Through the decoding of the meanings of these tattoos, correctional staff can improve their situational awareness and security for themselves and their co workers. Here are 15 prison tattoos and their meanings:
Understanding inmate behavior is necessary to the complex world of corrections to ensure safety inside the prison walls.Inmate tattoos serve as visual clues as to what group he belongs to, what he believes, and what type of crime(s) he has committed.
1. 1488 Tattoo: Symbol of White Supremacy
The tattoo of 1488, with the digits 14 and 88, is generally associated with white supremacist inmates. But anyone misinterpreting this tattoo hasn’t read English, in particular a quote attributed to Nazi leader David lane, which very clearly demonstrates what this tattoo represents — a promise of racial purity and the ideals of Nazism. By understanding the value, it sees the possible threats within that population of inmates.
2. Cobweb: Sign of Long-Term Incarceration
A cobweb tattoo means that the person spent a long time in prison and can be explained by the fact that a person feels like a spider’s bait. It is always observed in the elbows meaning long stay without freedom or being locked in the criminal justice system.
3. Teardrop: Marker of Violence or Loss
One of the most popular tattoos, perhaps, and certainly the most easily recognizable as a prison mark is a teardrop. Depending on the zone, though, a teardrop may have different meanings. That could mean a long term in prison, force, or the death of a spouse in marriage. For this purpose, it is important to know its different meanings and evaluate number of factors of an inmate.
4. Five-Point Crown: Indicator of Gang Affiliation
The silver five-point crown on their heads worn by members of the Latin Kings gang is a symbol of allegiance to one of the largest Hispanic gangs in the U.S. This often signally gang affiliation and, often, participation in criminal acts and often accompanies the acronym ALKN.
5. Three Dots: Representation of “Mi Vida Loca”
A tattoo of three dots that is a common prison symbol in those days means a life of chaos, a life of unpredictability. It’s not gang tied but in the gang life and its risks. When we understand the meaning, we know who is entrenched in the criminal subculture.
6. Clock With No Hands: Symbol of Endless Incarceration
The symbol of being imprisoned for ever is a clock with no hands. It’s usually worn by the people who got really long sentences and it very vividly reminds them of the time they spent in prison.
7. Aryan Brotherhood Tattoos: Signs of Hate and Violence
Membership in one of the most notorious prison gangs is marked by tattoos of swastikas and SS bolts. Knowing these symbols is important, as the members tend to be responsible for a disproportionate amount of violence behind bars.
8. Norteño Tattoos: Affiliation with Northern California Gangs
Norteño tattoos are gang tattoos of allegiance to the Nuestra Familia gang and Hispanic gangs in Northern California. Understanding what these markings mean can help you tell the difference between rival factions and stay clear of potential tensions inside correctional facilities.
9. La Eme Tattoos: Sign of Mexican Mafia Influence
La Eme, or the Mexican Mafia, exerts considerable influence within the prison system. Symbols such as the letter M identify members of this powerful criminal organization. Awareness of these tattoos is crucial for countering their illicit activities.
10. MS 13 Tattoos: Emblem of Ruthless Criminality
MS 13 tattoos are a symbol of gang membership for one of the U.S.’s most feared gangs, and originated in El Salvador. The gang is omnipresent for their prominence, and known for violence.
11. Playing Cards: Sign of Gambling Affinity
Playing cards or card suits are used to tattoo an inmate’s interest in gambling. They may also represent a readiness to take a risk and to be rendered uncertain, all qualities found among the criminal element.
12. EWMN: Expression of Aggression
EWMN, or ‘Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty’ is in no way a jolly acronym. Filled with menace and hostility. It is usually found on the knuckles of inmates and indicates an aggressive demeanor as well as its warning.
13. Cross on the Chest: Symbol of Criminal Authority
A Cross on the chest in Russian prisons makes you a ‘Prince of Thieves’, meaning you’re a high ranking figure in the criminal hierarchy. For an understanding of inmate social dynamics, these cultural nuances need to be understood.
14. A.C.A.B.: Expression of Anti-Authority Sentiment
The acronym A.C.A.B., seen on British prisoners, is in condemnation of law enforcement (and other authority figures). It’s a sign of defiance and solidarity among inmates, if it’s found on knuckles.
15. Five Dots: Representation of Time Served
Unlike the three dot tattoo, the five dots—also known as the quincunx—are meant to signify time served in prison.. There is a dot representing a wall for each dot, and the fifth dot represents the inmate. This symbolism will help us find people with a long history of prison and possible ties to criminal groups.