...structures. In prison, unlike most environments, the stakes of adaption are high. Non-conformity does not simply lead to ostracism; it can lead to victimization or death. In many ways prisons turn our understanding of deviance on its head. In a world of persons whom society considers deviants, those who do not conform to the (deviant) rules of prison society are the deviants. In some ways, these deviants are more like the normal members of general society than the normal members of criminal society. This is not always true, of course, but in some cases does apply. It is not unusual, therefore, for individuals in such a situation to band together for safety and survival. However, some groups form more cohesive, complex organizations with their own set of rules that result in activities which move far beyond the simple need to survive in a hostile environment. These gangs often take advantage of their strength within the prison walls to create profit-making enterprises and to disrupt normal prison operations (Camp and Camp, 1985). Prison gangs present a threat not only inside the penitentiary but outside as well, because of their well-established connections with drug trafficking organizations and street gangs. What happens within the razor wire has an impact on society in general not only because most prisoners will eventually be released, but because resources that might have been spent on rehabilitation are spent on combating gang activities (Fleisher and Decker, 2001). Prison gangs...
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...Summary of critiqued article: “Are All Gangs Equal Security Risks? An Investigation of Gang types and Prison Misconduct” - Ruddel, R., Gottschall, S. (May 5, 2011) To date, there has been very little scholar investigation towards the different types of gangs in Canadian penitentiaries, and their unique contributions to prison misconduct. Gangs in the correctional system are one the biggest problems facing correctional staff and administrators. Does every gang pose the same threat towards the Canadian correctional system? This study is an attempt at comparing the various gang members admitted into the correctional system between January 1, 2006 and August 31, 2009. It examines the offence-related characteristics of 1,636 gang members compared to 1,649 non-gang member counterparts. The 5 distinct types of gangs studied are: Aboriginal, Asian, street, outlaw motorcycle (OMG), and traditional organized crime (TOC). This study revealed that there are, in fact, distinct characteristics to each gangs conduct in the correctional system: Aboriginals have highest misconduct, highest rates of previous incarceration; street gangs were similar in violence but had less previous prison sentences; OMG had lower involvement in violent offences, but had longest sentences. Aboriginal gangs being the most violent, then Asian and street, followed by OMG gangs and TOC as the least. The closer examinations of these security threat groups (STG) suggest that the correctional system should imply...
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...Do Inmates Really Have a Choice when it comes to Joining Prison Gangs? Are prison gangs forced upon inmates? Do they really have a choice whether or not they join one while incarcerated? This topic was brought to my attention in my criminal justice (Corrections) class last semester. The question was brought up in a group discussion and was never really discussed after that day. However, these questions stayed with me and left me wondering why an inmate would join a prison gang. While some people would say “So what, it’s their choice whether they want to join a gang. Why should I care?” Well I believe & my research shows that it’s not always that simple. Life is already difficult when you’re sent to prison, adapting to a new way of living in the prison culture. Prison gangs are a major part of prison culture. These gangs have many secret and intellectual ways in which they go about operating, communicating, and recruiting. Also I wanted to find out who the main inmates targeted were and why. Why are these topics important to me? Because I feel that people may look over these problems, maybe because there are many harsh answers that people may not care enough about to do something about it. People may think everyone in prison is a gang member, but I want to show them that there are many reasons why they joined a prison gang and if you were put in the same situation, maybe you would too. Prison gangs are criminal organizations that originated within the penal...
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...Since the 1960’s organized gangs in the American Justice System have been a growing problem. Drug trafficking, continued violence, and overrunning prisons are a few of the main challenges that the justice system faces when trying to control these gangs. Based usually on race, these gangs are believed to be some of the most dangerous in the world and are only getting larger. Even though measures are being taken to try and prevent these gangs from growing in size, most attempts fail as the gangs are becoming too prominent and too powerful. Prison gangs by definition are criminal organizations that originated within the penal system and they have continued to operate within correctional facilities throughout the United States. They[Prison gangs] are also considered self-perpetuating criminal entities that can continue their operations outside the confines of the penal system. Typically, a prison gang consists of a select group of inmates who have an organized hierarchy and who are governed by an established code of conduct. These gangs vary in both organization and composition, from highly structured gangs such as the Aryan Brotherhood and Nuestra Familia to gangs with less formalized structure such as the Mexican Mafia. Prison gangs are usually more powerful within state correctional facilities compared to the federal penal system (Trusty). The first recognized prison gang was originated at the Duel Vocational Institution in Tracy, California. It was originally founded by thirteen...
