Prison Gangs

Prison Gangs; Command & Control

by

Dennis, G, Crum

School of Criminal Justice

Presented in Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelors of Arts

American Military University

May 20, 2007

Dennis Grant Crum

237 Garfield Avenue

Biloxi/39531

850-264-8607

Dennis.Crum@keesler.af.mil

Professor Vincent Giordano MS, CAP, CCJAP

Table of Contents

Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Prison & street gang similarities …………………………………………………………………………4

Major prison gangs & street involvement ………………………………………………………………5

Impact on institution ……………………………………………………………………………………...11

Controlling prison gangs …………………………………………………………………………………12

Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………………...13

References ………………………………………………………………………………………………..14

Abstract

Gang problems throughout communities are a problem that has been around for some time. While most people realize their effects on communities, few see how they impact correctional facilities. Prison gangs have been in existence since the 1950’s. Although first formed for protection inside of the prison many of the prison gangs have started to impact their street counterparts and cause numerous problems both in and out of the facility. While it is not clear if prison gangs have a greater influence on street gangs or vice versa a direct correlation between the two definitely exists. Thus reducing the prison gang situation can have a positive impact both on the prison and street communities.

Introduction

Prison gangs have been an ongoing problem in correctional facilities for some time now. These gangs give inmates a sense of belonging and power (Santos, 1964). The first known American prison gang was the Gypsy Jokers formed in the 1950’s (Fleisher & Decker, 2006). According to Macko (1997), six out of every ten inmates are gang members. This is no surprise as gang members rarely give up their affiliation upon being...