Understanding and Combating the Drivers of Gang Formation in the U.S. Prisons

Mourine C.

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Understanding and Combating the Drivers of Gang Formation in the U.S. Prisons

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American prison system, infiltraation, gang formation, prison, gang involvement, US prisons, strategies, successful intervention, rehabilitation programs, gang membership, correctional staff, illegal business, surveillance, monitoring

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Abstract

The infiltration of gangs into the American prison system is very controversial, a matter of complex peculiarity that highly challenges issues of security and safety through the measures indifferently employed by inmates and correctional staff. Gangs in jails are a pretty old thing, but for some decades, they have continued to change and rise in influence and expansion; so, nowadays, there is a vast threat that should be fought against in quite an integrated and large-scale approach. The meaning of gang activity in prison has deeper connotations for this prison environment but also for the communities they are part of and will eventually return to. The following paper comprehensively discusses the situation and consequences of the case study, as well as strategies that could be followed toward effectively intervening in gang activity in United States prisons by all stakeholders of correctional authorities, law enforcement, and policymakers.

Prevalence of Gangs in U.S.
Factors Contributing to Gang Formation in Prisons
Consequences of Gang Involvement in U.S. Prisons
Strategies to Combat Gang Activity in Prisons
Examples of Successful Interventions

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[...] Understanding and Combating the Drivers of Gang Formation in the U.S. Prisons The infiltration of gangs into the American prison system is very controversial, a matter of complex peculiarity that highly challenges issues of security and safety through the measures indifferently employed by inmates and correctional staff. Gangs in jails are a pretty old thing, but for some past decades, they have continued to change and rise in influence and expansion; so, nowadays, there is a vast threat that should be fought against in quite an integrated and large-scale approach. [...]

[...] Often, they terrorize, threaten, and exploit the weak in that segment of the prison population to effectively turn even non-gang members into subjects. What is more, gang affiliation actually does not remain in prison. Members of the gang continue to support their relationships with their street gangs out there (Alstam, 2024). Meanwhile, these criminal activities facilitated by the divide between the prison system and the broader community are able not only to compromise the integrity and security of the correctional facilities but also become a direct threat to public safety. [...]

[...] (2023). Terrorism and Political Violence. https://doi.org/10.1080//09546553.2023.2169144 oPaiHaHa. (2023, September 27). Incarceration and Rehabilitation: How Improved Legal Education for Prisoners Can Reduce Recidivism - Just Access. Retrieved April from Just Access website: https://just-access.de/incarceration-and-rehabilitation-how-improved-legal-education-for-prisoners-can-reduce-recidivism/ Pyrooz, D. C. (2022, September 8). The Prison and the Gang. [...]

[...] These, then, help in facilitating the flow of contraband. This includes weapons, drugs, and other illicit commodities indispensable for the conduct of continued illegal business both within and without the prison facilities. Secondly, these gangs can influence even a further range to the detriment of the proper reentry of these inmates back into society after serving their jail terms. For those who had been heavily involved in the gang subculture, it proved challenging to disconnect related mindsets, behaviours, and criminal networks; hence, some recidivism results that undermine rehabilitation and reentry efforts. [...]

[...] This should be underscored with measures that go to the roots of gang formation since only a punitive approach is not likely to be successful in the long run. In this connection, it would be of added value to motivate the partnerships of other community-based organizations and faith-based groupings to provide support and mentorship for inmates during the course and after their service. The latter may provide a pivotal link to positive role models, resources, and opportunities that compete with the interest emanating from gang affiliation. [...]

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