Hi everyone! let me start by first saying thank you again! This site is awesome, and even my husband can attest that it has been a huge help to me! I am writing now, because I would like to hear ex-offenders perspectives on the gang situations withing the prison walls. I have so many questions, I couldnt possibly put them all here, but basically..... Is it true that it is in their best interest? Is "laying low and doing your time" really unrealistic? Doesn't gang affiliation loom over you like a dark shadow??? Again, I could "hear" about this topic till the cows come home, so please..... I would appreciate any and all information that anyone might have for me. The main thing is that I want to support my husband and trust in him whole-heartedly.... And I feel like I would be better equipped to do that if I were educated on this matter. Thanks in advance!!!!

MY EX IS GANG AFFILIATED BUT HE DIDNT LET ANYONE KNOW WHEN HE WENT IN AND THEY STILL DONT KNOW NOW SO IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE AND NOONE KNOW

I have two sides of this story for you. My boyfriend is affiliated with the "SGV Peckerwood Pimps", if I'm saying that right. :) He hooked up with this title, if you will, when he was like 18 years old and serving his first term. Anyways, he says, and maintains, that this is important to his security. What I mean is, when the men feel like they have a commrodirie (sp?) or brotherhood, they feel safer. Not that they can't take care of themselves, but like I said, a "brotherhood" type thing.
My other example, is a friend of mine also serving in CA. He is 44 years old, and definetly instituionalized (sp?) :) Soory, bad spelling. Anyways, he has been in prison nearly his whole life, and when he was like 17 or 18, he joined te Nazi Low Riders. He was, from the way he tells the story, one of the first members of the gang.
Now the difference between what Billy affiliates himself with, and what my friend affiliates himself with-is that Billy is associating himself with an AREA and a RACE. And my friend, is in a GANG. As a result of my friend's association with this gang, he is doomed to be put DIRECTLY in the SHU whenever he gets himself in prison, because he is a "gang member". Where as Billy is just claiming an AREA and a RACE, so he isn't payed much attention by the officers, you know? They kind of EXPECT at least that.
I dunno if I'm making sense, but maybe what I'm trying to say is--typically the men, or women, will divide themselves by race and all that, it happens pretty naturally in there, but be careful about affiliating yourself with an actual "gang". Thats just my thoughts on it. Hope I made sense. :) --Helen

Thanks for the info Helen! You have validated a lot of what my husband tells me. I get really frustrated when I hear things like "one of my boys...." He insists that he is doing what he needs to do, and having gone in at the age of 16, and having been there for 6 years now, I guess I should accept that. The whole "gang" mentality....whether organized, or just according to race, is really "out there" to me. Call me naive... Thanks again for your info though. It is very much appreciated!!!

Hi BelievinInJ,
What I know about Gangs on the inside is if you get there patch (tattoo) you are in for life! only way out is death. You are still a member even when you get out of prison if they ask your husband to do something he has too.That is if he has there patch!

Hi, I grew up with white polotics prison and streets. It is apart of my life. My husband they try to valadate everytime he hits the yard now he just sits in SHU under CDC new policy violence on same #. Once your arrested or in an area where knowin clubs or prison assoc. are you will have always have Guilt by Assocation which means at times long drama people that try to make an issue that much bigger because of who your assoicates are. By the time I was 16 I had been in 2 FBI , DEA, NTF Raids in 88 they took out some of the felllas a sting and my partners graduated so to speak to the feds some of our family is just now coming home some never will RICO ACT is very real who your husband is r say he may not be will have some impact on you. Some wives I knw still dont know their husband is who they are and they never will some things are better off not knowing. For life my loyalties wil be with the fellas my heart trying to make a difference in the system a a little bit better to those who have the misfortune of incareration. We are the voice for our loved ones no matter who they are or what they have done. If we dont stand up for valadated members they will bury them in our state and Fedral instutions because they can and the uneducated public demands it. bring back the ray of sunshine and be who you are and support your love one no matter what. It isnt easy and sometimes lonely but its the right thing. Jewls

A big thanks to all who replied here, you're input is very much appreciated!

