Prison Gangs
One of the major problems of Correctional Facilities today are prison gangs or Security Threat Groups (STG’s).
“The term Security Threat Group (STG) is a nationally recognized term and is in use throughout most of the United States departments of correction. The term Security Threat Group accurately embraces all of the basic categories of gangs and reflects their impact on the security of prison operations. In addition it eliminates any recognition that criminals may derive from publicity about their gang, or its activities” (Arizona Department of Corrections, 2009.)
Prison gangs or STG’s are a group of criminals who pose a treat to the security and physical safety of the institution. They focus primarily on uniting inmates for self protection and the domination of illegal prison activities. Prison gangs are mostly divided along racial lines and practice some sort of defiance towards authority. They use a variety of hand signs, alphabet codes to communicate, tattoos, and different types of gang terminology. Gangs characteristically have rivals and make an alliance with other gangs. Tattoos help in determining gang affiliations. The criminal activity of prison gangs does not only exist inside the confines of the prison walls, but has flowed to the outside world. Criminal activities such as prostitution, extortion, drug selling, gambling, loan sharking are regularly operated by prison gangs.
The Term Paper on Security Threat Groups Mexican Mafia
... control gang activity. Of the twenty-three gangs in The Texas Department of Criminal Justice only eleven are classified as security threat group's. Those eleven gangs are ... 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 ...
Prison gangs exist in most prisons and the threat of violence affect every inmate. These prison gangs, whether Black, Hispanic, or White, are known for their viciousness and violence and use this reputation to maintain power and control over other inmates. The threat of violence is present in prison at all times. Some acts of violence may include assaults and murders of inmates, correctional officers and persons outside of the prison walls. A reason for an attack is usually when a disagreement between the inmates or a perception of “disrespect” is perceived by one of the inmates. When inmates cross the line and an individual inmate of one race attacks an inmate of another race, the result, as to be expected, is retaliation. Violations or retaliation can range from a beating, by fellow members for a given period of time, to death. Violation orders are often written out and signed by ranking members of the groups at their facility.
While there are many other smaller gangs and offshoots, officials are aware of about six major prison gangs within the country: Mexican Mafia, La Nuestra Familia, Texas Syndicate, Aryan Brotherhood, and Black Guerrilla Family. The wives and girlfriends of these gang members are held in high esteem amongst other member; they are a part of the family and are often used to smuggle contraband and to deliver messages to gang members on the outside. The messages are typically orders to commit violent acts against rival gang members. They may also serve to facilitate the administration of prison gangs outside of the prison walls.
I think the death penalty should be automatic if a gang member kills another one while serving time for murder. Laws are too lenient for these hard core criminals. Most be nice for these gang member to have a roof over their head, eat three square meals a day, continue their
gang affiliation and commit numerous crimes, all while in jail. There is no deterrent mechanism in place to stop the madness!! I’m certain that automatic death penalty would definitely touch a nerve!!
Bibliography
2009 Arizona Department of Corrections
The Essay on Higher Percentage Prison Inmates Life
Why do we choose to break the law? It's socially accepted, most people break the law in a minor way, perhaps by speeding or J-walking. Unfortunately some people go to far and end up in prison. At that point society is divided, where is the line that separates us? What affects the outcome of what side of that line you are standing on? Education? Environment? Genetics? What would cause one subject ...
“S.T.G., Security Threat Groups — Frequently Asked Questions.”
(See: http://www.azcorrections.gov/adc/divisions/support/stg/faq.asp#differences)
