1. Juggalos: Music? Religion? Or Criminality?
Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D.
University of Central Missouri
Hillary D. McNeel, M.S.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
This research was partially funded by a Professional Development Assistance Grant from the University of Central Missouri

2. 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment
Lists the Juggalos as a “Hybrid Gang” that is “rapidly expanding into many U.S. communities.”
Juggalos exhibited gang like behavior and engaged in criminal activity including violence.
Juggalos were recognized as a gang in 4 states [AZ,CA, PN and UT]

3. NGIC Intelligence Report
In an intelligence report dated 02/15/11, titled:
Juggalos: Emerging Gang Trends and Criminal
Activity, the NGIC observed that:
Generally engage in assault, robbery, theft, drug possession/sales, vandalism, and to a lesser extent murder.
On average, groups consist of Caucasian males ages 16 to 26.
There is little to no structure and no formalized leadership.
Most crimes are not committed on behalf of the group; rather they are more sporadic and individualistic in nature. (NGIC, 2011a)

4. Why the Government Thinks Juggalos Are A Gang
Juggalo sub-sets are beginning to evolve and take on more of a gang-like resemblance (territory, symbolism, etc.)
Establishment and organization within these sub-sets is discernible and set apart from the loosely affiliated Juggalo groups.
This evolution may be attributed to a sub- set’s affiliation with an already established local/national street gang or gang members that have infiltrated the Juggalo criminal group. (NGIC 2011a)
Common state gang definitions

5. Who are the ICP? The Insane Clown Posse is a Hip-Hop
group that originated in Detroit, MI. in
1990.
Joseph Bruce aka Violent J
Former member of Inner City Posse
Prior jail time (death threats, robbery)
Professional wrestler (WWE & Juggalo)
Joseph Ulster aka Shaggy 2 Dope
Former drug addict
Numerous prior arrests
Professional Wrestler (WWE & Juggal0
Psychopathic Record Company
Insane Clown Posse Theater
Merchandising

6. Gathering of the Juggalos
Annual celebration hosted by Psychopathic Records
2014 Shangri-La on Earth
Thornville, Oh at Legend Valley
July 23rd – 26th
Acceptance of all people (unless your racist or disrespectful to The Family)
Nudity, competitions, music, dancing, drugs (drug bridge)
Drug bridge: Molly, cocaine, mushrooms, prescription pills, etc.
By exchange for sex, trade for other drugs and cash

7. Juggalos and Juggalettes
Fans, also known as Juggalos and Juggalettes, are known for their bizarre dress and behaviors.
ICP’s style of music is also known as horror core accompanied by elaborate stage productions and lyrics that depict violence.

8. Social Norms Advocated by ICP Lyrics
Violence is a dominant theme
Murder, Satanism, rape, etc.
Sexual Deviance is advocated (including Necrophilia)
Identification with the “out crowd” or the poor.
Hatred towards “rednecks” & bigots
Imp0rtance of social norms
What is right/wrong or acceptable conduct
What is admirable or successful within the group

9. Methodology
A telephone survey was conducted of 66 law enforcement agencies.
LE agencies in all 50 states were contacted.
Each LE agency was asked the 6 basic research questions in the survey and the results recorded.

10. Research Questions
To your knowledge, do you have Juggalos in your jurisdiction?
If so, to your knowledge, have Juggalos been involved in any crimes in your jurisdiction?
What types of crimes?
To your knowledge, are Juggalos involved in the drug/narcotics traffic in your area?
Does your jurisdiction consider the Juggalos to be a gang?
Why or why not?

11. Findings 59% had Juggalos in the state
Total of 32 states
64% reported crimes committed by Juggalos
Most were individual in nature
Murder (18), Assault (16), Vandalism (13), Deviant sex crimes (3), Drug sales (3), Arson (1)
Of the murders, 9 were individually perpetrated, many had multiple victims, some involved necrophilia
9 agencies reported drug usage in their area and 3 reported drug sales
Usage: Marijuana, cocaine, meth, heroin
Sales: Marijuana
59% considered them to be a gang
Reasons for gang identification
Meets gang criteria
Group organization/activities
FBI report

12. Limits of Study
Not every police department in every state was contacted.
Many departments may not be aware of any alleged criminality by the Juggalos because they have not observed any in their jurisdiction.
The vast majority of Juggalos are not criminals and therefore fly under the radar of LE.

13. Suggestions For Further Research
Examine the self reported criminality of Juggalos via survey research on the ICP website.
Compare that data with the LE perceptions for commonalities and differences.

14. Summary
The vast majority of Juggalos are not gang members or criminals.
With the cult like following of some Juggalos, however some have turned to crime.
Most Juggalo crimes are conducted individually.
Some Juggalo crimes are a group effort and therefore would fall under gang activity.
Some Juggalo gangs are also affiliating with other more traditional street gangs.

15. References
Abraham, Z. (2010) Tila Tequila Attack at Gathering of Juggalos Was Planned. SF Gate. 08/15/ Accessed 07/29/13.
Faygolovers.net
Grow, K. (2014). Insane Clown Posse Lawsuit Dismissed by Federal Judge. Retrieved from
Juggalo Holocaust.wordpress.com
(NGC) National Gang Center (2012) Brief Review of Federal and State Definitions of the Terms “Gang,” Gang Crime” and Gang Member”. Accessed 06/04/13
(NGIC) National Gang Intelligence Center (2011a) Juggalos: Emerging Gang Trends and Criminal Activity. Accessed 06/04/13
(NGIC) National Gang Intelligence Center (2011b) National Gang Threat Assessment: Emerging Trends. threat-assessment/2011-national-gang-threat-assessment Accessed 03/12/13
Psychopathic Records (2013) “We are not a gang” Accessed 07/09/13
Rabin, N. (2013) You Don’t Know Me But You Don’t Like Me: Phish, Insane Clown Posse and my misadventures with two of music’s most maligned tribes. New York, NY: Scribner.