SECURITY THREAT GROUPS



SECURITY THREAT GROUPS

This program covers Security Threat Groups (STGs) within TDCJ. It covers information such as what STGs are, how STGs are designated, staff responsibilities regarding STGs, and some basic information about each STG.

I. Introduction—The Security Threat Groups (STG) Plan outlines the process for identifying and monitoring confirmation of offenders affiliated with such groups, designation of suspected STG-affiliated offenders for monitoring purposes, identification of offenders alleged to be on a STG “hit” list, and procedures for offering STG offenders an opportunity to renounce affiliation with a STG. We will be reviewing Security Threat Groups or gangs in this lesson and why TDCJ-CID has to keep up-to-date information on them.

OBJECTIVES

• Define Security Threat Groups.

• Identify staff responsibilities regarding Security Threat Groups.

• Recall Security Threat Groups within TDCJ-CID

SECURITY THREAT GROUP DEFINITION

3 DEFINITION OF SECURITY THREAT GROUPS—Any group of offenders that TDCJ-CID determines to pose a threat to the physical safety of other offenders, staff, or the public due to the organization and activities of said STG. Such a group shall be designed by the STGMO and such designation shall require the approval of the ID Director.

THE SECURITY THREAT GROUP MANAGEMENT OFFICE—In order to meet the timely demands of monitoring and validating STG members and their activities, TDCJ-CID in October 1996, established the Security Threat Group Management Office (STGMO) within the Classification and Records Department. The STGMO networks with various law enforcement agencies. The STGMO is also tasked with implementing appropriate training for staff members who monitor and validate Security Threat Group (STG) members. The office is responsible for ensuring that the information and intelligence obtained regarding STG’s is disseminated in a timely and effective manner, as well as, ensuring consistency among all facilities in the management of these offenders.

A. THE IDENTIFICATION PROCESS

• Any group of offenders that TDCJ-CID determines to pose a threat to the physical safety of other offenders, staff, or the public by virtue of the group's organization and activities is subject to be reviewed for possible group identification.

In order for a group of offenders to be identified as a STG, the STGMO may review certain factors with regards to the group’s activities and composition. Once the review has been completed, the STGMO shall determine whether to recommend, in a report to the ID Director, that the group in question be designed as a STG.

• Designation of a STG – After reviewing the STGMO’s report and recommendation, the Director of TDCJ-CID shall: a) Disapprove the designation of a STG, in which case the groups activities may continue to be monitored as deemed necessary by the STGMO and by the facilities administration having custody of the offender members of the said group. b) Approve the designation for STG status.

• STG Housing and Management Guidelines – Once the ID Director has declared that a group of offenders constitutes a STG, he\she shall render an initial determination as to the housing and management guidelines, which may include Administrative Segregation.

The STGMO shall be responsible for providing information on newly designed STG’s to facility staff.

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING STGs

5 REPORTING POTENTIAL VICTIMS OF STGs—Facility personnel shall:

• Document all pertinent information that identifies an offender as a potential victim of an STG (i.e. alleged to be on a STG “hit” list) and shall

• Submit this information to the Warden with all substantiating evidence attached (e.g. offender mail, pictures, confiscated “hit” list, and similar evidence).

TRAINING FOR STAFF AWARENESS—In addition to department in-service training programs by TDCJ-CID, the facility administration shall be responsible for maintaining awareness of the facility's STG population with respect to the identifying characteristics of STG affiliation by disseminating relevant information as necessary.

B. “GANG INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS”—The Unit Security Threat Group Officers (USTGO), also referred to as “Gang Intelligence Officers”, shall be responsible for the maintenance of individual offender records in which evidence, documentation and correspondence relating to STG activities should be included.

STGs IN TDCJ-CID

• Texas Syndicate (TS) Formed in the mid 1970s by Texans incarcerated in San Quentin prison in California. Predominately Mexican-American offenders from Texas whose numbers in the California prisons were small.

• Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) – This is an illegal organization whose origins can be traced back to the California Department of Corrections. This organization is composed of white supremacist inmates.

• “La Eme”, Mexican Mafia, Mexikanemi (MM) – is currently the largest STG in TDCJ-ID. The Mexican Mafia of Texas also has an insignia (tattoo), which can only be worn by members. This STG has a ranking structure and constitution.

• Barrio Azteca (BA) – In the mid 1980’s this group originated in TDCJ-ID due to weak Texas offenders being victimized by another group called the (RU).

• Raza Unida (RU) – The RU branched off from the Texas syndicate and formed their own group. The RU currently possesses the lowest membership of Hispanic STG’s with only 267 confirmed members and a minimal growth rate.

• Los Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos (HPL) – Spanish for the “Brotherhood of Latin Gunmen” This group was formed largely for self protection from rival gangs; however, it quickly evolved through the control of prison drug operations and the intimidation of rival gangs.

• Texas Mafia – Is a security threat group composed of predominantly white inmates and ex-convicts founded in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in the early 1980's

• Crips – The first Crip gang activity started on high school campuses. The Crips began to prey upon others that were not gang members by extorting money, and committing assaults and robberies

• Bloods – Developed in California to protect themselves from the Crips who had become their traditional rivals.

All health care providers are responsible for reporting any information on STGs to the security staff that include any of the following:

• New or suspicious tattoos

• Wearing of gang colors

• Verbal declarations of gang affiliations

• Gang signs or other gang activity

In conclusion, remember that:

• Security Threat Groups pose a threat to staff and other offenders.

• The STGMO is responsible for monitoring gang activity with TDCJ-CID, and alerting staff in a timely manner.

• CMC employees are responsible for reporting:

o New/suspicious tattoos

o Gang colors

o Declarations of gang affiliation, and

Other signs of gang activity to security staff

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