A CLOSER LOOK AT GANGS IN OUR COMMUNITY
Background: The Bloods street gang originated at the Centennial High School from the Piru Gang, which took its name from Piru Street in Compton, California. The bloods formed to protect members from the Crips, and soon after, other street gangs, with the same motive, started using the names Piru and Bloods to signify their alignment with the main gang. Although the Bloods street gangs, or sets, are a smaller group than the Crips, they are potentially dangerous, particularly when present in any numbers.
The Bloods present a significant threat to correctional administrators not only due to their predatory and violent behavior, but more importantly due to their intense rivalry with the Crips. As do the Crips, the Bloods have a strong fascination with assault-type weapons.
Membership: California Bloods sets are typically from South-Central Los Angeles; they have similar attitudes about group loyalty and violence. Like the Crips, the Bloods love to be in the limelight. They are especially arrogant, and believe that acting naïve about them conveys weakness. Bloods members will seize every opportunity to lie and portray the image that they respect only those who are “bigger and badder”.
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The Bloods (and the Crips as well) say, as a group, that “snitching” or becoming an informant is forbidden. However, once removed from their group, they are usually easier to deal with, possibly due to their belief that they are shrewd businessmen. The Bloods also have their own system of “Flashing” or hand signals used to identify membership in a particular gang or set.
Identifying Information: Traditionally, the Bloods street gangs have always worn red colors, using red bandannas or red rags; similar graffiti and graphic styles, emphasizing disrespect for Crips and Crips symbols. Recently, a new trend appears to have arisen. Bloods in some eastern states have reportedly been known to wear brown, tan and rust or burnt orange colors to represent “dried” blood. They have also been known to wear pink a variation of the color red.
Allies: Any gang who considers the Crips an enemy.
Enemies: Crips
Walker, Gangs OR Us, 2009 |
LATIN KINGS
Almighty Latin King Nation first emerged in Chicago during the 1940s when several young Puerto Rican males organized into a club. Their goal was to help each other overcome the problems of racism and prejudice that newly arriving Puerto Rican immigrants were experiencing.
Their slogan was to rise above the racism and to form an organization of "Kings" to better serve themselves and their communities. As time progressed, the group took a criminal path as its members became involved in violent crimes including murders, drug sales and robberies.
The Latin Kings are Chicago's largest gang and have been involved in numerous violent acts. Although the original members were of Puerto Rican decent, most members are now Mexican-America. They now allow members of all races to join, yet they are mostly composed of Spanish, Caribbean, Latvian, Italian, Portuguese, Mexican or South American members.
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In terms of identification, the Latin Kings tend to use 5-pointed crowns. To the older member, the 5-points represent love, respect, sacrifice, honor and obedience. Their graffiti may have a picture of a crown accompanied by the initials "LK" and often will have some sort of inflammatory symbolism aimed at an opposing gang. A lion or a lion wearing a crown with a variety of inscriptions may also be seen. Members identify with the colors yellow or gold.
The Chicago Police Department estimates they have over 25,000 Latin King Members residing within their city alone. The gang also has organized chapters in numerous states across the country. These gang sets are referred as to as "Chapters" among members with each reporting to a leader. The head of the entire criminal organization is known as the Inca. An increasing number of Latin King members have been identified in Apopka and Northwest Orange County.
Some of the characteristics that sets the Latin Kings apart from other gangs is they consider themselves to be a community-based organization. They preach Hispanic pride and some King chapters even have formed their own religion called Kingdism. During these meetings members may recite the Latin King pledge, prayer and continually pledge to be prepared to rise to the call for their King or Inca. These meetings are often used by members to discuss retaliating against other gangs, drug disciplined for breaking gang rules.
When compared to most street gangs, the Latin Kings are generally more structured and organized. The gangs rules are strictly enforced and some members celebrate January 6th as "King's Holy Day" and the first week in March as "King's Week." (Lewis, 1997) Lewis, J. (1997). LatinKings. Retrieved December 5 , 2008, from Knowgangs.com : http://www.knowgangs.com/gang_resources/profiles/latinkings/ |
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While most members of the Sur 13 are of Latin descent, the gang may accept members from various other ethnic backgrounds. Above all, however, respect and loyalty are highly valued. According to a recent article by the Modesto Bee, the Sureños constitution includes phrases such as, "Thou shalt earn respect" and "Kill a Norteño, win a prize."
As a street gang in the United States, the Sur 13 (Surenos) exists in every major city and all states from Florida to California and internationally as far away as Brisbane, Australia and throughout Canada. They are located in several cities throughout Florida, including Apopka. Presently SUR 13 is the largest and most active gang in Apopka.
Although some might identify themselves as being a Sureno gang member, the original meaning of the term denotes an umbrella of gangs who fall under the control of the Mexican Mafia. Sureno sets may have conflict with each other Sureno gangs on the streets, yet in prison they will bond together for protection under the leadership of the Mexican Mafia.
Sureno gang members often identify themselves with the number '13' to represent the thirteenth letter of the alphabet, the letter 'M'. This is used to pay homage to the Mexican Mafia. Surenos will use the symbols Sur, XIII, X3, 13, and 3-dots in their graffiti and tattoos. In many parts of the country they will identify themselves with the color blue.
Mexican Mafia members may have Sureno identifiers as they were probably a Sureno gang member before being recruited into the Mexican Mafia. Other Mexican Mafia symbols include a black hand, the letters "MM" or the term La Eme.
It is important to reinforce that the Mexican Mafia and Surenos are two separate identities. Some have described the Mexican Mafia as being the father of Surenos. The majority of Sureno gang members have no direct contact with Mexican Mafia members, yet the Mexican Mafia is able exercise control and influence over Sureno gangs located in Southern California and a few scattered cities throughout the nation, without the knowledge of the majority of the street gangs' members. (Sur 13 (Sureños): Prison Gang Profile, 2006), (Lewis, 1997)
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