Prison Gangs

Paper Summary:

Prison gangs are prevalent in today's penitentiaries. Centered on race and ethnicity, many have become powerfully entrenched in the American prison system. They are described as chronic, serious, criminal organizations. However, relatively little attention has been given to this crisis. This paper overviews prison gangs in the American prison system. It discusses the effects gangs have on inmates, the relationship between prison gangs and street gangs and the effects prison gangs have on prison control.

From the Paper:

"When a male prison first enters the prison system, it is more likely than not that he will join a prison gang. This happens both voluntarily and involuntarily. In so doing, this gang becomes his family. He then "works towards the gang's antisocial goals" . If, for whatever reason, the new inmate is not suitable to gang life, he is often then the prey of gang members. Those who do not submit to becoming a gang member or who are not wanted by the gangs are often at danger. Other gang member inmates continuously terrorize these inmates. They are often "exploited and dominated by the gang". This can lead to injury, and in some instances, inmate death."

More papers on Prison Gangs:

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