On March 29, 1994, the New York City Department of Corrections (DOC) created an interdepartmental gang task force to: (1) assess the nature of gang activities within departmental facilities; (2) review gang practices and procedures, as well as how they are handled by jail staffs; and (3) develop a policy and strategy for counter-gang initiatives. The intelligence gathering effort was combined with a proactive approach to achieving discipline inside jail facilities, including Riker's Island. Gang identifiers were banned, as was the wearing of colors or elements of clothing identified as indicators of rank within security risk groups (SRG). Known SRG members and leaders were not housed in their own separate facilities; gang members were spread out throughout Riker's Island. Inmates at first opposed the dress codes and even attempted (unsuccessfully) legal actions demanding their right to carry color-coded beads. However, an aggressive approach by the DOC and their Special Operations Divisions maintained order throughout the facility.