Navigating the intricate world of corrections is no small feat, and the safety of inmates and staff is always the top priority. One essential strategy for maintaining order within prison walls is understanding the visual markers that inmates use to express their affiliations, beliefs, and even past criminal activities.
Tattoos, in particular, are powerful symbols that offer critical insights to correctional officers. By decoding these intricate designs, staff can heighten their situational awareness and better safeguard themselves and their colleagues.
Let’s dive into 15 common prison tattoos and their meanings, providing a peek into the complex language inmates use to communicate and assert their identities within the prison system.
### 1. The 1488 Tattoo: Symbol of White Supremacy
_Image Credits: freetatoodesigns.org_
The “1488” tattoo, or its individual components “14” and “88,” is frequently seen among white supremacist inmates. Rooted in a quote by Nazi leader David Lane, it signifies a commitment to racial purity and Nazi ideals. Knowing its meaning helps identify potential threats in the inmate population.
### 2. The Cobweb: Sign of Incarceration
_Image Credits: Timeless Tattoos Glasglow_
A cobweb tattoo often denotes a lengthy prison term, evoking the feeling of being trapped like prey in a spider’s web. Typically inked on elbows, it symbolizes prolonged confinement and entanglement within the justice system.
### 3. The Teardrop: Mark of Violence or Loss
_Image Credits: trendfashion2013_
One of the most recognizable prison tattoos, the teardrop, can signify various things like a long prison sentence, a history of violence, or mourning a lost comrade. Its diverse meanings make it crucial for understanding an inmate’s background and potential risk factors.
### 4. The Five-Point Crown: Emblem of Gang Affiliation
_Image Credits: Gwan Soon Lee Tattoo_
Sported by Latin Kings gang members, the five-point crown tattoo signifies loyalty to one of the largest Hispanic gangs in the U.S. It’s often accompanied by the acronym ALKN, serving as a clear indicator of gang affiliation and possible criminal involvement.
### 5. The Three Dots: Representation of “Mi Vida Loca”
_Image Credits: Photo Whiserkino_
The three dots tattoo is a symbol of a chaotic, unpredictable life. While not linked to a specific gang, it represents a broader identification with the gangster lifestyle and its risks, helping officers identify individuals steeped in the criminal subculture.
### 6. The Clock With No Hands: Symbol of Incarceration
_Image Credits: Tattoo Me Pink_
A clock with no hands highlights the timeless nature of imprisonment. Typically worn by those serving long sentences, it starkly symbolizes time lost within the prison system.
### 7. Aryan Brotherhood Tattoos: Markings of Hate and Violence
_Image Credits: Media Lib_
Symbols associated with the Aryan Brotherhood, such as swastikas and SS bolts, denote loyalty to one of the most infamous prison gangs. Recognizing these symbols is crucial as members often engage in significant violence behind bars.
### 8. Norteño Tattoos: Affiliation with Northern California Gangs
_Image Credits: Know Gangs_
Norteño tattoos represent loyalty to the Nuestra Familia gang, common among Hispanic gangs in Northern California. Understanding these symbols helps distinguish between rival factions and minimize conflicts within correctional facilities.
### 9. La Eme Tattoos: Sign of Mexican Mafia Influence
_Image Credits: Police Mag_
La Eme, or the Mexican Mafia, commands significant influence in the prison system. Identifying their symbols, like the letter “M,” is key to countering the activities of this powerful organization.
### 10. MS 13 Tattoos: Emblem of Ruthless Criminality
_Image Credits: Wikimedia_
Originating in El Salvador, MS 13 tattoos signify membership in one of the U.S.’s most notorious gangs. Their prominent placement underlines the gang’s pervasive influence and tendency toward violence.
### 11. Playing Cards: Sign of a Gambler
_Image Credits: Tattoos Time_
Playing cards or card suit tattoos indicate an inmate’s penchant for gambling. Beyond recreational interests, they also symbolize a willingness to take risks—a common trait in the criminal underworld.
### 12. EWMN: Representation of Aggression
_Image Credits: Turner_
The acronym EWMN stands for “Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty,” and represents a sense of menace. Found on some inmates’ knuckles, it signals a confrontational personality.
### 13. Cross on the Chest: Symbol of Criminal Authority
_Image Credits: Adimaz_
In Russian prisons, a chest cross tattoo denotes a high-ranking criminal, or “Prince of Thieves.” Understanding these cultural symbols is crucial for grasping inmate social hierarchies.
### 14. A.C.A.B.: Expression of Anti-Authoritarianism
_Image Credits: SAS_
The acronym A.C.A.B., commonly seen on British prisoners, stands for “All Cops Are Bastards” and showcases disdain for law enforcement. Typically found on knuckles, it signals defiance and solidarity among inmates.
### 15. The Five Dots: Symbol of Incarceration
_Image Credits: My Sarisari Store_
Unlike the three-dot tattoo, the five dots, or quincunx, hold specific prison significance. They represent time behind bars, with each dot symbolizing a wall and the fifth one representing the inmate. Recognizing this tattoo helps identify inmates with extensive prison histories and potential gang affiliations.