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...Modern-Day Prison Gangs and How They Operate Angel Ruby March 21, 2013 American River College Modern-Day Prison Gangs and How They Operate There are several different prison gangs currently in power within the prisons today. There is the Mexican Mafia, La Neustra Familia, Black Guerrilla Family, and The Aryan Brotherhood. Though each gang has separate syndicates, these four gangs remain the most influential (A. Ruby, personal interview, March 19, 2013). How these gangs operate depends on the prison they occupy. While each of these gangs was initially created to survive in ethnically segregated situations that is not the case any longer. Currently the aspirations of these gangs have to do with protection, money, and reputation, they are very organized and efficient (A. Ruby personal interview, March 19, 2013). La Nuestra Familia was formed in the mid 1960’s to protect rural Mexican-American inmates from predator gangs, primarily from the urban Mexican-American inmates affiliated with the Mexican Mafia (Gangs OR Us Gang Identification, 1999). They represent northern California and are identified by their tattoos which are normally a dagger or sombrero with the letters “NF”. The NF use to operate through three categories (cat.1, cat.2, etc.). The higher the category you were in, the higher your rank within the gang. They later abolished that structure to try to institute equality inside the gang. They created a “mesa” which was an order of six members (A. Ruby, personal...
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...In the Florida prison system there are six major gangs. They are known for their violence, drug trafficking, and other forms of organized crime. Some of the major gangs tend to run with a paramilitary chain of command, this tends to be similar to Correctional Officers and the military. The chain of command is as follows; Majors, Captains, Lieutenants, Sargent’s, and foot soldiers. Among other reasons prisoners join gangs for a since of security and protection. The group known as Neta was originated in 1970 in Rip Pedras Prison, Puerto Rico. The race of this gaing is Puerto Rican-American/ Hispanic. It is said that it was formed to stop the violence between inmates to protect weaker inmates that were being preyed upon by a group names G’27. They are most dangerous in their drug activity, extortion, and gang-related violence. They do not hesitate to attack or kill if they feel it is necessary. Like most gangs they have their gang colors. Red which represents blood that has been shed and that will be shed. White for peace, harmony, and tranquility. Blue that is sometimes replaced with black that is in honor of past member that have lost their lives. Established in 1964 in San Quentin state prison by Irish-American bikers the founder was Barry Mills and Tyler Bingham. The Aryan brotherhood was founded by white supremacists to protect white inmates from predatory black inmates. Known for being one of the most violent white supremacist groups they are accountable for over 100 bloody...
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...Some states use as strategy is to transfer inmates out of states, which send gang leaders or members out of state in the hope of stopping or slowing a prison gang’s activities. If a gang already has been established, it is hoped that such a transfer would disrupt a gang to the point of its demise; however, there are no data showing the effectiveness of this type of control strategy. In fact, transferring a higher and security prison gang member could be the impetus to transfer his prison gang to yet another correctional (United States Department of Justice, 1992). One of the cause that I believe is very important when it comes to gang’s members is that they don’t feel safe in prison, and that can lead to create more violence at the prison....
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...me, not for the good but the bad. I joined a gang that would protect me from the beatings and feed me more food after my turn in solitary confinement. In return I would have to go against all the good I have and I will be owned by them. The leader is a very large man named Red and has people on the outside forcing two guards to take care of him and his gang, if they tell anyone the guards family would die. The guards bring items in to sell and trade with other gangs. I was told to beat a man that traded bad Tabaco and cut his face with a razor. I have traded one evil for another and this evil I cannot just walk away from. Red told me that I am a good solider and he wanted me to kill a guard so I could stay in here for life with him. I have heard about prison reform in other countries from other inmates and am hoping that you or someone can help. There are so many good men in here that would be better off and have a better chance if there was not all of this corruption. Some of the crime on the outside is ran from the leaders in prison, and with my cooperation we can put a stop to it and reform the prison to help people....
