01 Feb 08

Prison Gangs

Dirtos asked about the gangs in prison, so here’s some information issued by the State of Arizona on gangs considered to be STGs (Security Threat Groups) in the prison system.

Arizona Aryan Brotherhood

Membership - Approximately 386 members

Common Tattoos - "Aryan Brotherhood", "AB"

Racial make up - Caucasian

Prison Criminal Activity - Narcotics, Extortion, Assaults, Homicides and Gambling.

Specific Tattoo/Symbolism will usually be the words "Aryan Brotherhood" or the letters "AB"

Trends

Recruitment of the most influential Skinheads. Eradicating their ranks of sex offenders & members who have not B.I. Increase recruitment to load up our lock-up facilities. Talk of infiltrating defectors & PS housing to assault inmates. Challenge the validation process in court. Terrorist type retaliation against ADC staff

AB By Laws

OATH

I swear my loyalty exclusively to * * * . To protect the family and promote it's goals with the resources available to me at all times. I will honor the family laws, bringing respect to all kindred through my actions. My life is this and this is for life, my oath being given it shall not be broken.

COUNCIL

There will be a council consisting of (3) kindred. This council will reside where the largest concentration of family exists.
The council will establish and maintain the direction of the family by receiving input from kindred and enforcing the will of the majority . All major issues will be determined by majority vote conducted by council, no minority may control the direction of the whole.
The council will address all issues brought before it, including but not limited to, finances, grievances and disciplinary issues and resolve them in the light best suited to promote the goals of the family as a whole.
The council will control and determine how family funds are to be utilized.
Sub-councils may be established in other areas as needed for organizational purposes but must respect the direction established by the council.
Any councilman may be impeached by vote.

KINDRED

All kindred must swear their loyalty exclusively to the family, placing no thing before it in his priorities. No one shall be acknowledged as kindred until such time as he has read these laws and sworn his oath.
These laws are to be known to kindred only.
All kindred must conduct themselves by example at all times exemplifying the best qualities our folk have to offer; intelligence, loyalty, pride, righteousness and strength.
Kindred must continually strive to promote the goals of the family no matter where they are, inactivity will not be tolerated on any level.
Kindred shall assist each other in any way possible but no kindred shall exploit this generosity in any way.
No kindred may act in any manner to bring shame, disgrace or contempt to himself or family.
No kindred may act to diminish any other kindred in his person or possession except as a lawful sanction.
Kindred shall never disrespect or criticize each other in public.
Kindred shall not disagree in public unless absolutely unavoidable.
Kindred have a responsibility to communicate with each other in order to stay appraised of current goals and issues.
No kindred shall give information/disinformation to any outsider which can be harmful to family in any way, if situation is not definite, no information shall be given at all.

BAPTISM

Baptism is the priority goal for all kinfolk. They must seek baptism at earliest opportunity, failure will result in major sanction.
Until such time kinfolk are baptized they shall not be permitted to initiate progeny, hold any position of authority or vote on any matter involving major sanctions.

PROJECTS/BUSINESS

All projects/business will be conducted on a need to know basis.
No pacts or business shall be honored within the family or with outsiders unless the terms are compatible with our law.
No business shall be conducted by any folk, including kindred, without contributing to the family. This contribution shall be the maximum allowable percentage of the interest, without causing bankruptcy, up to 25%.
Any business financed by family funds retains 75% of the interest in that business and may pay individual(s) 25% interest to maintain that business.

PROGENY

Kindred shall only initiate progeny to promote the goals of the family.
Kindred shall initiate only (1) progeny at a time but may adopt another kindred's progeny based on location convenience.
Kindred are responsible for the actions of their progeny.
Abuses of this privilege will result in sanctions.
Kindred must make his progeny aware of his responsibilities immediately upon birth, the progeny must commit to these responsibilities.
Progeny must, whenever opportunity presents itself:
Check out, orientate and evaluate the potential of all folk in his area.
Cache toys for immediate availability to kindred.
Initiate businesses or projects to stimulate capital for family.
Send $25 a month to lockdown.
Support kindred under any circumstance.
Follow any order by any kindred.
Be prepared for baptism.
Progeny life is a minimum of (2) years.
There may be a baptism prior to completion of progeny term to be applied upon successful completion of term.
Upon completion of successful baptism which is directly related to family interest with sufficient immersion, consideration for progeny as kindred will be based on a demonstration of ones ability to promote the goals of the family.
No kindred will be recognized except by completion of responsibilities and majority vote.

