IntroductionPrison gangs are originally formed by inmates to protect themselves from other inmates. These gangs have proven to be violent and therefore pose a security threat. This article will examine the different gangs in prisons, their history, beliefs and missions, as well as the differences and similarities between these gangs. The Aryan Brotherhood The Aryan Brotherhood began in 1964 and was founded by Tyler Bingham and Barry Mills, who were white supremacists and Irish American bikers. It all started at San Quentin State Prison. The prison group was created to protect white prisoners from black inmates. The cause turned into revenue when the group rose to power. This gang is the most violent white supremacist group, and over a hundred murders have been attributed to this gang during its existence. The gang has been listed for brutal assaults and murders against police officers. It is one of the largest prison gangs in the United States, with branches in Nevada, California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, Georgia, Mississippi, Colorado, Kansas and Ohio. He formed an alliance with the Mexican Mafia. The Aryan Brothers have around 30,000 members. The prison gang has a structure consisting of presidents, vice presidents, majors, captains and lieutenants. It has a committee made up of board members that governs its branches across the United States. Its official symbol is a three-leaf clover. To join the gang, one must assault or kill another prisoner, and if one attempts to leave the gang, he or she is killed by the members. This gang is known for extortion, organized crime, drug trafficking, inmate prostitution and murder. They live by the motto “in for life and out for death.” They firmly believe in the middle of paper how these gangs operate. These groups have a common identification which is the use of symbols. These symbols are used to differentiate between different gangs and also act as a sign of identity.ReferencesBartollas, CF (2002). Invitation to correctional services. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Chris, B. (2008). The Black Hand: The Bloody Rise and Redemption of the "Boxer". New York: HarperCollins. Miller, J. and Rush, P (1996). In gangs: a criminal justice approach. Cincinnati: Anderson Publishing Co. Samaha, J. (2005). Criminal justice. Michigan: Cengage Learning. Urban Dictionary. (nd). The folk nation. Retrieved 04/30/2011. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=folk%20nation&page=4Rollins, J. (2010). International Terrorism and Transnational Crime: Security Threats, U.S. Policy, and Considerations for Congress. New York: Diane Publishers.