The Problems of Security Threat Groups in Michigan Prisons: Implementation of a Tattoo Removal Program Siena Heights University Sara L. Schmitz

Gang Defined as, “…a group, informal or formal in nature, whose members recurrently commit crimes and where these crimes are openly known to the members, often conferring status or profit upon those members who commit the crime (Knox, 1994).”

Security Threat Group (STG) Defined as 1) “a group of prisoners possessing common characteristics, which distinguish them from other prisoners and 2) pose a threat to staff or other prisoners or the custody and security of the institution (Mulvaney, 2000).

The Differences? STG’s are only in correctional facilities, dealing mainly with the threat to security and order of the institution Gangs exist inside and outside of the prisons All gangs are STG’s, but not all STG’s are gangs The term “STG” is used to take away the recognition and publicity the term “Gang” gives It is also used to encompass the many gangs and extremist/radical, and religious groups into one general term Every STG may not be a gang by definition

History of Prison Gangs The “Gypsy Jokers” started in 1950 in Walla Walla, Washington Since then hundreds of different gangs have emerged and over 12,000 members have joined

History of Gangs (Cont) In 1984: 20 out of 25 inmate homicides More than half of all prison disturbances and problems were gang-related In 1996: Prison disturbances soared by 400% (This caused the emergence of many states to take action concerning STG’s)

History of STG in MDOC December 16, 1996 – 1st policy regarding the identification and management of STG’s in the MDOC An STG Coordinator was appointed at every facility in the State of Michigan Since 1996, the MDOC has been able to gain information and track STG members to a number of activities in the prison

Gang Overview The problems they create extend into our communities, therefore impacting all of society Having contacts on the outside makes them even stronger on the inside Participate in activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and murder hits Prison gangs have lasting devastating effects on our future society

STG vs. Non-STG STG members twice as likely to have more misconducts STG members are LESS likely to participate in rehabilitative programs

Problems They Create Inside Prisons As STG membership grows, the more powerful, dangerous and organized they become Increased difficulty for staff to maintain order Engage in a variety of criminal activities, leading to increased violence Turf Wars Secretiveness of activities because they are always trying to get over on staff

Problems (cont) Gang Membership increases likelihood of violence The more involved in the group, the more likely to use violence to carry out groups mission. Propensity for violence varied with the amount of time in gang Longer the membership less likely to commit violent acts, because… More time = Leadership

Initiations New members have to prove their loyalty through initiations Initiation – A rite, ceremony, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society with a particular function or status (Walker, 2005) Determines strength Mentally Physically

Types of Initiations Memorizing group’s rules Enduring several beat downs Assaults “Blood-In, Blood-Out” Drive-By Shootings Intimidations Tattoos

Initiations (Cont)

Drive – By Shootings

Prisoners Join Because… They Need: Protection from predatory inmates Acceptance Financial Gain Increased Status Power Contacts in the free world for the drug trade Or Because: They were recruited. Recruit prisoners with short sentences.

STG Related Activities They are usually motivated by profits and power Use absolute loyalty and secrecy of the gang at ALL costs They are not concerned about physically hurting staff or other prisoners in order to get what they want

Types of STG-Related Activities Illegal Drug Trafficking Protection Rackets Strong Arming Loan Sharking Gambling Weapons Production Shank - Prison slang for a homemade weapon made out of any material that is sharpened on an edge or sharpened to a point fabricating a weapon. Prostitution Initiate Riots or Disturbances

Product of STG Rivalries

Riot of 1995 Occurred in August of 1995 at Gus Harrison Correctional Facility The Gangster Disciples, Latin Kings, and Vice Lords initiated it Started because of the hot summer temps Took over 3 housing units 37 staff seriously injured

The Five Largest STG’s in Michigan Gangster Disciples White Supremacist/ Aryan Movement Melanics Vice Lords Latin Kings

Gangster Disciples Currently 107 validated members Formed by Larry Hoover in 1974 Rivals with “Peoples” Nation groups Allies with Melanics and other “Folk” nation groups Known for drug sales and distribution Slogans: “Six alive, Five Must Die” “6 Poppin, 5 Droppin”

Gangster Disciples (Cont) Symbols: Six pointed star “74” or “GD” or “6” Upward pitchforks A heart with wings Colors Black and Blue Gang nickname and heart w/ wings, six pointed star pitchforks up, pitchforks up with five pointed star with bullet hole

White Supremacist Groups Currently 73 validated members Quasi-Military Organization Formed in retaliation of racial tensions Made up of racial hate groups Tainted ideals Many sub-sects, members jump from group to group under the White Supremacists Organization Groups include KKK, Aryan Brotherhood, Aryan Nations Skinheads, National Alliance

White Supremist Symbols Variation of Swastika, National Alliance Symbol Neo-Nazi KKK Shaved Heads Lightening Bolt Letters “AB” Life Rune; William Pierce.