SANCTIONS

Sanctions will be imposed on any kindred who fails to uphold their responsibilities. Appropriate sanctions will be determined on a case by case basis and will be applied as consistent as possible.
Major sanctions will be imposed for the following: a) Treason or betrayal. b) Any act committed where a reasonable person should have known would cause substantial harm to the family. c) Kindred who use the family to promote personal agendas. d) Kindred who participate in homosexual acts. e) Kindred who suspend a baptism based on financial, personal or lockdown considerations.
Minor sanctions shall be imposed for violation(s) of law which may include but are not limited to: fines, restitution, loss of privileges, skin ups or other appropriate actions, to be determined by majority and enforced by the council.
A person is no longer recognized as kindred immediately upon finding of guilt of major sanction charge.

AMENDMENTS

Amendments to these laws may be adopted by the council as needed to promote the changing goals of the family.

Border Brothers

Membership - Approximately 418 members

Common Tattoos - A Border Brother, BB, Aztec drawing of sun with 8 large flames and 8 small flames, has an Aztec God symbol in center with BB at top.

Racial make up - Mexican Nationals

Prison Criminal Activity - Narcotics, Extortion, Assaults, Rioting and Gambling.

STG Specific Tattoo/SymbolismWill usually be an Aztec creature’s head encircled by flames with eight of the flames appearing longer than the others. And/or the words “Border Brothers” the letters “BB” and/or the number”22"

TrendsFastest growing STG. Highest membership. Most validated members. Being courted by OMM. Factional differences with Calif. Border Bros.

New Mexican Mafia

HISTORY OF THE ARIZONA NEW MEXICAN MAFIA

Around 1974, a group of Hispanic inmates at Arizona State Prison, Florence, formed a prison gang know as the Mexican Mafia. Arizona Department of Corrections officials at that time obtained information that this group pattered themselves after the California Mexican Mafia which had been in existence for several years. Several Hispanics who came into the Arizona Prison System brought the concept and philosophy of the California Mexican Mafia.

In 1978 the Mexican Mafia split into two organizations. One kept the original philosophy and structure and currently refer to themselves as the Original Mexican Mafia, "Califas Faction", "EME". The other, which came into prominence in 1984 and is the organization addressed in this workbook, refer to themselves as the New Mexican Mafia. Many assaults and murders of members of both groups have occurred as a result of each organization claiming the title of "Mexican Mafia" within the Arizona prison system.

Members of the New Mexican Mafia consider themselves autonomous with relation to the Original Mexican Mafia and the parent organization in California. They have created their own rules and regulations and have established an organizational structure. Each member is allowed to vote on issues regarding membership and leadership. The leader, approved by the members has the power to solely decide important issues (i.e., revoke present membership or reject new members) and may approve new members without an organization vote. As of the printing of this workbook, a few influential members are consulted on major issues by the leader. This may discontinue with a change of leadership.

Membership is comprised of inmates who have many years within the prison system, some were members of the Original Mexican Mafia, as well as first time offenders. Several newly recruited members have been identified as belonging to Hispanic street gangs throughout Arizona. Most members have been documented by law enforcement as having the New Mexican Mafia tattoo. All members are encouraged to wear it.

INTRODUCTION

The following reproduction of the Rules and Regulations of the Arizona New Mexican Mafia is verbatim as they exist. They were confiscated by the prison Special Security Team from a documented New Mexican Mafia member at Arizona State Prison Complex-Florence, Central Unit on 09-30-88. Two other identical documents have been found in the possession of documented members since the first confiscation. A list of Spanish to English translation have been included.

"OPENING BRIEF"

#13 THE ARIZONA MEXICAN MAFIA #13

The Arizona Mexican Mafia is an organization which must consist of certain reglas in order to maintain a certain amount of discipline within its structure. In order to keep a wall defined structure of what we believe in these reglas must be met with considerable thought and respect. And since this (LA EME), is going to be what we make it, then we must meet its causes with determination & full force in order to accomplish what is best for our survival, the survival of the "Mexican Mafia", and for what we believe in as a whole, for now and for our future. It must be realized that we are our future and its for our future that we should be most concerned about, for what we do now will reflect upon the future, the future must always be at mind. We’ll strive to meet our goals and in doing this, it is remembered to honor and exist within the scope of the reglas.

