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This is a brief introduction to criminal gangs and gang culture. It is important to understand gangs as a potential threat that your retreat group could face. I have not intended this to be comprehensive. It would be a very daunting task to list and detail every gang or disruptive group occurring in the U.S. What I intending to do is make you aware of something you may have overlooked.
I would like to enlighten the blog readers about another aspect of their situational awareness, namely gang recognition. This could be very important information for many people not just in a WTSHTF situation, but in everyday life in normal times. Many people do not live at their retreat, but may live or perhaps work in a gangland area.

I have worked in law enforcement for a state agency for nearly a decade. I have a lot of experience working around gangs and the gang culture.

The first thing we must understand is that there are dangerous and violent gangs in every state in the US. We are fortunate that most gangs are centered around urban areas and usually expend their violence on the members of other gangs

Ii is my belief that in the opening stages of a societal collapse many gang members as well as many erstwhile law-abiding residents of cities will begin with rampant looting. Then, when they have figured out the police are not responding [because of the massive scale of the looting], they will set about settling old scores. Once they’ve figured out that the supermarkets don’t have any more food coming the more coherent members will move on to taking what they want from the shivering masses. And then, when the people leave their broken cities, the predators will follow their prey. You would then have hordes of starving and desperate people migrating from the urban centers. On the fringes will the organized and ad-hoc gangs–preying on whatever happens to cross their path. These gangs would have experience brought from their street wars and honed to a razor edge by robbing the masses of Joe Six Packs. The prospect of a “Golden Horde” [with gangs traveling in their wake] is not a pleasant thought.

Growth Trends
There are some disturbing trends in the currently rapid growth of criminal gangs. Traditionally gangs were a result of conditions encountered by youths within large urban inner cities or of established prison gangs gaining influence on the outside. We cannot discount the proliferation of low-income, fatherless, single parent families as a result of amoral behavior. Some people may take offense to this but it is statistically proven. [JWR Adds: Lest the author be accused of being racist (he is not), readers should recognize that single parent families of all races share many of the same problems, including dependence of welfare, chronic truancy, low graduation rates, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, alcoholism, criminal behavior, gang affiliation, and so forth.]

These influencing factors are all still current, but not exclusive. The current national situation is worse and poised to get even worse. There are a myriad of causes and I will touch on a few that will affect people more acutely, who are located in the western U.S. There are many unique factors associated with the eastern U.S. but my experience is with the west.

Perhaps the worst effect on increasing gang activity throughout the western US is a lack of effective border controls. American’s apathy to secure our southern border is allowing Mexican drug cartels free reign to move illicit drugs into the U.S. These guys are bad news! The Mexican government is rife with corruption funded by the cartels. The few officials who dare to make a stand against the cartels either live in constant fear or are gunned down. There have been a number of gruesome assassinations of Mexican government officials, some in broad daylight. We must keep in mind that many US-based gangs have close ties to Mexican cartels, either being supplied by or run behind the scenes by them. This is evidenced by criminal activities related to Mexican cartels across many southern tier states.

We must also examine the effects of popular or “pop” culture. Popular media has turned millions of suburban teenagers [of all races and from middle class backgrounds] into wannabe bang bangers. Popular music, movies and television often portray gang association in positive manner. Another factor to consider is relocation. Often in an effort to remove their children from the influence of gangs, parents of teenage gang members move their families out of cities and into suburbia. There, instead of removing their children from influence, their children find a receptive audience for recruiting new members. Those children will then become a new branch of the same gang or create a new gang.

Structure and Planning
Gang structure is usually well-organized and hierarchical. Many gangs use a rank system similar to the military. The guy at the bottom takes orders from the guy above him and so on. Additionally lower ranks are prohibited from acting without specific orders. Many gangs use a constitution or a set of by-laws, kind of a gang banger S.O.P.

Do not be lulled into thinking that members of gangs are not intelligent. This is simply not the case. It may be true on an individual level but on an organizational level of thinking, that mindset is dangerous. Don’t be close minded. A lot of these people are what might be considered “evil geniuses.” Many gangs have required reading for new initiates. Be advised: They read a lot of the same stuff we do. They read “The Art of War,” “The Book of the Five Rings,” and “The Prince.” They study small unit tactics, military field manuals, guerrilla warfare and many other topics that would surprise you. Gangs are not just a bunch of guys sitting around watching the movie “Scarface” over and over again. There are instances of gangs funding the college education of especially bright members. A local law enforcement agency recently discovered a detailed five year plan, similar to a corporate plan, showing the planned expansion of the gang and the very hostile takeover of a rival gang’s territory. These were obviously very motivated people and the plan was indicative of an educated leadership.

Most gangs are usually ethnic or racially based. There are exceptions to this but it is usually true. Many gangs will make exceptions. They are completely aware of stereotyping and may accept a member of another ethnicity or race to appear less conspicuous. A notable exception for southern tier states would be a prison gang called “Texas Syndicate.” This gang is comprised mostly of Hispanic members but has a fair number of white members. On occasion gangs will attempt to recruit members from different ethnic backgrounds in order to avoid detection from rival gangs and law enforcement. Keep this in mind.

