STG
One of the major problems of corrections today is the security threat group or more commonly known as the “prison gang”. A security threat group (S.T.G.) can be defined as any group of offenders who pose a treat to the security and physical safety of the institution. “ Throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, prison gangs focused primarily on uniting inmates for self protection and the monopolization of illegal prison activities for monetary gain” (F.B.P., 1994, p. 2). S.T.G.’s are mostly divided along racial lines and practice some sort of defiance towards authority. S.T.G.’s use a variety of hand signs, alphabet codes, tattoos, and different types of gang terminology. Gangs characteristically have rivals and make an alliance with other gangs. The criminal activity of S.T.G.’s does not only exists inside the confines of the prison walls, but has flowed to the outside world. “Prostitution, extortion, drug selling, ga!mbling, loan sharking – such activities are invariably operated by prison gangs” (Gaines, Kaune, Miller, 2000, p.652). The Texas Prison System consists of eleven classified security threat groups; Texas chooses to classi
When the time comes most gang members will be released from prison. Upon release members must report in to the area leader of the gang. If a member of the Mexican Mafia does not repot in within one week of release, then a hit is put out on that member. The only way to get out of the Mexican Mafia is to flee the state and move far away up North. As of today the only gang that will release a member without death is the Texas Syndicate. importantly due to their intense rivalry with the Crips” (F.B.P., 1994, p.53). The Bloods do not usually wear a tattoo signifying their affiliation, but will wear some type of red clothing. In the correctional setting the members will try to wear red shoestrings or red shoes, since they are unable to wear street clothing in prison. When the bloods are on the streets they are easily identified by the wearing of red bandanas and red clothing. The Bloods have their own cipher and use graffiti to get their message across. Some of the most common graffiti is negative towards the Crips or is used to mark their territory. The Bloods are allied with any gang that considers the Crips an enemy. rcotics trafficking, gambling, inmate assaults, protection rackets, and staff intimidation” (F.B.P., 1994, p.36). The HPL has split into two factions because of disagreements in the way operations were being run. One faction is called the “16/12”, which refers to the 16th and 12th letters of the alphabet “P” and “L”. The “P” and “L” stand for Pistoleros Latinos. The other faction is called the “45’s” which is derived from the tattoo of a .45 caliber pistol found usually on the stomach area directly under the ribs. Both factions use the original constitution and rules. The HPL is currently conducting meetings in order to reunite both sides back together. Some of the 16/12’s are refusing to unite and are forming their own group called the Pistoleros Mexicanos or PM. At one time the HPL aligned with the Mexikanemi (Mexican Mafia), but is now at war with them because of some recent e! is poorly conducted, and only a majority vote is required to gain admittance to the gang” (Ralph, 1997, p.185). The Mexican Mafia is structured under para-military lines with a president, vice-president, and generals that members are expected to follow strictly. The president is in charge of all members both inside and outside the prison system. This is also true for the vice-president and generals. Each of the generals are responsible for a specific geographical area of the state. Lieutenants are appointed to be in charge of certain cities and specific units by the president or vice-president. The Mexican Mafia’s operations are not strictly confined to the state of Texas and they currently conduct illegal activities in several states. The largest number of members hail from the San Antonio, Texas area which is why San Antonio is the home city of the Mexican Mafia. Other areas containing strong membership are Dallas, Houston, Austin, and El Paso. Members o! La Hermanos De Pistoleros Latinos is more commonly know as HPL, which stands for “Brotherhood of Latin Gunmen”. “The HPL is comprised mostly of Mexican nationals incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice” (F.B.P., 1994, p.36). It is currently one of the largest S.T.G.’s in the state of Texas, just below the number of members to the Mexican Mafia and Texas Syndicate. A member must be of Latin origin, such as from Mexico, Cuba, or Puerto Rico. The executive rules of the HPL states, “I will not be able to induct as a Latino-brother any White or Black but only Latinos. Latinos should be any Latin origin; Chicanos, Mexicanos, Puerto Ricans, Venezuelans and all persons that speak Latino or are descendents of Latin families.” The group is considered to be very violent because of there
Some common words found in the essay are:
Prison System, Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, Security Threat, Aryan Brotherhood, Crips” FBP, Ricans Venezuelans, Mexican American, Criminal Justice, Bohm Haley, mexican mafia, texas syndicate, texas department criminal, fbp 1994, department criminal, security threat, texas department, criminal justice, department criminal justice, aryan brotherhood, prison system, street gang, aryan brotherhood texas, classified security threat, fbp 1994 p36,
Approximate Word count = 2733
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)
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