Prison tattoo meanings, Jailhouse tattoos, Prison tattoo art, Bad tattoos

The Texas Syndicate - A gang of Texans incarcerated in California started this group. They are closely related to the Aryan Brotherhood. They are known for extreme violence and a special tattoo that they no longer use very much due to marking themselves as the TS.


The 18th St. Gang out of the West Side of Los Angeles. They started out as second generation Mexican immigrants. This group has grown to national proportions and even includes non-Hispanic members. They may have tattoos of 18th Street , XV3, XVIII, 666 (which equals 18), Dieciocho, or spell out Eighteenth Street.


The Latin Kings out of Chicago are known for their 3 and 5 point crown and 5 point stars tattoos. They begin their gang names with 'King' as in King Carlos or King Beto, etc. They are a Latino gang and their slogan is 'Amor del Rey' (ADR) or Love of the King.


Female Gangs are still in the making. Most females are attached one way or another to a male gang and they are not considered true members of the gang. Their ranks are increasing however, and all girl gangs are beginning to show up in the prison population.


Asian Gangs have existed for many years and quite possibly go back to their originating country. There are the Triads, Tongs, Yakuza, or Boryokudan in both the originating country and in the U.S.A. They are into home invasion type crimes and car theft as well as teaming up for protection in jail. These gangs have many names and many tattoos. It is probably best to avoid Chinese or Japanese characters unless you are quite certain of the meanings being inked permanently into your skin.


Native American Gangs have been formed all over the country in response to the other gangs crowding in on them. Native Americans may be associated with outlaw biker gangs. They do tend to try to protect Native American interests in or out of prison. It is an attempt to organize all Native American tribes. At best, these gangs help protect Native American interests, at worst, they are a collection of teenagers who indulge in crime, drugs, and violence. Native American tattoos are all considered sacred and must be earned. As long as you don't go overboard with Native American symbols or have them tattooed on your face and hands, you should be safe enough.


Outlaw Biker Gangs should be avoided at all costs. These gangs are very violent and protective of their members. They have many requirements for club membership and they are unique to the clubs. Skull tattoos are common as are motorcycles, leather items and weapons. They prefer to use patches sewn into their leather "cuts". However, they do love to get inked - a lot.