Unit 2 Security Threat Groups Lesson 2 PDF

Unit 2 Security Threat Groups Lesson 2 STG Structures and Activities Lesson Goal You will be able to deter STG activity in a correctional facility. Think About This Some STGs act as if they have power over other STGs. Within an STG, some inmates behave as if they have power over other inmates....

Unit 2 Security Threat Groups Lesson 2 STG Structures and Activities Lesson Goal You will be able to deter STG activity in a correctional facility. Think About This Some STGs act as if they have power over other STGs. Within an STG, some inmates behave as if they have power over other inmates. What does it look like when this organizational structure changes? Can this be a threat to your safety and the security of your facility? What are some of the things that STGs do when they are planning an incident? Can they plan a disruptive event outside the facility from inside the facility? STG Structures ✅ CO722.1. Understand the different ways that STGs may structure themselves There are several ways that STGs structure themselves within a correctional setting. The pyra- mid structure contains one inmate, who is a strong leader, with at least two or more sublevels of command. The pyramid structure is usually the strongest and most organized structure and is common to the more traditional, national gangs. The linear structure contains a single leader representing each clique; however, the leaders do not answer to a higher command, and they will often meet to consult with one another. This structure is common to the more non-traditional or local street gangs. The flux or circular structure has continually changing leadership, and stronger, more charismatic people enter this type of STG structure. These STGs will usually evolve into a linear or pyramid structure as they work toward establishing a strong leader; some examples of the flux or circular structure include school-based gangs and some hybrid gangs. Some STGs have an organization based on the length of commitment or tenure. The STGs rule by committee, so there is no leader, and members make all decisions by consensus. If a member disagrees with the group’s ideas, that member will not participate. When a member initiates a criminal activity, all of the participating members must commit the crime. These STGs have special- ists (not leaders) in specific crimes who consult with members on how to carry out each crime. It is common for the formal leader of a street gang to control the street gang while in prison, and this is the case for most of the national gangs. The leader, similar to other inmates, usually has Chapter 7 Supervising Special Populations / 207 phone and visitor privileges. The leader will issue orders from inside the institution, and the next in command outside of the institution will carry these orders out to the street. STG Indicators ✅ CO722.2. Understand inmate behaviors and other signs that may indicate a pending escalation in STG activities Some of the indicators of STG activity in a correctional setting can be an increase in crime, inmate-on- inmate violence, and taggings. A tagging is a marking on a wall, a fence, or the ground that identifies STG territory. You could notice an increase in rule violations, differences in inmates gathering, new STG tattoos, and an increase in recruitment, fights, injuries, and requests for personal protection or housing reassignment. The main way you will learn about STG activity is through an increase in confidential disclosures from inmates who want to avoid association with the STG plans. ✅ CO722.3. Understand the indicators you may find of a pending escalation in STG activity when conducting cell or area searches During cell or area searches, look for a shift in the types of contraband items, such as weapons, cell phones, gang literature, and a change in the quantity of commissary items. STG leaders will often have the largest amount of commissary items without receipts, which they will pass along to other inmates. Look for an increase in the allowable items, such as an extra lock, a pair of shoes, and excessive amounts of facility-provided items. ✅ CO722.4. Understand inappropriate mail items that can indicate a pending escalation in STG activity Often inmate mail can indicate pending escalation in STG activity. The mailroom staff should filter inappropriate items when monitoring inmate mail. They should look for STG-related symbols, codes, phrases, and photos that can be a direct or indirect threat of STG activity or hidden contraband. Monitoring Monitoring inmate behavior is critical to the safe and secure operation of the facility, and it discour- ages STG activity. You could observe changes in inmate cliques or groupings that indicate a shift in alliances, authority, and influence over other STG inmates. Alliances and conflicts between STGs are constantly changing and can result in an argument or a major fight that can spread through- out the facility. ✅ CO722.5. Know how to deter STG activity inside and outside of a facility Awareness of a likely or forthcoming STG activity within the facility is the most effective tool to deter STG activity. Observation of STG activity can also mirror gang activity that is happening or about to happen outside of the facility. Do not underestimate the ability of an STG member to get things done inside or outside of a facility. With input based on your observations, the STG coordi- nator at your facility should maintain a flow of STG information to law enforcement outside of the facility, which can deter activity both inside and outside of the facility. 208 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1 An additional deterrent to STG activity is recognizing and seizing STG contraband. This process can be as simple as viewing the item, seizing it, and determining what to do with it. However, you may encounter STG contraband that requires further review by the STG coordinator, supervisor, or investigating authority. Documentation ✅ CO722.6. Know how to document STG activity inside and outside of a facility Documenting STG activity can help you statutorily identify an inmate as a potential STG member. This can increase their criminal penalties or change their classification and housing status. Photo- graph their clothing, tattoos, and any other observable identifiers. Many inmates are proud of their STG affiliation and will pose for photographs while showing hand signs. Documenting these activities can aid in developing a roster of STG members. If you find tagging in the facility, photo- graph it, and report the information to the STG coordinator. Remove or cover tagging quickly as other inmates are likely to be encouraged to add tagging of their own, and the effect will multiply. Thoroughly document all suspected STG activity immediately to provide additional information for STG databases. Chapter 7 Supervising Special Populations / 209