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...The wind howls across the wide and open American great plains. The greatest of these three short stories at evoking a feeling similar to that of being in the American south “A Rose for Emily”, “Dust Tracks on a Dirt Road”, and “The Life You Save May be Your Own” is “Dust tracks on a dirt road”, followed by “The life you save may be your own”, and finally “A rose for Emily” In Dust Tracks on a dirt road, Hurstons use of imagery, telling us about her gingham dress and how most kids did not wear shoes evoked feelings similar to those that arose as a child when children would run around without shoes, get into a scuffle or two, and be home by dinner unless you wanted a bit of a whipping with a wooden spoon showed exceedingly well how rural the area was. None of that was said, however the idea of kids running around not wearing shoes or rolling around with each other in the dust and dirt made it easy to see, as well as also connecting emotionally with people of a rural background. This story also appeals in an ethical sense when you realize how horrible things were back then and the strides in human rights this nation has made. In “The Life You Save May Be Yours”, the author uses indirect characterization, such as when Mr.shiflet was fixing the nell’s car, or barn, and was exalted about everything he did, not worried in the slightest and being exceedingly manipulative of Mrs.nell, telling her how he’d marry her daughter if he could have the car, showing how useful he was around...
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...Sustainability is the capacity at which an environment can support those living in it. This describes the problem in this case because the bigger Robin Hood’s gang gets, the less resources there are to be spread amongst them. Robin Hood’s gang developed this issue because there are many people in the kingdom that do not support the king or his decisions. This is another problem that can be identified in this case, the king. He is the whole reason that the band of robbers began stealing in the first place. If the king had not forced his unjust laws upon the people there would not have been a revolt. The people are revolting against the king because the wealth is not being spread amongst them. The rich, get richer. The poor, get even poorer. The third problem in this case is that King Richard is currently in jail. Robin Hood’s gang, as well as, the barons want to free King Richard in order to replace the current king. If they are able to free King Richard they may be able to save their country. CONTRIBUTION The main problem in this case is that there is a king in power which no one trust or believes should be king. This has caused Robin Hood and his gang to fight back against the king. Since, the gang is facing an issue of sustainability they should find a solution to their problem, and fast. RECCOMENDATIONS Robin Hood’s gang need to dethrone the current king in order to solve their problem. If the original king is no longer in power then that will help end the current revolt...
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...The Sureňos Trecè Gang Global Crime and Criminal Justice Abstract Gang killings are results of drug wars have been refuted by the authorities since blotters report that these homicides are conflicts over territory, status and revenge. Gang wars are not only “inner city” problems but all over as well. Almost every city around the world claims to be gang capitals, like New York or London. Other major cities in the US have also been known to be havens for gang wars such as Houston and Chicago. Youth join gangs, and these young members are not heavily into committing crimes or using drugs but they just want to belong to a specific group for personal purposes and a feeling of belonging. Majority of gangs are not tightly organized. Most of the members have different degrees of loyalty to their gangs. Their cohesiveness increases when they are challenged by other groups. In the LA area, for example, gang violence has lessened in the last fifteen years but has been on the rise again in the last few years. Most law enforcement officials agree that gangs are a community problem that must be dealt with in a variety of approaches implemented by police, schools, community-based organizations, public health professionals and others in an interactive and cooperative approach to gang prevention and intervention. Historical Background Sureños is a union of hundreds of individual Mexican American street gangs that started in the southern part of California. These people are found in...
