Ethnic Gangs Research Paper

Ethnic & Racist Gangs in American Society
Gangs in America are incredibly widespread and continue to grow in size. Gangs are also known as Security Threat Groups (STG’s) in the correctional world. Both the outside world and prisons are affected by gangs daily. The threat of prison gangs seems to keep growing and shows no signs of coming to a halt. There are multiple types of gangs which include White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic. Many things can be done to stop Security Threat Groups and their related violence. This includes stopping community gangs as well as their related partners in prison. The impact of these groups can be extremely devastating. Prison gangs have effect of the outside world, their influence is just
Both levels of incarceration contain gang structures with membership based primarily on race and/or area of origin. Some of the adult prison gangs have evolved from juvenile gangs whose incarcerated members have formed comprehensive and violent organizations that require obedience of street members (Soliz, 2009). Prison gangs follow formalized rules and procedures strictly. Originally the prison gangs were established for self-protection; later they became involved with the control of drugs and favors in and outside of the prisons (Soliz, 2009). Other groups formed in retaliation and for the defense against the more powerful groups. An adult who successfully recruits younger street gang members may become the middleman for the prison gang, responsible for directing the street gang to do the biffing of the prison gang. Such an alliance may appear mutually beneficial to its members. The influence and reach of the prison gang is increased, and the street gang itself is elevated by close association with the prison gang. The downside for the street gang is becoming involved in crime more serious than members may desire. In addition, members or their families become targets for retaliation by associates of rival prison gangs. The main difference between the street gang and the prison gang is In their motivations for violence. The street gang usually commits a violent act
But what people don’t see behind closed doors, and what is hidden from the common public can be shocking. These groups originated from hate and racism stemming from this society. Racism is still very prevalent amongst the prison systems. In other instances most of United States is unaware of how serious racial and ethnic gangs are unless they are active in the community. Most news coverage does not exploit such behavior unless it is completely necessary. Today in the American justice system steps are being taken to prevent future recruitment of children to continue the legacies. One program is known as D.A.R.E. Local law enforcement teach children usually in the 5th grade the dangers of such activity and makes them aware. Something else that has been becoming more popular and strategic with community policing is the local police participating more with teens. They offer a variety of services typical police wouldn’t offer. Including coaching, internships, after school camps, and transportation. This was created to give communities across the nation a better sense of law enforcement. To ensure the thought that police are there to trust, and people should not be afraid of