Prison Gangs: Descriptions and Selected Intervention‪.‬

ABSTRACT The number of gangs and gang members is increasing just as rapidly in prisons as on the streets. This article provides an overview of the literature, gives basic statistics on incidence, describes the process an inmate generally follows to become a prison gang member, and reviews selected interventions that have been attempted. We conclude that interventions need to be flexible enough for use under the unique circumstances of each prison and designed with specified and measurable goals so that progress may be effectively measured. We also suggest that communication among prison systems on such programs is important to the development of effective interventions that may be adapted to individual circumstances.