Here in Hawaii. a group of inmates have formed what is called the USO (United Samoan Organization) gang. They pretty much run the prison, anything that is illegal. The Halawa Correctional Facility is way to over crowded so the State has contracts to house some of our inmates in prisons in Arizona, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and I'm not to sure which other states, but I think there is a couple more. The USO also run the Florence Correctional Center in Arizona. The Guards in Hawaii have the gang situation under control more, than the guards at the Arizona Facility.There has been newspaper reports in the Honolulu Advertiser Newspaper, about what's happening at the Arizona Facility. One inmate has a law suit going on because of his beatings that he got in Florence, from gang members. This inmate is also an inmate from Hawaii. He reported it, and nothing was done about it, He was severely beaten again and again by gang members. for being a "rat". The papers say that the Guards in Florence are afraid of gang members, who run drugs and prostitution in the prison, and they overlook much of the gang activity. I have been told that the guards at Halawa, threaten inmates with discipline,by telling them that if they don't straighten out, they will be put in the den, meaning the heart module of where the gang activity is. Any inmate that is not gang related take that as a threat of punishment. My fiance was in that module, but he had no problems, due to the fact that he's done 10+ years and he got respect. He hated it there, and has since been moved to the Federal Detention Center here in Honolulu.
Aloha, Kaleilehua

What's NARC?

My guy had "White Power" tattoos all over his body even before he went to prison (he got 5 more in the joint). That was one of the reasons why he is in close custody...his "gang affiliation". In Florida prisons, they consider any kind of gang a Security Threat Group.

In prison, it's best to stick to your own. Whites to Whites, Blacks to Blacks, Mexicans to Mexicans, etc.
Brotherhood is VERY important behind bars, you don't necessarily have to join a gang though.
It's good to know "your Brothers" have your back, no matter what.

I think Helen said it best. And also what az-tears said is true! Once you have a patch/tat, you are in for life.

-Susanne-

S :cuffs: J

i was just reading and i have a question... My boyfriend was a maniac _____ deciple. or something like that. Does that mean he could loin another gang since he is there or is it the same one? I dont understand that stuff. He says that he wants to quit doing his "OLD" life style. I dont know thanks
dougsgirl

Well, I can't say I've heared of a gang by that name--but if he's serious about changing his life, there are programs in a lot of prisons for tattoo removal. Not a bad idea if you ask me. --Helen

You guys are aware that these kind of sites are monitored by cops legal officials right?!? We wouldn't want to say anything that might get our men hurt. Right??
Be cool everybody.
lc

I myself served a 9 year sentance, and am one of the few girls that I know that where an I.E tatoo. I was on felony probation with gang terms only to follow in prison with strict supervision in the pen, because of my affiliations. Someone had posted her it's best to stay with your own inside, VERY TRUE!! I'm white, so I had to make sure I was never seen doing business or dealing with anyone outside of my race. Race trading, they call it. Out here you do what you have to do to get by. If my boss is black then my boss is black, period. I will respect him as my boss. It took a while honestly to swallow the whole thing being that I did quite a stint inside.

my son was inn a gang and had it tatooed across his stomach.....when he went into prison he had it covered by an aunk(ms??)....so very few people ever new he was in one.

My guy USE to be affliated with the FOLK out of Chicago. If any has any questions I had come across a site for Chicago street gangs. It may not answer all your questions but you may also be surprised to find something. Here is the link:

http://chicagohoodz.com/

my man is part of the aryan brotherhood in prison

After reading these posts, I am proud my son is not a part of those gangs. He hates racists. You might be surprised to learn that the inmate who is the head of the NAACP at his prison is white. (He was also Santa Claus this year for visiting day; that is how the subject came up).
As far as gang affiliation for protection: It is true that belonging to a group helps. My son joined the Muslim religion during the past year. After my initial shock and overcoming the stereo-typing, I was glad. He didn't join for protection but he told me if somebody jumps him and he hollers "Allah is Great" in Islam, he will be surrounded with protection. Made me sleep better at night.
So, a "gang" does not have to be negative. This "gang" my son has joined has brought him a lot of peace and soul searching, as well as protection. His "gang" is not aggressive but they will help each other when threatened.
And in just a few more days, he can post an answer to this himself!

