Prison Gang Dynamics: A Look Inside the Texas Department of Corrections (From Corrections: Dilemmas and Directions, P 57-77, 1992, Peter J Benekos and Alida V Merlo, eds.)

• NCJ Number: 149137
• Author(s): R S Fong; R E Vogel; S Buentello
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using Texas as a case study, this chapter examined four aspects of prison gangs: (1) the link between court-ordered institutional reform and the proliferation of inmate gangs, (2) the organizational characteristics of inmate gangs, (3) strategies for the management of prison gangs, and (4) strategies for the detection of prison gang development.

Abstract

The analysis concludes that the increase in prisoners' rights and the elimination of the building tender system that was the traditional method of inmate control, prison officials found it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to maintain order among inmates. As administrative control weakened, inmate violence immediately increased and inmates quickly organized to protect themselves, dominate others, and establish a power base for illegal activities. Prison officials who confront gang violence daily feel strongly that efforts are needed to control prison gangs. However, the secretive nature of prison gangs and the reluctance of prison administrators to acknowledge their presence have hindered research on these groups. Nevertheless, some researchers have succeeded in their efforts and have found prison gangs to be ruthless, dangerous, opposed to authority, and extremely well organized. Figures, tables, notes, 33 references, and table of cases