In the complex realm of corrections, understanding the visual language of inmate tattoos is a powerful tool for maintaining order and safety. These tattoos are like windows into inmates’ beliefs, affiliations, and histories, offering valuable insights to correctional officers navigating prison life.
Tattoos in prison are more than body art; they’re a coded communication system. They can show allegiances, experiences, and criminal tendencies. By deciphering these symbols, correctional staff can better understand the social structures and threats in the facility.
Here, we’ll explore 15 common prison tattoos and their meanings. From white – supremacy symbols to gang – affiliation indicators, each tattoo can reveal important information about an inmate’s background, criminal involvement, and potential for violence. Familiarizing with these can boost officers’ situational awareness and help protect everyone in the prison.
- The 1488 Tattoo: White Supremacy Symbol
The 1488 tattoo (or its parts 14 and 88) comes from a Nazi leader’s quote. It represents a commitment to racial purity and Nazism, showing the bearer’s loyalty to a violent and hateful ideology. Recognizing this is key to spotting threats and preventing racial conflicts among inmates.
- The Cobweb: Incarceration Sign
A cobweb tattoo, usually on the elbow, represents long – term confinement. It symbolizes being trapped, like prey in a spider’s web, showing the long prison sentences inmates have served. Understanding this can give insights into an inmate’s criminal history.
- The Teardrop: Violence or Loss Mark
The teardrop is a well – known prison tattoo. Its meaning can vary. It might mean a long prison term, a history of violence, or mourning for a lost comrade. Correctional officers need to know these different interpretations to assess an inmate’s risk.
- The Five – Point Crown: Gang Affiliation Emblem
Members of the Latin Kings gang wear the five – point crown. It shows loyalty to one of the largest Hispanic gangs in the US. Along with the ALKN acronym, it clearly indicates gang affiliation and possible criminal activities. Identifying this helps prevent gang – related incidents in the facility.
- The Three Dots: “Mi Vida Loca” Representation
The three – dot tattoo is common in prison. It stands for a chaotic life, not tied to a specific gang but showing an embrace of the gang lifestyle. Knowing this helps officers identify those deep in the criminal subculture and a potential threat to prison safety.
- The Clock With No Hands: Incarceration Symbol
A clock with no hands tattoo symbolizes the timelessness of imprisonment. Worn by those with long sentences, it’s a reminder of time lost in prison. Recognizing this gives insights into an inmate’s mindset and length of confinement.
- Aryan Brotherhood Tattoos: Hate and Violence Markings
Tattoos like swastikas and SS bolts associated with the Aryan Brotherhood show allegiance to a notorious prison gang. Since Aryan Brotherhood members are often involved in prison violence, recognizing these symbols is crucial to prevent racial incidents and maintain order.
- Norteño Tattoos: Northern California Gang Affiliation
Norteño tattoos represent the Nuestra Familia gang and show loyalty to Hispanic gangs in Northern California. Understanding these helps distinguish rival factions and prevent conflicts in correctional facilities.
- La Eme Tattoos: Mexican Mafia Influence Sign
La Eme (the Mexican Mafia) has a lot of influence in prison. Symbols like the letter M identify members of this powerful criminal organization. Awareness of these tattoos helps correctional staff counter the Mexican Mafia’s illegal activities in the facility.
- MS 13 Tattoos: Ruthless Criminality Emblem
MS 13 tattoos, from El Salvador, indicate membership in a well – known US gang. Their prominent placement shows the gang’s influence and violence. Recognizing these helps identify high – risk individuals and develop strategies to deal with the threat.
- Playing Cards: Gambler’s Sign
Playing – card or card – suit tattoos show an inmate’s love for gambling. They can also symbolize a willingness to take risks, common in the criminal underworld. Understanding this gives insights into an inmate’s personality.
- EWMN: Aggression Representation
The EWMN acronym (Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty) on an inmate’s knuckles shows menace and hostility. It’s a warning to others. Recognizing this helps officers anticipate and handle potential conflicts.
- Cross on the Chest: Criminal Authority Symbol
In Russian prisons, a chest – cross tattoo means the inmate is a “Prince of Thieves,” a high – ranking criminal. Understanding this cultural nuance helps correctional staff understand inmate social structures.
- A.C.A.B.: Anti – Authoritarianism Expression
The A.C.A.B. acronym, often on British prisoners’ knuckles, shows disdain for law enforcement. It signals defiance and inmate solidarity. Recognizing this helps identify inmates more likely to resist prison rules.
- The Five Dots: Incarceration Symbol
Different from the three – dot tattoo, the five – dot (quincunx) tattoo represents time in prison. Each dot is a wall, and the fifth is the inmate. Understanding this helps officers identify those with long prison histories and possible criminal – organization ties.
Deciphering prison tattoos is a vital skill for correctional professionals. Knowing the meanings of these tattoos gives insights into inmates’ beliefs, affiliations, and criminal pasts. This knowledge helps officers anticipate threats, prevent conflicts, and create a safer, more rehabilitative prison environment.