Offenders join prison gangs for the convenience of power and the benefits of funds and protection. Many prison offenders have a natural desire to be accepted by their fellow prisoners and be a part of something bigger than life. Many offenders feel like failures so joining a prison gang gives them feelings of importance. It is common for some prisoners to experience loneliness and fall into the pressure of joining a “family” while …show more content…
Gang followers are extremely eager to please and will do anything to prove their loyalty to the gang they represent. They do as they are told because they trust their gang leaders. Most gang members are followers and are incapable of making decisions for themselves and lack confidence. Prison gang followers become subconsciously numb and follow orders without a second thought. Gang members can not fight, trade or even associate with others without a leaders approval.
Adult gangmembers in prison rang from ages 18 all the way to 65 years old. Many prison offenders in gangs are institutionalized and lack any understanding about responsibility. Prison gang members who are used to being fed, clothed, and sheltered in prison are rarely able to walk a straight line once released. With little or no skills of surviving in a free society, prison gang members quickly return to the comforts of an institutionalized life. It is common to find ex-con gang members pan handling on the streets or resorting to crimes such as robbery, burglary or