"SCOPE OF THE REGLAS"

"THE ARIZONA MEXICAN MAFIA"

I THE MAKING OF A CARNAL

When it’s become known amongst the carrnales that a specific person has the potential of becoming parte, and he meets the standards in which we believe in, then this person is capable of becoming a carnal. And should there be a vote and this person accepted, " or any person who has potential", then which ever carnal who introduced this person into the "EME’ carries no burden(s) for his future actions, if they may be vile, for we accepted as a whole so we must deal with it in this manner. It is not necessarily wise to approach a "prospect" ask if he’d like to became a carnal, if he has it in his heart to be parte then time will lead him our way. But there can be an exception; the exception being that all carnales, [on that yarda], be consulted and if agreed that person is or can be beneficial to our cause, "then that person can be approached".

II OUR INSIGNIA, THE MEXICAN MAFIA

This must always remain the same and should not change for any reason, and should exist throughout time without change.

III SHOWING YOUR CARNALISMO

This is an issue which must be looked at very closely, because without carnalismo we cannot accomplish our goals as a whole, and setbacks will be sure to arise. No carnal shall conspire or plot against any of the carnales for any reason, behind their back, Nor shall any carnal sell out his carnal[es] for greed or lust, for none of these reasons can possess the value of your carnal[es]. And for no reason shall a carnal present treachery on his behalf towards any carnal, for any reason’ since we are all carnals in the same, faith, trust and believing in one another is a must, even though some may vary. Faith in your carnal[es] is very important, it’s an ingredient which cannot be overlooked. It’s believing in him and what he stands for and in order to progress we must believe in ourselves & what we do. We’ve chosen our pattern of life, it’s only wise that we do it the best way we can.

IV SHARING OPINIONS

Each and every carnal has the right to speak his mind and share what he feels is right or beneficial to our organization, and in no way should this right be jeopardized. It’s only smart to check out every issue from all points of view, this right gives us that option.

V ALWAYS A CARNAL

Once a person becomes a carnal he is "Parte De La Mafia Mexicana Por Vida", that is his life time guarantee. You cannot become a carnal and then choose not to associate or be a part of "The Mexican Mafia", this will not be permitted, there are no revolving doors to walk in or out whenever we please.

VI FINANCIAL TREASURER

Upon a vote a certain carnal is to become "Our Financial Treasurer", and upon his request may have on [1] or two [2] more carnales to assist him with this jale. Those who carry on this jale are to be trusted in "every way", unless shown and proven otherwise. "This pertains to each pinta individually’. These funds are to be used solely for the "benefit and profit of the Mexican Mafia."

VII THE ROSE

It’s a special honor to be able to possess "The Rose", it reveals loyalty, and faith in what you believe in: True Carnalismo. And receiving the rose can only come by way of "Muerte", in this, showing your loyalty in what you believe in, "Por Vida". And for no other reason should anyone acquire the rose.

VIII WHEN RELEASED

Once a carnal is released from within the system, contact with his carnales inside the pinta should always be kept. Also contacting and associating with your carnal[es] out on libre is a mandatory issue also. The reason being, to organize and build a strong structure of what we believe in "The Mexican Mafia", our organization. When contacting or meeting with other carnales, a low profile should be exercised, for obvious reasons. The task force is aware of "The Mexican Mafia" and some of us who are involved, so a low profile and a good front should be kept, in order to prevent unnecessary harassment and possible incarceration by the law. Even though to prevent this may not be easy because of the task force full knowledge of the EME and it’s members. So it’s to be recognized that we are an organization and that’s how we must conduct ourselves, as organized figures. There’s different types of task forces but there’s one which deals in only "Gangs and Organizations" and this is the one we must be aware of and not underestimate their potentials. And also, financial foundations can be based on, [Scope of Regals IV], but pertaining to the free world.

IX FINAL DECISION OR VOTE

The final decision, or the deciding vote, is to be determined by [X] or [XX], with X in the highest. This was concluded by an election which took place with the majority of the carnales present and stands valid for all purposes, and is to be recognized and respected by all carnales.

X SECURED CONVERSATION[S]

When speaking of or about anything to do con la EME, it is mandatory that only carnales be present, no outsider is to hear what is to be said, this is strictly prohibited.

XI CONCLUSION

These are the "Reglas" which must be considered and respected in every way; in no way should they be abused or disregarded. All decisions for penalties of violation for these reglas are in the hands of the carnales, those there who witnessed or have full knowledge of the violation [s], committed by that carnal. For deciding vote or final decision refer to, [S.O.T.R.IX]...

