Security threat groups refer to a coalition of formal or informal inmates who through their behavior and activities in prisons pose threat to their fellow inmates and the prison officials. The members of the gangs have common behavior and goals distinguishing them from their fellow inmates. There are two main types of the gangs’ composition depending on their activities. There exist highly organized groups and other lesser organized groups such as the Texas Mafia. Involvement in illegal activities, gang history, the propensity of violence, and purpose are some of the criteria that are used to categorize the gang groups. The groups are mainly formed to protect their members while in prison. Some gangs also have power beyond the prison controlling even some of the notorious street gangs.
Origin of Security Threat Groups and How They Pose a Threat
Security threat groups are believed to have started during the industrial revolution when there was a mass migration of people from villages to urban areas in search of jobs. Due to a large number of people in the cities houses became scarce, unemployment increased and this made many people divert to crimes in pursuit of survival. The people involved in the crimes formed groups due to their common interest ending up in the emergence of the gangs. The gangs got power and spread in many parts of the world and finally got their way into the prisons. The gangs have major negative effects on the people around them such as their fellow inmates (He, 2017). The inmates may suffer from injuries in case they be tortured by the gangs’ members and this may result in them developing fear in the prisons and this may lead to acute depression of the inmates. It is also a threat to the local authorities because they are working in an unsafe environment where there may be chaos at any given time.
Role of Institutional Gang Investigators
Gang investigators are people who have been trained to follow on gang activities within their power. The gang investigator should be able to form a mutual relationship between them, the community, and the gang itself. They have to keep data on all the activities of the gang and testify in court. Gang investigators are important because they help in getting information on a gang’s next move and thus can help in reducing some harmful gang activities in the immediate community
Reference
He, C. (2017). Professor Bruce W. Lytle: let talented people exhibit their ideas without inhibiting them, taking advantage of the people around you—the key for collaboration.ASIDE, 4, 426-426. Web.