This paper presents findings of a study that examined students' and school personnel's perceptions of gang activity, violence, and safety in the high schools of the Hinds County Public School District in Mississippi. The perceptions were measured against the student variables of grade level, age, gender, and race, and the school personnel variables of years of experience, gender, certification, and race. A total of 563 students and 38 school personnel responded to a survey, a 68 percent student response rate and a 93 percent school personnel response rate. Findings indicate that grade level, age, gender, and race had no significant effect on students' perceptions. Years of experience, gender, certification, and race had no significant impact on school personnels' perceptions. Tenth-grade students perceived the presence of gang activity in the district, while upperclass students had an impression of safety at school. White students perceived school violence as problematic. School personnel viewed gang activity and violence as a primary concern. One table is included. (Contains 71 references.) (LMI)