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...Gangs within the System Prison is a system that was made to make inmates better. Since the start of prisons, gangs have become a big part. Gangs fight in order to dominate and run everything. It is a constant battle between them. Who you are affiliated with says a lot. Gangs in prison are more than just a group of men killing each other , It is more family oriented . Prison gangs were originally formed by inmates as a means to protect themselves from other inmates. Throughout the years, prison gangs have evolved from a group that provides protection to its members, to criminal entities involved in prostitution, assaults, drugs and murder. Prison gangs continue to thrive because prosecuting them has, historically, been difficult due to the fact that many members are already serving life sentences with no possibility of parole. Most inmates use gangs as protection because once you go to prison your “Out of Bars” life is gone so you do not have anyone to protect you. This is why people join gangs in prison for the protection. When you first get into jail you are technically a “Newbe” because no one knows who you are or what you are capable. This creates the idea of “Moving Up the Ladder” this is when you create a resume of doing things such as killing selling and earning respect to become of high statue. Inmates have to put in “work” to move up. When they first arrive, the inmate has to gain respect from everyone else. In the documentary you see Bulldog talks about how...
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...paper, what are some possible consequences for a social policy change. The video that I have chosen to do this paper on will be the “Pelican Bay State Prison: War Zone” to best fit with my beliefs of social structure theory simply the top reason for criminality evolving. In the video that I have viewed, “Pelican Bay State Prison: War Zone,” there was a great deal of information in it that supported crime evolving from a social structure theory. The prisoners in Pelican Bay State Prison set a goal to get into this prison because it is more like a reward than a punishment. The motive for the a reward of these prisoners is that only the meanest most violent prisoners who are gang leaders out of prison. These gang leaders still run the gangs, although they are in prison and are fearless. These gang leaders come from the only family that they have ever known and would give their lives for the gang. Most prisoners, gang leaders are educated only in the streets and nowhere else. In the video it speaks of how Pelican Bay State Prison is known for the thousands upon thousands of gang leaders who set a goal to end there for more recognition. The prisoners who end in Pelican Bay go in strong and hardcore, and when they come out they are not weaker but stronger and more dedicated than ever to be the gang leader that they are. The gang is not lost without their leader right beside him or her because they know they will be keeping in touch, with the leader on a regular basis. It is...
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...Social Problems Associated with Street Gangs Gangs are becoming prevalent in today’s society and within our schools. More and more young people are turning to gangs in an attempt to escape their everyday lives and the future, which they perceive as dismal and bleak. They are initially attracted to the prestige and cash flow, which is glamorized by the street gang. Many gangs are actively involved in criminal misconduct, such as drug and gun trafficking, burglaries and homicides. However, street gangs are not just a criminal justice issue, but a social problem, which is triggered by poverty, peer pressure, boredom, despair and lacking a sense of belonging. A street gang can be defined as “an organized social system that is both quasi-private (not fully open to the public) and quasi-secretive (much of the information concerning its business remains confined with the group) and one whose size and goals have necessitated that social interaction be governed by a leadership structure that has defined roles; where the authority associated with these roles has been legitimized to the extent that social codes are operational to regulate the behavior of both the leadership and the rank and file; that plans and provides not only for the social and economic services of its members, but also for its own maintenance as an organization; that pursues such goals irrespective of whether the action is legal or not; and that lacks a bureaucracy (i.e., an administrative staff that is hierarchically...
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...Prison Gangs Through the Lens of Tuckman’s Theory of Group Formation Money, narcotics, and protection, what more could a prisoner ask for? If that question is ever solved then the answer to the prison gang epidemic may be found. Prison gangs, by nature, are a group just like any other, and thus go through the same group formation process as any other group. A key part of this process is adjourning, the stage where group members are satisfied with the group and leave. However, the adjourning stage hasn’t occurred as much in prison gangs as people would like. By showing that prison gangs go through the rest of the stages of group formation, it will be shown that they could go through the final stage of adjourning. Tuckman’s Group Formation Theory Bruce Tuckman first created his group formation theory in 1965 after studying 50 articles on the topic of group formation. He extrapolated from those 50 articles a general concept for group formation. This concept of group formation recognizes that every group has a task that it must complete, and interpersonal relationships between the group members (Tuckman 1965). This concept originally stated that the group goes through four different stages of dealing with the task and interpersonal relationships: forming, storming, norming, and performing (Tuckman 1965). A fifth category, adjourning, was added in 1977 (Tuckman and Jensen). Forming is the stage in which group members test the boundaries of both the interpersonal relationships...
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