New York City's biggest street gang is the Neta Association. This gang began in Puerto Rico. In 1979, in Puerto Rico, an inmate of a prison called La Princesa started a movement that is known today as Neta Association. This inmate was known as Carlos Torres Irrate or Carlos "La Sombra" (The Shadow). The movement was allegedly started to protect the rights of inmates from the injustices perpetrated by the prison administration and other stronger inmates.

Later in 1979,Carlos Torres Irriarte was transferred to a prison in Rio Piedras, P.R.,known as Del Presidio. His movement was rapidly growing and he caught the attention of other rival

reducing the prisoner's perception that their "turf" is separate from staffs. The face-to-face contact between inmates that now is essential to gang pressure and solidarity should be interrupted with face-to-face contact with the enforcers of order and regulations.

The third active gang in the New York State Prison System is; the "Five Percenters." The Five Percenters were started in the 1960's on the streets of New York by Clarence 13X Smith. Islam is the parent group of the Five Percent Nation, which is a youth oriented group of Muslim following. Members of this group believe that they are Gods unto themselves. Their symbol is an eight-point star with a number seven, a crescent and a small star. The concept of the Five Percent Nation is that 85% of the populations are underprivileged and exploited due to the capitalistic activity of the middle-class people represented by 10%. The remaining 5% have a divine mission from Allah (God) to free the 85% from the oppression of the 10%. The Five Percenters believe it is their responsibility to free and educate the black man. The Five Percenters preach this belief up front while dealing in extortion, protection, and some drugs.

and performs administrative duties.

-2nd in command is a Vice President

2. Separate all known gang members as much as possible by transferring them to different institutions.

Gang violence in our prison system is on rapid up-rise. According to the U.I.'s (unusual Incidents) statistics, which are reported to Albany's Command Center, the New York State corrections system is also rising rapidly. There are 58 jails statewide reporting gang related activity including drug trafficking, assaults, and homicides. This ever growing, inmate population within New York State's Criminal Justice System is still growing and at a rate which could have never been foreseen. The Department's goal is to establish control over gang violence that is escalating through the state's jail system. Prison gangs developed in the New York State prison system during the 1970's and the early 1980's. They have gained statewide attention because of the growing numbers of gang related crimes. These crimes include homicide, assaults, and extortion.

Netas usually have an affiliation and alliance with the Latin Kings and other similar street gangs.

must have strong beliefs of the gangs lifestyle and commit to the ways of the membership. All gangs share an emphasis on power and prestige, measured in terms of ability to control other inmates and specific activities within the institution. Money, drugs, and personal property represents; tangible symbols of a gang's ability to control and dominate, others. It also represents, it's ability to provide essential protection, goods, and services for its, members reinforces gang commitment and solidarity. It is believed by the administration that prison gangs are the main sources of introducing contraband to the facility. This is mainly done through intimidation of weaker inmates, extortion and violence. The gangs are also in charge of the distribution of the drugs. Gang activity is not easily detected because it is not directed at disrupting facility operations but rather at taking advantage of regular institutional activities. Legitimate activities and clubs are affected !

of a life of crime and violence in the Netas before they are to be crowned a Latin King.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2471
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)