NCJ Number
152590
Date Published
1992
Length
252 pages
Annotation
A book and video discuss the various signs and symbols used by gangs in general and by specific gangs.
Abstract
The introduction notes the importance of police officers being able to identify various gang signs and symbols so they can know what gangs are operating in their jurisdictions and determine what kinds of gang behavior are suggested by the signs and symbols. A section on the signs and symbols of street gangs in general addresses gang identifiers, body language, and covert codes. The final portion of this section outlines the significance of various symbols used by particular gangs. The next section of the book focuses only on the signs and symbols of the "Skinheads," a gang whose members have shaved heads. This is a white supremacy group known to commit violence against targeted minority individuals and groups. Another section profiles the signs and symbols of the following prison gangs: Aryan Brotherhood, Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, Nuestra Familia, and the Black Guerrilla Family. Two other sections focus on the signs and symbols of Cuban criminals and motorcycle gangs. The last two sections discuss the occult and alphabets in association with gang signs and symbols. Throughout the book, gang signs and symbols are each illustrated. 11-item bibliography, a glossary of terms, and a subject index