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Prison Gangs: Arizona

NCJ Number
149038
Journal
Corrections Today Dated: (July 1986) Pages: 13,25-27
Author(s)
R W Crist
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
While certain inmate groups and organizations in Arizona are legitimate, inmate gangs involved in illegal activities and violence must be neutralized.
Abstract
Inmate gangs often try to control the action in prisons by introducing contraband (drugs, currency, alcohol, and drugs) and engaging in such illegal activities as homosexual contact and gambling. Gang leaders appear to have the best interests of members at heart but yet intimidate and threaten inmates and their families. Inmate gang members try to "play" prison staff as well as inmates. One way of neutralizing inmate gangs is to transfer them. Transfer breaks up the gang's organizational and power structure but often merely moves the gang problem to another institution. Therefore, adequate security in all prisons is essential to control contraband and institutional violence.