Gangs and Their Tattoos: Identifying Gangbangers on the Street and in Prison

by Bill Valentine

In this book, Bill Valentine, author of Gang Intelligence Manual, shares the latest intelligence on the predominant street and prison gangs and other disruptive groups, with particular emphasis on their identifying tattoos. Supplementing the text are scores of detailed illustrations by Correctional Officer Robert Schober that replicate some of the most common tattoos worn by members of each of the groups discussed. This groundbreaking work makes a substantial amount of previously classified information available to the general public for the first time. In addition to presenting the latest intel on white, black, Hispanic and Asian gangs, it also includes new information on groups such as the White Afrikaner Resistance Movement and the Russian Mafia, which add to the mounting challenge faced by those laboring to hold the line against the menace posed by gangs, hate groups and organized crime.

Genres: Crime

161 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive work on this complex subject. This book would be of particular interest to anyone in law enforcement/security/corrections. It is very detailed and there are many photographs that show clear examples of different tattoos. Bill Valentine has done a fine job of categorizing and explaining the many different gang tattoos that are used today.

[bernard underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

lots of good info on gangs and there tattoos. I never knew there where so many gangs in the world

[Jason Chiang · Rating 4 out of 5]

very very interesting glimpse into a culture i'm not quite familiar with

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, but dated, repetitive, and amateurish. The backstory on gangs past and present is more interesting then the tattoos themselves which are the ostensible reason for the book, and if anyone knows of a derivative work that explores the reasons behind the creation of gang culture hinted at here (failed border control, poor immigrant management, over-generous social programs, un-penitent prison policy) I'd welcome recommendations.

[Arnpoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one if the few books out there that cover gang tattoos. It's hand drawn illustrations (rather than photos in many cases) are poor, it (understandably) only covers gangs from the region where the author works, and there is some weird speculation in the book that "Goths" are a gang.

[Don · Rating 2 out of 5]

Crude illustrations but vaguely interesting.