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How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System

Joseph Foster

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Published in The Social Order Of The Underworld: How Prison Gangs Govern The American Penal System

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Unveiling the Shadowy World of Incarceration

In the depths of the American penal system, a hidden society thrives—a world of gangs and their iron-fisted grip on prison life. "How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System" delves into this shadowy realm, exposing the intricate web of power, violence, and corruption that inmates navigate daily.

The Genesis of Prison Gangs

Prison gangs emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the harsh conditions and lack of protection within correctional facilities. Faced with overcrowding, abuse, and a sense of isolation, inmates banded together for survival and self-governance.

The Social Order of the Underworld: How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System

by David Skarbek

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3294 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	224 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

A Taxonomy of Gangs

The American prison gang landscape is a diverse one, with various gangs operating across different regions and demographics. Among the most notorious are:

Aryan Brotherhood: A white supremacist gang operating primarily in federal prisons.
Black Guerrilla Family: A black liberationist gang founded in California state prisons.
Mexican Mafia: A Mexican-American gang dominant in both state and federal prisons in California.
Crips and Bloods: Two rival street gangs that have established a significant presence within juvenile detention facilities.

The Structure and Hierarchy of Gangs

Prison gangs are highly structured organizations with a clear hierarchy. At the top, the "shotcaller" or "general" wields absolute power over the gang's activities. Below the leader are several ranks, including lieutenants, captains, and soldiers.

Gang members adhere to a严格的《生活规则》, a code of conduct that governs their behavior and defines their role within the gang.

Gang Activities and the Prison Economy

Prison gangs engage in various activities to maintain their power and influence. These include:

Drug trafficking: Gangs control the flow of illegal substances within prisons, generating significant revenue.
Violence: Gangs use violence to intimidate and control inmates, establishing their dominance and punishing those who challenge their authority.
Extortion and racketeering: Gangs extort from other inmates by demanding "taxes" or fees in exchange for protection or services.

These activities create a parallel economy within the prison system, with gangs amassing vast amounts of wealth and resources.

The Impact on Prison Management

The presence of gangs has a profound impact on prison management. Gangs can disrupt daily operations, foment violence, and influence security measures.

Correctional staff often face challenges in maintaining control and preventing gang activity. Gang members use intimidation, violence, and manipulation to undermine authority and obstruct efforts to rehabilitat inmates.

Rehabilitation and Reintegration

The presence of gangs poses a significant barrier to rehabilitation and reintegration. Gang members often face pressure to conform to the gang's lifestyle and values, which can hinder their ability to develop prosocial behaviors and build positive relationships.

Furthermore, gang affiliation can make it difficult for inmates to re-enter society as they may be targeted by rival gangs or face discrimination from employers and landlords.

Policy Recommendations and Future Directions

"How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System" concludes with a series of policy recommendations and future directions for addressing the issue of prison gangs. These include:

Investing in rehabilitation and education programs that provide inmates with opportunities to develop skills and break away from gang influence.
Creating alternative sanctions to reduce prison overcrowding and the risk of gang recruitment.
Developing intelligence-led strategies to disrupt gang activity and target high-level gang leaders.
Collaborating with community organizations to provide support and services to former inmates who are at risk of gang involvement.

By implementing these measures, the American penal system can take steps towards dismantling the powerful grip that prison gangs have on incarcerated individuals and create a more just and rehabilitative environment.

"How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System" sheds light on a hidden and complex world within the American penal system. It exposes the intricate structure and activities of prison gangs, their impact on prison management, and the challenges they pose to rehabilitation and reintegration.

By understanding the dynamics of prison gangs, we can develop more effective strategies to address their negative consequences and create a more humane and effective penal system.

The Social Order of the Underworld: How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System

by David Skarbek

4.4 out of 5