NCJ Number
173609
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 65 Issue: 4 Dated: April 1998 Pages: 53-60
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines the character and criminal affiliations and practices of outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Abstract
With more than 50 years to hone their criminal "skills," outlaw motorcycle gangs have become a criminal force to be reckoned with. They have organized behind a hierarchical structure with bylaws and meetings. Some gangs are so concerned about their image that they have copyrighted and trademarked their logos and gang names. Members attend functions (runs) together to solidify their unity and brotherhood as a "family." These gangs do not just work parallel with traditional organized crime groups, they cooperate on joint ventures and compete in other areas. Furthermore, their inter-gang connections with prison gangs, the Ku Klux Klan, other white supremacy groups, street gangs, and drug groups have enhanced their criminal networking, allowing their tentacles to reach all parts of society. It is imperative that interagency joint law enforcement task force operations rethink their efforts to combat this threat, since no one agency has the means to investigate and prosecute outlaw motorcycle gangs successfully. Recent cases by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Drug Enforcement Administration have resulted in multiple arrests of Hell's Angels and Hessians. FBI agents have arrested members of the Devil's Disciples and Outlaws. The more successful cases involved the experience and expertise of local and State police who joined with the Federal agents.