Eleanor Finch
Security Threat Groups (STGs) are a growing concern in correctional facilities across the United States. STGs are criminal organizations within prisons that pose a threat to the safety of staff, inmates, and the wider community. The presence of STGs has increased over the years, with a 2012 survey analysis noting a significant rise in gang activity between 2001 and 2005. Correctional facilities are facing the challenge of managing these groups, which include well-known gangs such as the Bloods, Crips, Aryan Brotherhood, and various extremist groups. The integration of gang members into the general prison population has shown mixed results, with some successful cases of rehabilitation and others requiring separation to prevent territorial wars and safety risks. STG intelligence units play a critical role in gathering information, preventing violence, and solving crimes within correctional institutions and beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "Security Threat Group" |
| Alternative Name | Prison Gang |
| Membership | Confirmed through tattoos, hand signals, or other forms of information |
| Membership Impact on Parole | Almost impossible to be granted parole |
| Membership Impact on Incarceration | More difficult and longer |
| Membership Benefits | None |
| Membership Consequences | Negative activities, violence, longer incarceration, difficulty getting parole |
| Correctional Officer Safety | STG intelligence operations have uncovered plots to injure or kill staff members |
| Crime Prevention and Solving | STG intelligence helps prevent violence and solve crimes against other inmates, the public, and rival gangs |
| Intelligence Gathering | Decode cryptic messages, read inmate letters, listen to monitored and recorded inmate phone calls |
| Information Sources | Identify active STG members, develop confidential informants, conduct interviews |
| Training | Correctional staff receive gang training to deal with the gang problem |
| Gang Density Rates | Highest in correctional environments |
| Gang Examples | Aryan Nation, Aryan Warriors, Aryan Society, Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples, White Supremacists |
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What You'll Learn
- STG membership is a sign of a commitment to criminal activity
- STGs pose a threat to the safety of prison staff, other inmates, and the community
- STG intelligence units are under-resourced and understaffed
- STG intelligence helps prevent violence and solve crimes
- STG members are placed in higher-level security facilities
STG membership is a sign of a commitment to criminal activity
Security Threat Groups (STGs) are criminal organizations within US correctional facilities. These groups pose a threat to the safety of prison staff, other inmates, and the wider community. STG membership is a sign of a commitment to criminal activity, as members are pressured or forced into negative behaviors and illegal activities.
STG members are identified by prison officials through tattoos, hand signals, and other forms of information. Membership has severe consequences, including almost certainly being denied parole. This is because parole boards view gang membership as a sign that an offender has not learned from their mistakes and is likely to reoffend.
The presence of STGs in correctional facilities has been a growing problem in recent decades. A 2012 survey analysis by the Bureau of Justice National Gang Center found that the prevalence of gang activity in prisons significantly increased between 2001 and 2005 and has continued to rise since. This increase has been driven by the flourishing drug trade in the US, which has led to a surge in drug-related organized crime groups in correctional facilities.
Correctional facilities have struggled to effectively manage STGs due to a lack of resources, understaffing, and underfunding. However, some strategies have been shown to be effective in controlling STGs, including having a policy-and-procedures statement for the validation of members and the use of segregation, within-state transfers, and protective custody. Additionally, STG intelligence operations play a crucial role in maintaining safety within prisons by uncovering plots to harm staff members and preventing violence against inmates and the public.
In recent years, there has been a move towards integrating STG members into the general prison population rather than housing them separately. This approach aims to provide all incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to participate in rehabilitative programs and promote prosocial behaviors. While most gang members have successfully integrated, a small percentage have not, and multidisciplinary workgroups have been developed to address this issue.
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STGs pose a threat to the safety of prison staff, other inmates, and the community
Security Threat Groups (STGs), also known as prison gangs, are a significant challenge for incarceration facilities. They pose a threat to the safety of prison staff, other inmates, and the wider community. STGs are criminal organizations within correctional facilities, and their presence has increased over the years, with a 3% population in 1985 rising to 6% in 1992.
STG members often engage in violence, drug trafficking, extortion, and other illicit activities. They have a hierarchical structure with their own rules and codes of conduct. These gangs can be distinguished by their common characteristics, interests, and goals, which set them apart from other inmates. They may also have specific affiliations based on race, ethnicity, or shared criminal activities.
The presence of STGs in correctional facilities interrupts the safe and orderly operation of the prison. They can create territorial wars and strongholds, leading to a dangerous environment for staff and other inmates. In recognition of this, many prisons have implemented measures such as gang intelligence gathering, segregation of gang members, and targeted intervention programs to disrupt gang activities.
While some gang members have successfully integrated into prisons, a small percentage have not. Prisons are now moving towards a behavior-based system, where inmates are housed based on their case factors and programming needs, rather than their STG affiliation. This approach aims to provide all incarcerated individuals with access to rehabilitative programs and promote prosocial behaviors, reducing the influence of STGs and improving safety for all.
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STG intelligence units are under-resourced and understaffed
Security Threat Groups (STGs) are a growing concern in the US correctional system. These groups, which may vary in definition from state to state, pose a significant threat to the safety of prison staff, other inmates, and the wider community. The presence of STGs has increased over the years, and they have access to advanced technological skills and outside tactical and logistical support. This includes illicit communications, computers, security electronics, explosives fabrication, paramilitary tactics, and even drones to introduce contraband into jails.
