Prison gangs Info from:

“If your name is on a Bad News List, gang members attack you on sight—but remove your name when your debts are paid.”

HISTORY Prison gangs started in the 1960’s and 70’s as a way for inmates to protect themselves from rival gangs and other criminals. In the 90’s, prison disturbances increased 400% Often used in transporting narcotics Links street gangs with drug trafficking organizations

TODAY’S PROBLEMS Inmates are REALLY good at hiding contraband Increase in the young male prison population since the 1950’s. Became more ethnically and racially mixed, more unpredictable, didn’t want to listen to the old timers. Technology: In 2013, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confiscated 12,151 phones. Where and how do they hide them? You don’t wanna know.

TODAY Prisons won’t acknowledge the presence of gangs within their walls to avoid accusations of criminal activity. Instead, we use the term Security Threat Group -- A group that shares common characteristics and distinguishes itself from another, and is a threat to staff, inmates, institution and community. Usually structured along racial or ethnic lines, who have an organized hierarchy and run with a ‘code of conduct.’

COMMUNICATION Although there is much interracial hatred, there is still mutual respect and peace if kept for the most part. Each gang will claim different areas of the yard and send out a couple members to scope out the other gangs and collect information. Gangs will discipline their own members if they are out of line so others won’t.

“If a white guy keeps everyone awake, the Aryan Brothers will discipline him to avoid having blacks or Hispanics attack one of their members.”

THE 6 MAJOR STG’s Traditional STG’s - meaning they are well organized and very well known. Developed in the 1960’s and 70’s as a means of protection. Known for their violence. Aryan Brotherhood, Black Guerilla Family, La Nuestra Familia, Mexican Mafia, Neta, Texas Syndicate

ARYAN BROTHERHOOD Most violent and feared M

Aryan Brotherhood AKA the “AB” Ties to white supremacy, Hitler, Nazi Germany Two major factions in California and US Prisons Involved with murder-for-for hire cases Most tensions are with the Mexican Mafia

BLACK GUERILLA FAMILY Military structure with a supreme leader

BGF AKA the “Black Family” or the “Black Vanguard” Has a supreme leader and central committee Includes a charter, code of ethics and oath of allegiance. Mainly located in Maryland and California

LA NUESTRA FAMILIA(“OUR FAMILY” ) Has a constitution and parliamentary structure

La Nuestra Familia Originated in California The Nortenos branched off from this group. Most were former street gang members Known for drug trafficking, homicide, and robbery

MEXICAN MAFIA Ideology is based on violence to create fear and command respect

Mexican Mafia AKA “La Eme” – Spanish for “The M” Formed in the 1950’s in California Consists of Mexican-American males who follow strict rules

NETA More low profile and more difficult to identify

Originated in Puerto Rico. Now one of the most violent Spread across 36 cities and 9 states Main source of income is drug trafficking Known for various other crimes

TEXAS SYNDICATE (“TS”) Created in response to other prison gangs

Texas Syndicate One of the most largest and violent Active on both sides of the US-Mexico border Most members are Mexican-American males, Known for drug trafficking

NON-TRADITIONAL PRISON GANGS Not as well known or organized, but equally as dangerous New Mexico Syndicate Aryan Circle 415’s Tri-City Bombers Los Solidos Azteca Bulldog Nation

GANG VOCABULARY Used by gangs to maintain secrecy, identity and solidarity Correctional officers must break the code to: Interrupt violent actions Stop illegal business transactions Save lives

GANG VOCABULARY “Blood in” - an initiation policy that requires potential members to ‘spill someone else’s blood. “Blood out” - attempting to get out of a prison gang, usually resulting in death Back door parole - to die in prison Bucket - county jail Buster - fraudulent gang member Catch a cold - to get killed Click up - getting along well with a homeboy Dancing on the blacktop - getting stabbed Daddies or Jokers - inmates that are sexual predators and prey on the weak

GANG VOCABULARY Jug-up - meal time Kite - a contraband letter Lifeboat - a pardon Lugger - an inmate who smuggles and possesses contraband Red eye - hard stare Set-tripping - to switch from one gang to another Street newspapers - graffiti that serves as a means of communication