I went in to the Minnesota Prison system still young and a little wet behind the ears. While I was never a part of any gang on the streets, I did however start hanging out with members from a Minnesota Prison Gang. I was never initiated, never got their patch, just what they would call "down with them" I was smart, knew the law, and quite frequently was known to get peoples Discipline Reports reversed on appeal to the Asst Warden or Warden. I was good at interpreting the DOC rules and regulations and knew what to say to get people another chance. They had already spent time in the hole it was their (good time) or (EI) time that we were fighting for. Anyhow, when i went back in on a violation I didn't have much longer to do, I was immediatly known stepping in the door and immediatly had a table to sit at, a place to go, and I didn't get messed with. I can see why he says he wants and needs to be a part of something because i know a little of the MN prison system if this is in fact where he is. I have to admit, I got transfered a lot throughout Minnesota, but I always was respected by everyone. I helped everyone that I could. The good thing was that I was never called upon by them to do anything dumb, and rightfully I couldn't be because i was never truely a part of them. This is from my Point of view and from my experiences from within the DOC in Minn. Minnesota is one of the easiest places to do time, and I know a lot of people who don't get involved in the gangs or clicks and they do just fine. Some guys just like to be able to fit in somewhere and that is why they do it.
Any other questions about Minn prisons or Minn Prison Gangs feel free to send me a PM and or go to the Minnesota Forum and post a question.

Thanks


Pete

yeah my boo is affiliated with the United Bloods in Florida and he says to me "Baby im gonna slow down" and im like yeah u better i told him he can represent but he better slow his roll otherwise when he gets out im not playin the gang games hell no!! well so i know how ppl feel on the gangs level

My old man is a wood, I would rather not say exactly what prison gang he is affiliated w/...he has tried to keep his affiliations on the down low. Honestly, I do not know how he has managed to stay out of SHU. This is his first bid and it was only 16mos..plenty of county time though:rolleyes:, maybe the short bid has something to do with it.

Everyone should be careful what they reveal in this site. This is for support and not to put our men on blast like that. That was brought to my attention by someone else. You never know who is who and we don't want to start anything. People may actually look at each other differently on this site, lets just stick to supporting each other because we all have the same thing in common and that is our loved ones are behind bars.

Excellent point LadyDamu415, to be honest it doesn't matter what side our loved ones are from. The important thing is that we provide support and love to eachother and to those that are behind the walls.

Yeah, I was about to say...You guys could potentially get someone in trouble. You never know who is reading this site...People dont "talk" about affiliations. In Texas, if you are marked as affiliated. Forget Parole...Just a thought...

See this is what I am talking about, all of these posts are coming form a lot of women whose men are in some "interesting" gangs that seem to be racist. Now that makes me wonder just what kind of women are onthis site. How can we all be helpful to one another, support one another when there is this racism issue that could be on the back burner? I mean, more than likely if your man is participating in these types or organizations, the women are supporting them so they support their beliefs. This makes me very uneasy t and that is whay I suggested that for this website's sake, lets keep our personal views or may I say our man's personal views to themselves. Me being African American, I can get alittle touchy to this thread, with all of these white gangs that are being talked about. You guys really should keep somethings to yourself. I am upset and I don't care who has to say anything about it. This is suppose to be a place of support and understanding, a place where we can relate to each other and share some experiences to possibly help someone else. This Sh$% is crazy....

See this is what I am talking about, all of these posts are coming form a lot of women whose men are in some "interesting" gangs that seem to be racist. Now that makes me wonder just what kind of women are onthis site. How can we all be helpful to one another, support one another when there is this racism issue that could be on the back burner? I mean, more than likely if your man is participating in these types or organizations, the women are supporting them so they support their beliefs. This makes me very uneasy t and that is whay I suggested that for this website's sake, lets keep our personal views or may I say our man's personal views to themselves. Me being African American, I can get alittle touchy to this thread, with all of these white gangs that are being talked about. You guys really should keep somethings to yourself. I am upset and I don't care who has to say anything about it. This is suppose to be a place of support and understanding, a place where we can relate to each other and share some experiences to possibly help someone else. This Sh$% is crazy....