The STG intelligence units play a critical role in addressing these threats. They help prevent violence, solve crimes, and protect staff and inmates. For example, they uncover plots to harm staff members, prevent violent incidents, and solve crimes committed within and outside the correctional facilities. They also help develop confidential informants and conduct interviews with inmates.
However, STG intelligence units are often understaffed and under-resourced, which hinders their effectiveness. Many prison systems that have these units do not provide adequate funding or personnel. This lack of resources and staff limits their ability to gather intelligence, analyze information, and develop effective strategies to counter the STGs.
The under-resourcing and understaffing of STG intelligence units have several negative implications. Firstly, it can compromise the safety of correctional officers and other staff members, as they may not be adequately prepared for potential threats. Secondly, it affects their ability to prevent and solve crimes, both within the prison and in the wider community. Additionally, understaffed and under-resourced STG intelligence units may struggle to keep up with the evolving technological advancements of STGs, such as their use of drones and illicit communications.
The challenges faced by STG intelligence units due to limited resources and staff highlight the need for increased investment and support in this area. Correctional facilities should prioritize allocating more resources, hiring and training additional staff, and developing specialized technologies to enhance the effectiveness of STG intelligence operations.
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STG intelligence helps prevent violence and solve crimes
Security Threat Groups (STGs) are criminal organizations within US correctional facilities. They are characterized by common interests and goals that set them apart from other inmate groups. These groups pose a threat to the safety of prison staff, other inmates, and the wider community. The presence of STGs in incarceration facilities has been on the rise, with a 2012 survey analysis noting a significant increase in gang activity between 2001 and 2005, which has continued to climb.
The rise of extremist groups and their incarceration is a new challenge for correctional facilities. These inmates often have advanced technological skills and outside support, which can include access to drones and other resources that enable well-coordinated escape efforts and the introduction of contraband. The increase in inmates with ties to extremist groups, drug cartels, and gangs highlights the critical need for STG intelligence in jails and prisons.
STG intelligence plays a vital role in preventing violence and solving crimes within correctional institutions and beyond. STG intelligence officers employ various methods to gather information, such as decoding cryptic messages, reviewing inmate letters, and monitoring telephone conversations. By doing so, they can uncover critical information about planned criminal activities, including assaults, drug trafficking, and escape attempts. This intelligence is also shared with external agencies, enabling them to prioritize their resources effectively and address patterns of gang behavior.
An effective STG intelligence group will go beyond information gathering. They will actively identify active STG members and develop confidential informants who wish to leave the STG. This dual approach helps to prevent crimes and protect inmates who wish to disassociate themselves from these groups. Additionally, STG intelligence aids in the development of new training programs for staff by identifying trends in inmate behavior and emerging security threats. This intelligence informs strategic planning and helps correctional leaders make well-informed decisions to ensure the safety of their institutions.
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STG members are placed in higher-level security facilities
Security Threat Groups (STGs) are criminal organizations within US correctional facilities. STG members are placed in higher-level security facilities due to the threat they pose to the safety of prison staff, other inmates, and the wider community. They also disrupt the safe and orderly operation of correctional facilities.
STG members are often transferred to higher-security facilities as a form of protective custody. This is done to ensure the safety of the STG member themselves, as well as to protect other inmates and staff. Higher-level security facilities are better equipped to manage the unique challenges posed by STG members, including their potential for violence and disruptive behaviour. These facilities have stricter security measures, such as restricted housing environments, to minimize the risk of gang-related activity and maintain order within the prison.
The decision to place an inmate in a higher-level security facility is based on their behaviour and involvement in gang activity. Correctional systems use a process of validation to identify and confirm gang members. This typically involves multiple warnings and cautioning inmates against engaging in gang-related crime and violence. If an inmate continues to be involved in gang activity despite these warnings, they may be designated as a validated gang member and transferred to a higher-security facility.
In addition to safety concerns, the placement of STG members in higher-level security facilities is also a result of their programming needs. These individuals often require specialized programs focused on behaviour modification and rehabilitation. Higher-security facilities offer structured environments with access to rehabilitative programs that address gang-related behaviours and promote pro-social skills. The goal is to reduce the influence of the STG and prepare the individual for a successful return to society.
The integration of STG members into higher-level security facilities is a complex process. While it aims to provide a safer environment for all involved, it can also lead to territorial disputes and strongholds among STGs. Correctional facilities must carefully manage the integration process to minimize disruptions and encourage positive programming for these individuals. This includes providing ample access to rehabilitative programs, education, vocation, and other opportunities for personal development.
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Frequently asked questions
STG stands for Security Threat Group and is the official title given to prison gangs.
STGs are considered to pose a threat to the safety of prison staff, other inmates, and the community. They also interrupt the safe and orderly operation of correctional facilities.
Examples of STGs include the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, Aryan Nation, Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples, and the Ku Klux Klan.
The presence of STGs has increased over time, with a reported 6% of correctional facilities experiencing STG issues in 1992. However, an accurate growth rate is challenging to determine as politics influences the admission of STG presence.
Membership in an STG negatively impacts an offender's chances of being granted parole. Parole boards view gang membership as a commitment to criminal activity and an indicator of a higher risk of reoffending.
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