1. The Problems of Security Threat Groups in Michigan Prisons: Implementation of a Tattoo Removal Program Siena Heights University Sara L. Schmitz

2. Gang
Defined as, “…a group, informal or formal in nature, whose members recurrently commit crimes and where these crimes are openly known to the members, often conferring status or profit upon those members who commit the crime (Knox, 1994).”

3. Security Threat Group (STG)
Defined as 1) “a group of prisoners possessing common characteristics, which distinguish them from other prisoners and 2) pose a threat to staff or other prisoners or the custody and security of the institution (Mulvaney, 2000).

4. The Differences?
STG’s are only in correctional facilities, dealing mainly with the threat to security and order of the institution
Gangs exist inside and outside of the prisons
All gangs are STG’s, but not all STG’s are gangs
The term “STG” is used to take away the recognition and publicity the term “Gang” gives
It is also used to encompass the many gangs and extremist/radical, and religious groups into one general term
Every STG may not be a gang by definition

5. History of Prison Gangs
The “Gypsy Jokers” started in 1950 in Walla Walla, Washington
Since then hundreds of different gangs have emerged and over 12,000 members have joined

6. History of Gangs (Cont)
In 1984:
20 out of 25 inmate homicides
More than half of all prison disturbances and problems were gang-related
In 1996:
Prison disturbances soared by 400%
(This caused the emergence of many states to take action concerning STG’s)

7. History of STG in MDOC
December 16, 1996 – 1st policy regarding the identification and management of STG’s in the MDOC
An STG Coordinator was appointed at every facility in the State of Michigan
Since 1996, the MDOC has been able to gain information and track STG members to a number of activities in the prison

8. Gang Overview
The problems they create extend into our communities, therefore impacting all of society
Having contacts on the outside makes them even stronger on the inside
Participate in activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and murder hits
Prison gangs have lasting devastating effects on our future society

9. STG vs. Non-STG STG members twice as likely to have more misconducts
STG members are LESS likely to participate in rehabilitative programs

10. Problems They Create Inside Prisons
As STG membership grows, the more powerful, dangerous and organized they become
Increased difficulty for staff to maintain order
Engage in a variety of criminal activities, leading to increased violence
Turf Wars
Secretiveness of activities because they are always trying to get over on staff

11. Problems (cont) Gang Membership increases likelihood of violence
The more involved in the group, the more likely to use violence to carry out groups mission.
Propensity for violence varied with the amount of time in gang
Longer the membership less likely to commit violent acts, because…
More time = Leadership

12. Initiations
New members have to prove their loyalty through initiations
Initiation – A rite, ceremony, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society with a particular function or status (Walker, 2005)
Determines strength
Mentally
Physically

13. Types of Initiations Memorizing group’s rules
Enduring several beat downs
Assaults
“Blood-In, Blood-Out”
Drive-By Shootings
Intimidations
Tattoos

14. Initiations (Cont)

15. Drive – By Shootings

16. Prisoners Join Because…
They Need:
Protection from predatory inmates
Acceptance
Financial Gain
Increased Status
Power
Contacts in the free world for the drug trade
Or Because:
They were recruited. Recruit prisoners with short sentences.

17. STG Related Activities
They are usually motivated by profits and power
Use absolute loyalty and secrecy of the gang at ALL costs
They are not concerned about physically hurting staff or other prisoners in order to get what they want

18. Types of STG-Related Activities
Illegal Drug Trafficking
Protection Rackets
Strong Arming
Loan Sharking
Gambling
Weapons Production
Shank - Prison slang for a homemade weapon made out of any material that is sharpened on an edge or sharpened to a point fabricating a weapon.
Prostitution
Initiate Riots or Disturbances

19. Product of STG Rivalries

20. Riot of 1995
Occurred in August of 1995 at Gus Harrison Correctional Facility
The Gangster Disciples, Latin Kings, and Vice Lords initiated it
Started because of the hot summer temps
Took over 3 housing units
37 staff seriously injured

21. The Five Largest STG’s in Michigan
Gangster Disciples
White Supremacist/ Aryan Movement
Melanics
Vice Lords
Latin Kings

22. Gangster Disciples Currently 107 validated members
Formed by Larry Hoover in 1974
Rivals with “Peoples” Nation groups
Allies with Melanics and other “Folk” nation groups
Known for drug sales and distribution
Slogans:
“Six alive, Five Must Die”
“6 Poppin, 5 Droppin”

23. Gangster Disciples (Cont)
Symbols:
Six pointed star
“74” or “GD” or “6”
Upward pitchforks
A heart with wings
Colors Black and Blue
Gang nickname and heart w/ wings, six pointed star pitchforks up, pitchforks up with five pointed star with bullet hole

24. White Supremacist Groups
Currently 73 validated members
Quasi-Military Organization
Formed in retaliation of racial tensions
Made up of racial hate groups
Tainted ideals
Many sub-sects, members jump from group to group under the White Supremacists Organization
Groups include KKK, Aryan Brotherhood, Aryan Nations Skinheads, National Alliance

25. White Supremist Symbols
Variation of Swastika, National Alliance Symbol
Neo-Nazi
KKK
Shaved Heads
Lightening Bolt
Letters “AB”
Life Rune; William Pierce.