Lets face it.....this is REALITY we are talking about here. You trying to say you're man doesnt clique up? OK...maybe he is special and does'nt:rolleyes:.
If you get offended by this thread....then don't read it. Thats you're choice. But it's also the choice of the other ladies here to discuss it. I am sure that EVERYONE here reads threads they don't agree with....and just don't post or let it go. We are'nt always going to agree with everyone in life or like what they have to say.....but ONE person cannot go around trying to censor others. Thats one of the great things about the USA...freedom of speech!

Yeah you right ...about the freedom of speech thing...and I can say whatever I want to say about whatever I have an opinion about. And sorry, but my man doesn't support racism or any racist groups, now being locked up there is no doubt that if one races clicks up with another, he is going to be with his own but he still isn't supporting to groups that are judgemental towards race. So now he is not "special" as you would like to word it. I mean it's nothing to me, I wont let this bother me, I was just speaking my mind, so by your comment on me possibly not reading or commenting on something really isn't necessary. I mean did I step on your toes or something?

While I understand that affiliations and gangs are a very picky subject, they are also a way of life and living for our loved ones who are incarcerated. While I do not feel this thread was intend to be derogatory or racisit in anyway, we do have to remember that this is a Gang related thread.

While this is a site for support and understanding, it is also a place for you to understand what is going on "behind the walls" and to get understanding, wisdom, and insight.

After reading this thread, I think we all need to remember the following PTO Policies (http://prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23755)

• “Freedom of Speech”:
While we believe very much in the freedom of speech & expression, you DO NOT have an absolute right to say whatever you want in this community. Anything that goes against our core beliefs and the purpose for which this community was designed may not be allowed. Posts and comments that are meant to incite conflicts between members or outside parties are strictly prohibited. PTO Administration has the absolute right to edit, modify, close or delete any content found in this community. While this rarely, if ever happens, we will not tolerate individuals or groups creating problems with the overall membership.

• Abuse / Flaming / Derogatory Comments:
Abusive Comments, Flaming, or derogatory insults or comments are strictly against the rules. If you disagree with another member’s point of view, do so in a mature and civil manner. If someone posts to discuss their personal problems or seeks help from other forums members, please do not respond unless you have something positive or helpful to add. If you find yourself being flamed or insulted by another member, please do not dignify that person with a response. Notify a moderator and let us handle it. If you feel you must respond to a flame or insult directly, please do NOT do so on the board. Use Private Messaging, but make sure you do NOT threaten any member.


Please remember if you ever come across a thread that you feel is inappropriate, or have concerns about it, you can always PM the Forum Leader or Moderator over that forum.

Thanks,
Baileyjojoms
PTO Straight Talk FORUM LEADER

Yeah you right ...about the freedom of speech thing...and I can say whatever I want to say about whatever I have an opinion about. And sorry, but my man doesn't support racism or any racist groups, now being locked up there is no doubt that if one races clicks up with another, he is going to be with his own but he still isn't supporting to groups that are judgemental towards race. So now he is not "special" as you would like to word it. I mean it's nothing to me, I wont let this bother me, I was just speaking my mind, so by your comment on me possibly not reading or commenting on something really isn't necessary. I mean did I step on your toes or something?

Whether or not we like it or not, our men BECAUSE of their skin color have no choice BUT to clique up in there. They walk in those gates and are immediately put into a "group". This is the way it is. They have to live in it and we need to understand the politics that they HAVE to deal with on a daily basis. It may not be right. We may not even like or agree with it, but thats the way it is inside.

Actually, I would like to add a coment to all of this. After spending almost 2 years on the inside, I have to say that when you go to prison, you do not have to join up with a gang.

