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Gang Resources

Gang Management Resources

To learn more about gangs, explore the following resources recommended by CCA gang management specialists.

Books:

  • The Black Hand by Chris Blatchford The true story of Rene “Boxer” Enriquez and his rise to power as a mobster in the Mexican Mafia, before he dropped out under the protection of the California Department of Corrections.

  • The Rise and Fall of The Nuestra Familia by Nina Fuentes The biography of Robert L. Gratten, one of the highest ranking prison gang members in California.

  • Prison Gangs In America by Gabriel C. Morales A dictionary of prison gangs across the nation, along with a historical overview of each.

  • Varrio Warfare: Violence in the Latino Community by Gabriel C. Morales A guide to the inner world of Latino street gangs in California, detailing their methods of operation.

  • The Mexican Mafia by Tony Rafael A study of the birth and growth of the Mexican Mafia as told by victims, dropouts, police officers and district attorneys.

  • Gangs and their Tattoos: Identifying Gang Members on the Streets and in Prison by Bill Valentine An overview of various street and prison gangs and the links among them, along with their identifiers and communication tactics , with a focus on tattoos.

TV and Film:

  • “Gangland” – TV series on the History Channel. This TV series offers glimpse at some of the most dangerous and influential gangs, both on the streets and in prisons.

  • “American Me” – 1992 film directed by Edward James Olmos chronicling 30 years of Chicano gang life in Los Angeles.

Web Sites:

  • Anti-Defamation League http://www.adl.org
  • Department of Homeland Security http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm
  • Know Gangs http://www.knowgangs.com/
  • National Drug Intelligence Center http://usdoj.gov/ndic
  • National Institute of Justice http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/
  • National Major Gang Task Force http://www.nmgtf.org/
  • U.S. Department of Justice http://www.usdoj.gov/
  • U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement http://www.ice.gov/index.htm
Sound Out

C/O Kilpatrick at Diamondback:

Very informative definitely going to have to pick a few of the books and check out the websites.

Heather Smith, Nurse at McRae CCA:

Thanks for the resources.

NURSE CAGLE at NORTH FORK:

very interesting keep us updated on gangs and their activity

Sharon Lachney, Registered Nurse at Tallahatchie County:

This is one subject that I am very interested in and will be looking forward to the information you post. I will definately check out some of these books. Thanks!!

C/o Quinlan (Segregation) at Marion County Jail 2:

Nice selection. Keep up the good work on updating the gang information

Kerry Pople at TDCJ:

A resource not mentioned, is the original book on the California MM by Bob Morrill, "Mexican Mafia: The Story", told from the perspective of one of the original investigators of the California MM, who also has a very diverse history after he retired from Orange County, LAPD and TDCJ. However, the book is only available directly from the author and to individuals in Law Enforcement, etc. He has a different perspective and was quoted by many of the resources listed (including "Gangland" and "American Me") because he was there and lived it himself.

C/O Clayton at Diamondback:

This information will allow staff members to be aware of marked and unmarked prison gang members. The selection of resources that you provided seems very interesting to explore. Thanks for the selection.

Investigator Kerr at Huerfano County Correctional Center:

I am a new employee to CCA and HCCC. I believe these resources will be a huge asset as I begin my investigative career, thank-you.