NCJ Number
147821
Date Published
1987
Length
116 pages
Annotation
The two largest and most rival inmate gangs in the Texas prison system -- the Texas Syndicate and the Mexican Mafia were studied.
Abstract
Interviews were conducted among former members of both gangs, members of the Gang Task Force, and unit wardens. Personal data of 545 active members of both gangs were reviewed. The two gangs were compared on the following characteristics: 1) organizational structure; 2) leadership style; 3) size and composition of membership; 4) methods of recruitment; 5) gang activities and goals; 6) operational strategies; and 7) gang activities outside the prison setting. It was concluded that the gangs did not differ significantly in these characteristics. Both practiced a democratic decisionmaking process and operated in a secretive manner in the prison environment. Both abided by strict codes of conduct, the violation of which was punishable by death. The two most prominent rules among the gang members had to do with their right to wear tattoos, and lifetime commitment to the gang. In practice, the recruiting procedure of the Mexican Mafia was a bit more loose than that of the Texas Syndicate, which would easily account for its having the larger membership (n=304). 13 tables, 100 references