26. Melanics Began in prison system in 1983
Formerly a Recognized Departmental Religion disseminated in 2000 (quasi-Muslim
Series of events surrounding members of Melanics led to STG
Militaristic Structure
Only Known in the MDOC
Aligned with Gangster Disciples
Known for loan sharking and prisoner stores

27. Melanic Symbols Six pointed star with dot Crescent moon Rising Sun
Opened Book

28. Vice Lords Currently 41 validated members
Founded in 1958 at an Illinois Boys Reformatory
Aligned with the “Peoples” Nation
Known for drug markets and violent activities

29. Vice Lords Symbols
5-Pointed Star-Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice
Colors Black and Red
Playboy Bunny
Letters “VL”

30. Latin Kings Currently 41 validated members
Chicago based formed in 1961
Aligned with “People” Nation
One of the most Violent Gangs, known for correctional officer “hits”
Also known for robberies, burglaries, weapons trafficking, beatings, intimidations, and drive-by shootings
Aligned with Insane Unknowns, Spanish Lords, and Vice Lords
Rivals with Spanish Cobras

31. Latin Kings Symbols Colors Black and Gold
Crown with three or five points
Letters “LK”
Teardrop under left eye
Number “5”
“Almighty King”
Pyramid
Pyrimid in five point crown

32. Monitoring STG’s
Currently the MDOC focuses on STG information intelligence and monitoring
Each Facility has an STG Coordinator who oversees the whole process and designates prisoners into STG I and STG II
Effective monitoring assists in the prevention of violence and ensures overall security in the institution (Mulvaney, 2000)

33. Monitoring STG’s (cont)
MDOC’s Methods
Listening to suspected members telephone calls
Reading their incoming/outgoing mail
Network with local law enforcement
Stricter Rules
More Shakedowns, Less Visits, Job Assignments

34. Advantages of STG Monitoring
Crucial to understanding the groups’ dynamics
Assists in the prevention of contraband introduced in to the facility
Understanding violence related to turf disputes
Deters other STG activities
Helps staff recognize STG activities
Helps staff know which groups are in conflict with each other

35. Even with all of the efforts the MDOC currently puts forth, there is always room for more!
My Policy Recommendation is…

36. MDOC Tattoo Removal Program (MDOCTRP)
Designed for prisoners that have renounced or wishing to renounce
Voluntary
For any prisoner with a STG-related tattoo
Start out as pilot program at the Adrian Facilities until successful evaluation

37. MDOCTRP (Cont) Laser Treatments:
Laser breaks up pigments, making tattoo fade
Number of treatments depends on size and quality of tattoo
Laser does hurt, feels like rubber band snaps
Allotment of 45 minutes for each session

39. MDOCTRP (Cont) Costs: Fairly Inexpensive program
Grant Funding to buy laser equipment
Working in Collaboration with:
Volunteer Physicians for actual treatments
Volunteer EMT’s for pre/post treatment
State of Michigan provide medical supplies

40. MDOCTRP (Cont)
Prisoners would be required to give back to the community in one way or another, depending on the amount of treatments determines the number of hours of service
Growing Flowers for Area Businesses
Making cards and drawing pictures for elderly in nursing homes
Making stuffed animals for needy children
Growing fruits and vegetable in garden and all produce would go to local food banks

41. MDOCTRP Requirements
Prior to the first treatment they must have completed 15 hours, then for every treatment, they must complete 5 hours
Must have a job within the prison with 6 months of perfect time and attendance
Must be misconduct free for 6 months, and stay misconduct free during the treatments

42. MDOCTRP Requirements (Cont)
Must renounce from their STG and be committed to completely leaving the gang lifestyle
Must have completed all of their educational and parole requirements
Must agree, in writing, to have no other tattoos put on. If they do this is a ground for automatic dismissal from the program
Lastly, if they meet all of the above requirements, they must completely fill out the attached contract

43. Program Evaluation After three years, program will be evaluated
Prisoners – Units of Analysis
Methods:
Survey all people directly involved
Total # of STG prisoners at both facilities compared total # that utilized the program
Review file of those who used program for # of STG-related misconducts, activities, and involvement before and after the tattoo removal