Correctional facilities are experiencing the influence of gangs and their influence on violence. Most prison violence is due to folklore that blames the guards. It is estimated that inmate-to-inmate attacks are 28 attacks out of 1,000 (Clear, Cole, Reisig page 281). These violent actions are directly linked to gangs. The number of people enrolled in correctional facilities has nearly tripled since 1991. Incarceration has only minimal ability to disrupt gang-related violent activity. Gang affiliation increases the likelihood of violence and other forms of prison misconduct. Prison gangs are defined as "an organization that operates within the prison system as a self-perpetuating criminally oriented entity, composed of a select group of inmates who have established an organized chain of command and are governed by a code of established conduct" (Peterson, page 159). These gangs are also referred to as security threat groups. These groups make it very difficult for staff to maintain a level of control. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Street wars come from outside and make their way inside institutions. Gangs have an advantage with respect to drugs, gambling, loan sharking, and other violations of prison rules (Walker, Katz 86). Most prison violence is a normal part of managing status hierarchies and gangs in prison. It is estimated that approximately 26,000 serious assaults occur each year (Lane & Meeker p.515). Prison gangs usually have stricter "blood entry and exit" rituals than street gangs. These gangs have narrower loyalties and are able to arrange a meeting to kill someone inside or outside the prison fences. These murders can be ordered between different facilities via letters that contain codes. Of all prison violence, gangs are responsible for nearly 85%. Racial or ethnic groups dominate prison gangs throughout our nation's prison society. There are five main prison gangs that are considered traditional. These prison gangs are: Aryan Brotherhood Black Guerrilla Family La Nuestra Familia Mexican Mafia Texas Syndicate. These gangs were formed around the 60s and 70s (Fedarko, page 42). They were created in the California corrections system. Inmates created these alliances to protect themselves from inmates, other gangs, and inmate predators. The reputation that follows these gangs is described by malice and violence. These reputations are used to maintain power and control over the detained population. Prison gangs flourish in our country. These gangs are described as organised, stealthy and deadly (Clear, Cole, Reisig, page 283). Their control is growing beyond the prison yard and controlling crime in the streets. To be initiated into some gangs, a would-be member may have to stab an enemy to gain initiation. Members cannot drop out without endangering their lives. The racial and ethnic underpinnings of these gangs create violence that can easily target the prison population. Permanent membership is a desire for many of these groups. The oaths extend leadership and membership in the system to lucrative drug trafficking and other sources of crime. Racial problems are a source of violence that paralyzes the prison system. The issue of race has slowly taken over the leading role of upheaval in prison. The attitudesthey were plagued by racism. This has become part of some inmate codes. An act of violence against another race by an inmate can be as simple as dealing with the aggressions of prison life. Inmates are forced to live with a different number of races while locked up. Indirectly this increases the likelihood of mixed groups and acts of violence. Gang presence has been carried out along strict racial lines that raise tensions between opposing groups. The death of James Byrd Jr. is an example of these racial killings. This man was dragged to death, linking the two killers to a racially charged prison gang (Muraskin, Roberts p. 34). Some authorities and inmates reject these so-called rumors. This murder occurred only after a San Antonio grand jury indicted 16 members of the Mexican Mafia for ordering the deaths of five inmates inside correctional facilities (Muraskin, Roberts p. 35). The amount of power these groups have and the destruction they can cause is almost unimaginable. Violence-related crimes do not only occur between conflicting gangs, but are also inflicted on guards and staff. Staff members are threatened daily but occasionally face a physical altercation. Our mass media mainly focuses on riots in which guards are taken hostage, beaten and ultimately killed. This type of violence only occurs in detailed situations and with specific planning. Every year there are approximately 18,000 violent attacks inflicted on staff (Fedarko, page 83). Officers are not allowed to keep a weapon on them, for fear that an inmate might be tempted to take it. Such situations can lead to riots or the brutal beating of an officer. Aside from physical injuries, attacks on officers reduce their position of authority. After an altercation, administrators tend to be