NCJ Number
123148
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 54 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 36-43
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The Texas Syndicate and the Mexican Mafia, the two largest prison gangs in the United States, are compared in terms of their organizational structure, leadership style, methods of recruitment, gang activities and goals inside and outside prisons, and operational strategies.
Abstract
These two gangs have been active in the Texas prison system, leading the director of the Texas Department of Corrections to order the emergency detention of all confirmed and suspected gang members starting in September 1985. Violence and homicides both within prisons and in the community have been directly related to the escalating war between these two gangs. Personal interviews with four members of each gang revealed that both gangs are organized along paramilitary lines. The Texas Syndicate practices a democratic style of leadership, whereas unit lieutenants in the Mexican Mafia sometimes issue direct orders to individuals rather than relying on collective consent. The Texas Syndicate uses a comprehensive and lengthy recruiting process, while the Mexican Mafia grants membership to any Hispanic inmate who has a childhood friend who is an active member. Both groups operate secretively. The groups struggle with one another for power dominance and total territorial control inside the prisons and perhaps outside as well. Tables and 19 references.