Joining a gang is a personal choice each individual makes. If they say they had no other choice, that is not correct. While I agree that their are bad situations, and we DO NOT know everything that has transpired, Gangs should not be the answer.

From being in prison I never saw a gang that was productive, or helped in anyway for anyone to get out of prison.

Gangs are not the answer, you came into prison alone, and you will leave it alone. No gang will help you get out, and no gany ever will. You get out of prison, what you put into. I am a firm believer in this, especially after seeing it happen to myself, and several others. Those that took advantage of every opportunity, whehter it was a good one, or bad, or mediocre, has become a succesfull law abiding citizen on the outside.

Actually, I would like to add a coment to all of this. After spending almost 2 years on the inside, I have to say that when you go to prison, you do not have to join up with a gang.

Joining a gang is a personal choice each individual makes. If they say they had no other choice, that is not correct. While I agree that their are bad situations, and we DO NOT know everything that has transpired, Gangs should not be the answer.

From being in prison I never saw a gang that was productive, or helped in anyway for anyone to get out of prison.

Gangs are not the answer, you came into prison alone, and you will leave it alone. No gang will help you get out, and no gany ever will. You get out of prison, what you put into. I am a firm believer in this, especially after seeing it happen to myself, and several others. Those that took advantage of every opportunity, whehter it was a good one, or bad, or mediocre, has become a succesfull law abiding citizen on the outside.


^^^ Is exactly right, I rode by myself. Like I said, if GI finds out you are affliliated they will deny you parole period. The decision to clique up is obviously important, but as long as you just "respect" them, they will reciprocate. I know as a white male, I was "heartchecked" by the white gangs, but once it was revealed that I was a man who stood up for what he believed in and himself, I was respected and never bothered.

Some have said that you have no choice in some of the more dangerous units, but I know guys that have been to some of the worst...Telford, Beto, Ferguson...and they never cliqued up. I have also heard from members affiliated that if you clique up, youd best plan on doing your time day for day.
I only posted that for advice. Should you choose to ignore it, that is your option. I understand there are affiliations on the inside, but it isnt something that needs to be talked about outside the walls, GI knows about this site and believe me they do check it. Just keeping it real.....God Bless All.....

I AM GONNA GO OUT ON A LIMB HERE ...AND PROBABLY GET MYSELF EXCOMMUNICATED BUT HERE GOES!!

RACISM IS NOT BIGOTRY.

Racism is widely accepted for every race but the white race,
where it is misconstrued as BIGOTRY.

If you dont know the difference, than watch yourself if you take offense...
for you dont know what your argument is.

After reading these posts, I am proud my son is not a part of those gangs. He hates racists. You might be surprised to learn that the inmate who is the head of the NAACP at his prison is white. (He was also Santa Claus this year for visiting day; that is how the subject came up).
As far as gang affiliation for protection: It is true that belonging to a group helps. My son joined the Muslim religion during the past year. After my initial shock and overcoming the stereo-typing, I was glad. He didn't join for protection but he told me if somebody jumps him and he hollers "Allah is Great" in Islam, he will be surrounded with protection. Made me sleep better at night.
So, a "gang" does not have to be negative. This "gang" my son has joined has brought him a lot of peace and soul searching, as well as protection. His "gang" is not aggressive but they will help each other when threatened.
And in just a few more days, he can post an answer to this himself!

WTF????
(censors self for lack of credibility)
I am guessing albinos are invincible?
I am confused about something else... the war in the middle east... ok.. wait, no... ****!

Everyone should be careful what they reveal in this site. This is for support and not to put our men on blast like that. That was brought to my attention by someone else. You never know who is who and we don't want to start anything. People may actually look at each other differently on this site, lets just stick to supporting each other because we all have the same thing in common and that is our loved ones are behind bars.


.... which is EXACTLY why you will never see my guy's picture or hear his actual or prison name or know who I am... I am far too outspoken!

I agree and want to caution everyone NOT to discuss your loved ones affiliations with prison gangs on PTO or anyplace else for that matter on the net... It is an open site and topics like this will be the ones that interest DOC officials trying to figure out who is affiliated with someone else..