Melanics Began in prison system in 1983 Formerly a Recognized Departmental Religion disseminated in 2000 (quasi-Muslim Series of events surrounding members of Melanics led to STG Militaristic Structure Only Known in the MDOC Aligned with Gangster Disciples Known for loan sharking and prisoner stores

Melanic Symbols Six pointed star with dot Crescent moon Rising Sun Opened Book

Vice Lords Currently 41 validated members Founded in 1958 at an Illinois Boys Reformatory Aligned with the “Peoples” Nation Known for drug markets and violent activities

Vice Lords Symbols 5-Pointed Star-Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice Colors Black and Red Playboy Bunny Letters “VL”

Latin Kings Currently 41 validated members Chicago based formed in 1961 Aligned with “People” Nation One of the most Violent Gangs, known for correctional officer “hits” Also known for robberies, burglaries, weapons trafficking, beatings, intimidations, and drive-by shootings Aligned with Insane Unknowns, Spanish Lords, and Vice Lords Rivals with Spanish Cobras

Latin Kings Symbols Colors Black and Gold Crown with three or five points Letters “LK” Teardrop under left eye Number “5” “Almighty King” Pyramid Pyrimid in five point crown

Monitoring STG’s Currently the MDOC focuses on STG information intelligence and monitoring Each Facility has an STG Coordinator who oversees the whole process and designates prisoners into STG I and STG II Effective monitoring assists in the prevention of violence and ensures overall security in the institution (Mulvaney, 2000)

Monitoring STG’s (cont) MDOC’s Methods Listening to suspected members telephone calls Reading their incoming/outgoing mail Network with local law enforcement Stricter Rules More Shakedowns, Less Visits, Job Assignments

Advantages of STG Monitoring Crucial to understanding the groups’ dynamics Assists in the prevention of contraband introduced in to the facility Understanding violence related to turf disputes Deters other STG activities Helps staff recognize STG activities Helps staff know which groups are in conflict with each other

Even with all of the efforts the MDOC currently puts forth, there is always room for more! My Policy Recommendation is…

MDOC Tattoo Removal Program (MDOCTRP) Designed for prisoners that have renounced or wishing to renounce Voluntary For any prisoner with a STG-related tattoo Start out as pilot program at the Adrian Facilities until successful evaluation

MDOCTRP (Cont) Laser Treatments: Laser breaks up pigments, making tattoo fade Number of treatments depends on size and quality of tattoo Laser does hurt, feels like rubber band snaps Allotment of 45 minutes for each session

MDOCTRP (Cont) Costs: Fairly Inexpensive program Grant Funding to buy laser equipment Working in Collaboration with: Volunteer Physicians for actual treatments Volunteer EMT’s for pre/post treatment State of Michigan provide medical supplies

MDOCTRP (Cont) Prisoners would be required to give back to the community in one way or another, depending on the amount of treatments determines the number of hours of service Growing Flowers for Area Businesses Making cards and drawing pictures for elderly in nursing homes Making stuffed animals for needy children Growing fruits and vegetable in garden and all produce would go to local food banks

MDOCTRP Requirements Prior to the first treatment they must have completed 15 hours, then for every treatment, they must complete 5 hours Must have a job within the prison with 6 months of perfect time and attendance Must be misconduct free for 6 months, and stay misconduct free during the treatments

MDOCTRP Requirements (Cont) Must renounce from their STG and be committed to completely leaving the gang lifestyle Must have completed all of their educational and parole requirements Must agree, in writing, to have no other tattoos put on. If they do this is a ground for automatic dismissal from the program Lastly, if they meet all of the above requirements, they must completely fill out the attached contract

Program Evaluation After three years, program will be evaluated Prisoners – Units of Analysis Methods: Survey all people directly involved Total # of STG prisoners at both facilities compared total # that utilized the program Review file of those who used program for # of STG-related misconducts, activities, and involvement before and after the tattoo removal