Another disturbing aspect of gang structure is the inclusion of women and children. many gangs will incorporate a branch of their gang with children. These are usually the children or close relation of current members. Women are usually the companions of members but may incorporate their own structure.

Gangs Common to the Western U.S.
My experience is with gangs common to the western U.S. so that is what I will describe. Perhaps there is a blog reader in the eastern U.S. who can address that region.

Generally most of the gangs common to the west began in California. Either originating in Los Angeles or in the California prison system. They have spread rapidly in the past 15 years. I will give an overview of the more common ones:

White Supremacist Gangs
There are white supremacist gangs throughout the U.S. You could encounter everything from Neo-Nazis to white outlaw bikers. You will need to do some research to see what’s going on in your area. Check the Internet to see what’s out there. Be warned a lot of what you find in your research will be incredibly ignorant and highly offensive. IMHO, these could be the most commonly encountered gangs in the event of a total collapse. You should also be aware of all the kooks out there that the media loves to glamorize as so called “survivalists” any white supremacist gang has the potential to be extremely violent and unpredictable. You do not want to be around any of these groups when things go sideways. Keep that in mind while making your preparations.
Identifiers-
Swastika’s (tattoos, flags, pictures, etc.)
Vikings (Pictures, Tattoos)
AB – Aryan Brotherhood (Tattoos, Pictures)
Refer to each other as “comrade”
666- (tattoos, pictures)
1488 – stands for “14 words” associated with white supremacist gangs and “Heil Hitler” (“H” is the 8th letter in the alphabet.) World War II German military SS badge (tattoos, Pictures, Posters)

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
Most outlaw motorcycle gangs began in the late 1940s after WWII and consisted of returning G.I.s. Outlaw gangs are predominantly white. Many outlaw motorcycle gangs have ties to other street or prison gangs, or will follow racial lines. The Mongols motorcycle club has ties to the Mexican Mafia and the Hells Angels has ties to white supremacist groups and does not allow membership of african-americans or hispanics. Outlaw motorcycle gangs rule the distribution of meth. Its big business, the FBI estimates around $2 billion USD a year. Outlaw motorcycle gangs are generally well organized, very well armed [with an emphasis on semi-auto and unregistered full auto carbines], and have a strong command structure.
Identifier-
motorcycles – usually Harley-Davidsons.
“Club colors” usually a jacket or vest with club patch on the back. (This usually consists of a large patch in the center with banners on the top and bottom called “Rockers”)
“Club House”- motorcycle clubs will buy or rent a house or building to use as meeting place. If you have one near your home, then move.
Tattoos- not universal but a good indication. Usually motorcycle topics.

[JWR Adds: I consider white outlaw motorcycle gangs the single greatest threat to rural retreats. Plan accordingly. Not only do motorcycle gangs have great mobility (at 45+ miles per gallon!), but in some circumstances they will also be able to “blend in” with a rural populace better than gangs that are predominantly composed of racial minorities.]

Surenos
Surenos translated from Spanish is “Southerners.” Generally comprised of Hispanic members. This gang is a conglomeration of Los Angeles street gangs and the California prison gang “Eme” (Spanish for the Letter “M”) or Mexican Mafia became organized in California prisons in the 1960s. Surenos are closely involved with Mexican drug cartels. This is a very motivated, well organized gang. It is expanding rapidly and can be encountered throughout the west as well as nationally. Also has a notable presence within the Federal Prison System.
Identifiers –
Word “Sureno (S)”
Abbreviation “SUR”
Number “13” (M is the 13th letter in the alphabet)
Word “Eme”
Blue colored clothing or bandannas

Nortenos
Nortenos translated from Spanish is “Northerners.” Generally comprised of Hispanic members. Nortenos are traditionally enemies of Sureno’s this gang is also a conglomeration of many different gangs. member are usually from areas north of Fresno, California. This gang also became organized within the California prison system. The Nortenos became organized as a result subjugation of rural Hispanics within the prison system by the Mexican Mafia. Generally very well organized, usually encountered within west coast states, but is expanding.
Identifiers –
Word “Norteno(s)
Number “14” ( N is the 14th letter in the alphabet)
Word “Ene”( Spanish for Letter “N”)
Clothing and Bandannas red in color
Five point red star

Crips
Began as a Los Angeles street gang in the 1960’s. Has since multiplied, split and fractured. Generally membership is comprised of people of African descent. There are numerous Crip gangs. Crip Gangs are found throughout the country, usually around urban centers. Some individual groups of crips may be organized some may not be. Some groups of Crips maybe enemies of other groups of Crips. The traditional enemies of the Bloods. There is no recognizable centralized leadership.
Identifiers-
Blue colored clothing or bandannas
In speech replacing the letter “B” with the letter “C”
Refer to each other as “cousin” or “cuz”
Six pointed star
Phrase – community revolution in progress