transferred to tower duty. Surprise attacks are officials' biggest nightmare. Being constantly aware of these attacks causes stress and keeps officers at a distance from inmates. Out of 143,000 inmates in Texas, 5,000 were identified as members (Wallace, S. 2001). The prisons are not becoming overly infested, but those who set up the organizations are very well structured. Most inmates come from the streets with some form of street gang membership. Relationships like this are the norm created by the environment in which they grew up. Texas has reacted more harshly than many other states when dealing with misdemeanors by gang members. Violators are isolated and placed in solitary confinement. Approaches like this are said to be causing a dramatic decrease in violence. New policies were implemented in 1985 within Texas correctional facilities. Murders dropped from 53 in 1984 to 5 in 1985 (Fedarko, 42). Florida uses a tightly managed system that locks prisoners up for 23 hours. Further controls are imposed based on future behavior. Society must understand, along with correctional facilities, that power and control will not be an immediate result. This at any time can be an illusion. When offenders cross the border and enter the prison system, they are usually challenged with a fight (Huffman 45). The results will determine who will be tougher, who will be turned into a servant, and who will pay for protection by being extorted. Members considered prey seek protection in gangs (Fedarko 42). Prison creates an environment ripe for crime. Inmates have antisocial behavior with criminal records. It is natural for one to be the predator and the other the prey. Prison gangs, like theMost street gangs have a motto or creed. There is usually some sort of constitution that regulates the behavior of the group. Loyalty is a must when coming into contact with a prison gang (Peterson, pg.160). Violence is a norm and is used to climb the prison hierarchy. This gives inmates incentives to demonstrate their loyalty, which creates violent altercations. When gang members want to get out, it causes a disruption within the gang structure. The gang leaders' main concern is security and secrecy. When an individual leaves a group, he puts everything in danger. This creates the infamous blood-in-blood belief (Peterson, 160). In exchange, the member who tries to escape from the group is blacklisted or is in serious danger of his life. Gang violence is so perpetual that it is even inflicted on gangs. The nation's awareness of gang violence in prisons has increased. Many inmates have only three choices when they enter prison: they can fight, escape, or submit (Clear, Cole, Reisig,279). The likelihood of floods of violence within the institution. While an inmate may not be a victim, he or she may struggle to demonstrate acceptance within the prison subculture. When it comes to gang violence there are three main characteristics that outline the behavior. The behavioral stimuli that control how one acts in prison are age, attitude, and race (Clear, Cole, Reisig Pg.279). Age is a factor because it gives credit to young people who join gangs in or out of prison. Young men are more likely to act violently than adult men. These young inmates have greater strength than their older inmates. Detained youth have no responsibilities to their careers or families. Without expectations or goals, antisocial behavior is created that promotes violence and activities such as gang membership. Gang leaders pray for young, loyal and devoted members. One of the main concerns of leaders is lifelong belonging (Gaes, Wallace, Gilman, Saffran, Suppa, 2001). When these young people enter prison they are very vulnerable. They are seen as prey by older inmates. Violence is the only way to gain respect in a prison yard. These leaders view new inmates as recruits. Age creates a struggle for a man to define his position. Interactions can be transformed into challenges to one's status. Machismo is described as the concept of male honor and the sacredness of one's reputation as a man (Clear, Cole, Reisig page 281). Men may act physically towards another who challenges his status. The younger the inmate is, the more likely he is to fight, which increases his likelihood of being recruited by a gang. A gang's top leadership will use immaturity to control behavior. New members will be empowered to impress and define their position. Young prisoners will try to build a reputation built on the honor inflicted by violence. The attitude of the offender also creates problems related to prison gangs. The majority of the prison population consists mainly of the lower classes. The value system of this class makes violence tolerable, expected, and necessary (Cole, Clear, Reisig 281). Arguments are resolved with fists before any verbal remedies. These attitudes bring drugs into prison and become the qualifications for success in prison life. Many of these criminals leave the streets already involved in gang life. Prison is just another place to find a niche. The race.