Historically, disruptive actions in prison by small, united groups of inmates are not a new phenomenon. However, the number, type, and nature of these groups have changed radically since the early 1960’s. Many of these groups initiate in prison in response to geographic, ethnic, racial, or ideological influences and as they grew, they evolved to include both institutional and community mechanism. In some cases, they follow the philosophy and structure of groups already present in society. In the intervening years, gang-related activity has created progressively severe management problems in the institutional setting, as well as for the law enforcement community in general.
Law enforcement personal began to analytically monitor these group activities in the 1970’s about the time correctional administrators began to see their disruptive influences (Joan, 1979). Working together, their preliminary attempts were to identify only gangs which had some semblance of formal structure a constitution, bylaws, mission statement, or some certain tenets guiding their activities. However, with experience, staff began to realize that even less well-organized groups could still pose major threats to the security and orderly running of an institution. Many of these smaller groups occupy the fringes of various conceptual and organizational framework most notable ethnic, religious, or social organizations. Nevertheless, they have verified that they can constitute a threat to prison security and public safety (Williams, 1992).
Throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, prison gangs focused mainly on uniting inmates for self-protection and the monopolization of illegal prison activities for monetary gain. They amalgamate the philosophies and practices of street gangs and more traditional organized crime families. At about the same time, some gang rivalries start to develop, fostering predatory and violent behavior. As the groups became more formally organized, command and control structures were established to strengthen the skill to carry out-group goals.
Most gangs....