Bloods
The Bloods egan as a Los Angeles street gang in 1972. Traditional enemies of the Crips. Not as numerous as the Crips. Generally has a better organization structure. Membership is usually people of African descent. Found throughout the U.S. usually in urban centers. Not as much into fighting as the Crips.
Identifiers-
Red colored clothing or bandannas
In speech replacing the letter “C” with the letter “B”

Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13
Began as a Los Angeles street gang in the 1980’s by Salvadoran immigrants. may consist of members from or descended from many central American countries. Very well organized. Found in at least 31 U.S. states, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany. very ruthless gang.
Identifiers-
Tattoos of MS, MS-13, devil horns or “salvatrucha”

The preceding is just a short summary list. Time and space prohibit me from listing other gangs. I probably couldn’t list them all if I wanted to, so I will show you how you can find out who is active in your area.

How to Find Out More
The first thing you need to do is be aware of your surroundings. pay attention when you drive to work or when make your monthly Costco run. Take a look at what’s going on in your neighborhood. You may not need to worry about gang activity at your retreat location but you may need to pass through affected areas to get to your retreat. Suburban retreaters should pay close attention to their situation no matter what part of the country they live in.

Your Tools

Your Own Observations
These observations are the most important if your area has been affected by gang activity you may notice some things. These are some things to look for:

Graffiti
Gangs use graffiti like a bulletin board or a property boundary. Graffiti will also serve as a warning to rival gangs. Pay attention to colors of the graffiti. A commonly re- occurring color could be an indicator . Look for re-occurring numbers or roman numerals. Also look for re-occurring names or abbreviation. Try to remember or take a quick note of what you see for later reference.

Groups of Young Men
Most gang members are in the age group of 15-25 and predominately male. Now every group of young men is obviously not a gang. Use your judgment and take note of what you see. Look for similar colored clothing. If you have high school age kids in public schools or know some, ask them. They might have some knowledge you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.

Tattoos
Tattoos are like a gang member business card. Kind of like – “this is the group I belong to and these are my accomplishments.” Gang members tattoos are usually very distinctive. A lot of gang members wind up in jail or prison and often get tattoos while incarcerated. Jailhouse “tats” are easily recognizable. Do a little internet research to find jail house or prison tattoo pictures. Once again look for recurring themes, names, symbols, numbers and roman numerals.

Information Resources

Law Enforcement
The most aware of local gang activity is probably going to be local law enforcement. If you know a local officer ask them what is going on in the area. Most officers will probably be willing to spend a few moments talking to a concerned citizen and may have a lot of useful information
If your local area has a “Gang Task Force” or a similarly named unit it’s probably a good indication that there are problems in your area. I don’t know how much information a unit like that will be willing to give you, but it’s probably worth it to call the department and ask. You may get a standard response prepared for the public, but you also could get a lot of good information. I may attract some Ire for saying that you probably shouldn’t speak to Law Enforcement Administrators. IMO they may try to embellish or downplay current conditions for political or other reasons. You shouldn’t have to worry about it though, most upper management types probably wouldn’t want to talk to a concerned citizen unless you are friends with someone important.

Local News Agencies
Local news media is another great resource. Granted they can tend to be over dramatic and not always completely accurate but viewed objectively can be very informative. Watch the local evening news and pay attention to trends. If you don’t have television, then subscribe to a newspaper. Many small newspapers have a crime blotter, this is a great feature. An increasing amount of reported graffiti vandalism could be an indicator of gang encroachment. Once again pay attention to trends. If the crime description says that the crime was gang related then you have a good indication of activity in your area

The Internet
The Internet has an absolute wealth of information. There are numerous gang information web sites. I would recommend knowing which gang you are looking for before starting a search, as you could be overloaded with information. Some web sites you may want to take a look at are:

GangInk.com – This web site has Chicago area gang information
Eviltattoo.com
GangWatchers.org
KnowGangs.com – This is a very good web site IMHO.
Wikipedia has good general information if you know specifically what gang you are looking for. [JWR Adds: Wikipedia also has several pages specifically about gangs outside the US]

You should also know that many gangs or gang members have their own web sites. These are definitely worth checking out if applicable to your area or circumstance.

Books
There have been many books written by a number of former and current law enforcement officers as well as former gang members. These can be very valuable resources. Many of these can be found in the Paladin Press book catalog. One book I definitely recommend is “The Gang Investigator’s Handbook” by Matthew David O’Dean Ph.D. and is available through Paladin Press. Books written by former gang members are usually specific to their individual gang and will therefore require you to specifically know what gang(s) you have in your area and proceeding appropriately.

The prospect of having to deal with gangs is not pleasant. In the event of a collapse that prospect only becomes worse. Use this information I’ve given you to find out if you should be immediately concerned. We must all be aware that crime traditionally increases in time of economic stress. With our country in its current state things could become very interesting. Don’t say to yourself: “I don’t need to worry about it.” Do some research and be prepared.