English Translations

Spanish
English

Carnal
Brother

Carnales
Brothers

Carnalismo
Brotherhood

Con
With

EME
Mexican Mafia

Jale
Job

La
The

Libre
Free

Muerte
Death

Parte
Part of

Parte de la Mafia
Part of the Mexican

Mexicana Por Vida
Mafia for life

Pinta
Prison

Por Vida
For Life

Reglas
Rules

Yarda

Yard

THE NEW MEXICAN MAFIA TATTOOS

The following tattoo patterns were found during 1987-88 in various Arizona State prison facilities where members of the New Mexican Mafia have been incarcerated. The first pattern was confiscated by staff personnel at the Arizona State Prison Tucson facility. The second pattern was found in the Florence facility, 06-03-87, Central Unit during cell searches following the stabbing assault of suspected original Mexican Mafia member. Since that time, numerous patters have been found and confiscated. Twelve have been found in the Florence SMU facility where the majority of the New Mexican Mafia members are housed. Information received indicates that members are allowed to use their own creative individuality for the tattoo pattern, however all "Pachas" or patterns must have the skull, double "MM" and the flames around the circle. The double M. Must curve downward and cross at the bottom. This signifies that the member has crossed over from the original Mexican Mafia to the New Mexican Mafia, if he was a member of the former. The large flames are to lean counter-clockwise and be partially shaded. The small flames lean clockwise and are supposed to be completely shaded. The rose is considered the highest honor a member can obtain. It signifies that the member has successfully completed an assault on his "enemies".

Old Mexican Mafia

Membership - Approximately 60 members

Common Tattoos - "Two blocked M's with a skull and bat wings above"

Racial make up - Mexican American

Prison Criminal Activity - Narcotics, Extortion, Assaults, Homicides and Gambling.

STG Specific Tattoo/SymbolismWill usually be two M’s. Sometimes a skull with wings protruding from both sides of the skull located above the two M’s. And/or the words “Mexican Mafia” or “EME”

TrendsCourting alliances with the Border Bros., Grandel, and Southside Posse. Still has alliance with Calif./Federal EME

Grandel

Membership - Approximately 228 members

Common Tattoos - "Grandel" G with two swords.

Racial make up - Mexican Americans from Glendale, Arizona

Prison Criminal Activity - Narcotics, Extortion, Assaults, and Gambling.

STG Specific Tattoo/SymbolismWill usually be the word “Grandel”. Can also be the letter “G” which will sometimes have two swords encircling the “G”. Sometimes a cardinal will be used.

TrendsGrandel Mafia. Varrio Sixty-First (VSF) members forming internal group. Being courted for alliance with OMM

Mau Mau

Membership - Approximately 184 members

Common Tattoos - MAU MAU

Racial make up - African American

Prison Criminal Activity - Narcotics, Extortion, Assaults, and Gambling

STG Specific Tattoo/SymbolismWill usually be the words “Mau Mau”

TrendsCertified in Sept. 1998. Has resurrected after being dormant for years. Shaky alliance with African American Council. Antagonistic to United Crips Gang. Ideology is influenced by Black Panther Party, Black Guerilla Family, Black Gangster Disciples, & Black Nationalism (B.L.A.)

Warrior Society

Origin

The majority of the Native American inmates coming into the prison system join the Native American Brotherhood. The N.A.B. is a group which unites the Native Americans inside the prison system to ensure the religious practices and ceremonial beliefs can be met. Within the N.A.B. are the younger, stronger and more aggressive inmates. These inmates could be considered the “elite” N.A.B., the Warrior Society. The purpose of the organization of the Warrior Society was for protection from other inmates and STG’s in the units. Before the Warrior Society existed, the Native Americans, because they were minority, were often victimized by other inmates.

By-Laws(Directly from hand written document)

All members must be Native American

All members must be loyal to the people - unto death

All members have to put in at least 2-4 years martial arts (full contact) training.

All members must walk the Red Road

No Drinking/partying except on own time

No member is to marry a non-Native American

No members are to help out any Native American Bro'/Sis' who's in trouble whether they're in the right or wrong.

Once a member, always a member.

Jeopardizing organization or the people is punishable by death

All Warriors are to be trained in traditional & Modern war-fare techniques.

All Warriors are to be highly trained with the use of traditional and modern weaponry.

In times of personal stress - all members are to go to elders or medicine people for council without giving organization away.

Organization is to keep weaponry storage area.

No member is to use weapons in any thing but self-defense or defense of one of the people.

All members are to be fully trained in tracking, survival, etc.

Separate storage area will be kept for sacred items.

All members will enter sacred sweat lodge at least three (3) times a week.

All members are to keep them selves in peak physical condition.

Bank account is to be kept for organizations funds.

Only members of council are to have access to organization funds.

There will be an organization council made up of all dedicated wise-members.

When violence is in danger of happening - council are the ones who have final say.

All members will help & stand by each other whether in right or wrong.

