclusive to either group, as both could share similar interests in vehicles regardless of their underlying purpose and activities.