All members will make monthly contributions to organization funds.

Yearly Donations will be made to chosen Native American organizations.

All members will be fluent in a few different Native American tongues.

All members will learn traditional sign language.

All members will be given names to use when on organization business.

Surenos

Surenos By-Laws(Directly from hand written document)

A life without vows is like a ship without an anchor, or a house that is built on sand instead of solid rock. A vow gives us stability, balance and firmness to our character. It is our duty to practice these three commitments.

Absolute Loyalty to our Sur CalifasWe support only the Califas patch, we respect the Sur and our Varrios. We have no interests in Arizona or any other states.

Strength, Unity and Respect

Don’t break weak minded, never tell our business to outsiders. Always have your Homies back. Show love and respect to all Southern Brothers whenever you may meet.

Reputation

Never smudge the reputation of the Sur, or a good Homie (s). Protect your reputation with honor.

All decisions must be reached by the committee.

NOTE: The above rules/Bylaws are retyped from an original

African American Council

STG Specific Tattoo/Symbolism Will usually be an outline of the African continent encircled by two rings. And/or the letters “AAC”. Also may use the numbers “113" (AAC)

TrendsPending certification. Black Muslim/Islamic influence (Religious issues). May be difficult to certify due to religious base. Antagonistic to UCG. Has shaky alliance with Mau Mau.

La Raza

STG Specific Tattoo/Symbolism Believed to be the words “La Raza”

TrendsPending STG certification. Believed to be the first female STG to be certified in a correctional setting. Has incidents of high violence potential. When first formed the used the name “Mexican Mafia” but subsequently adopted the name “La Raza”.

Nazi Low Riders

I, as a Nazi Low Rider, hereby swear an unrelenting oath upon the green graves of our sires, upon the children in the wombs of our wives, upon the throne of god almighty, sacred to his name, to join together in the holy union with the brothers in this circle and to declare forthright that from this day moment on that I have no fear of death, no fear of foe, that I have a sacred duty to do whatever is necessary to deliver our people from the Jew and bring total victory to the Nazi Low Riders.

I, as a Nazi Low Rider Warrior, swear myself to complete secrecy to the Order and total loyalty to my comrades.

Let me bear witness to you, my brothers, that should one of you fall in battle, I will see to the welfare and well being of your family.

Let me bear witness to you, my brothers, that should one of you be taken prisoner, I will do whatever is necessary to regain your freedom.

Let me bear witness to you, my brothers, that should an enemy agent hurt you, I will chase him to the ends of the earth and remove his head from his body.

And furthermore, let me bear witness to you, my brothers, that if I break this oath let me be forever cursed upon the lips of our people as a coward and an oath breaker.

My brothers, let us be his battle axe and weapons of war. Let us go forward by one’s and two’s, by scores and legions and as true Nazi Low Riders with pure hearts and strong minds face the enemies of our brotherhood and families, with courage and determination.

We hereby invoke the blood covenant and declare that we are in a full state of war and will not lay down our weapons until we have driven the enemy into the sea and reclaimed that which is rightfully ours. Through our blood and gods will, the land will be that of our children.

“UNTIL DEATH”

Westside City

Necessities of the W/S Family(These are a few things that we know most of the homeboys do without it being said, but as we have stated I the beginning, we would like to support our homeboys in any and every situation, as you’ll see by reading what we have asked of everyone.)

Employment: We deem it necessary for everyone to have some type of job, so that you can look out for yourself and a homeboy that may need something.

Education: We would ask that everyone at least try to obtain a GED while sitting in here doing this time.

Yard Stores: Try and have at least one homeboy running a store, this is so that the homies will have something to fall back on, but of course, everyone has to contribute to the starting of it.

Hygiene Excess: At least one person should have an excess of hygiene items for the homeboys just hitting the yard that may be in need of something, again, this is with everyone contributing.

One for every homeboy and every homeboy for that one: The W" is 1st priority in every situation.

Absolutely no arguing amongst homies: Disagreeing is not arguing.

All problems are to be discussed with the homies prior to any action.

Keep copies of this paper for the homeboys on other yards. Keep the homies hook-ups for communication purposes, whether they are going to the house or another yard.

Respect everyone as they respect you.

UCG’s and Crips are our closest allies, keep good ties with them unless a situation says different.

Like we said, these are some things that we feel needed to be said, whether you all do them already or not. We just ask that everyone be optimistic about this whole thing and give your individual support so that we can bring about some structure and unit within our set. There is no dictation from anyone in this, G’s and L’il Locs still hold there same rank. Much Love,