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149030 U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice (Pts. 1 &):.

This document has been reproduced exactly as received from the p~rson or organization originating it. Points of view or opinions stated in this d0.c~ment ~re those of ~he authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the National Institute of Justice. Permission to reproduce this copyrighted material has been granted by FBI Law Enforcement BJ]JJetjn

to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS). Further reproduction outside of the NCJRS system requires permission of the copyright owner.

Davis, R.H. "Outlaw Motorcyclists: A Problem for Police (Part 1). \I FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, October 1982, Vol. 51, No. 10, 12-17.

NATIONAL YOUTH GANG INFORMATION CENTER 4301 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 730 Arlington, Virginia 22203 1-800-446-GANG • 703-522-4007

NYGIC Document Number: 'fo !oS-

Permission Codes: Outlaw Motorcyclists A Problem for Police

(Part I)

By ROGER H. DAVIS* Special Agent Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D.C. 'Special Agent Davis was formerly assigned to the Behavioral Science Unit, FBI Academy. Quantico, Va.

"We're just a bunch of happy-go­ lucky guys trying to make it in this world," 1 says Sonny Barger, head of the notorious Hell's Angels motorcycle gang. But today, evidence is mounting to indicate that some of the freewheel­ ing riders of the 1960's and 1970's have grown up in terms of criminal sophistication.

12 I FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin ------"'::\1l:l

i , .. -----"______. _ "The level of criminal involvement of persons connected with these adult gangs in the United States and Canada has influenced law enforcement officials to take a harder look at organized gang involvement in crime."

With a national law enforcement focus directed more and more toward criminal violence, outlaw motorcycle gangs have gained increasing national attention in recent years. According to Pennsylvania Congressman Robert Walker, "The problem of motorcycle gangs is pervasive and growing. They pose a serious threat to our society.... " 2 The level of criminal involvement of persons connected with these adult gangs in the United States and Canada has influenced law enforcement offi­ cials to take a harder look at organized gang involvement in crime. FBI investi­ gations of the activities of some mem­ bers of major motorcycle gangs in the United States have confirmed a deep­ ening gang involvement in narcotics manufacturing and distribution, prosti­ tution, weapons-related violations, ex­ tortion, murder, arson-for-hire, pornography, plotection rackets, loan sharking, interstate transportation of stolen property and stolen motor vehi­ cles, insurance fraud, and obstruction of justice. The amount of criminal activity is alarming. Gang members are thriving on illegal profits reaped from their in­ volvement in criminal enterprises. Law enforcement officers conducting gang investigations see these groups as posing complex criminal problems. Mo­ torcycle gang members are now in­ vestino money gained from illegal enterprises into legitimate business ventures. Working relationships with other criminal groups have surfaced, and instances have been reported of motorcycle gang members accepting murder contracts, strong-arming busi­ ness competitors, and being used as enforcers in collecting gambling debts.

- ______~-- October 1982/ 13

------Complex violations committed by lar to the Hollister and Riverside motorcycle gang members demand a events. Probably the most publicized of .~ deeper knowledge of group behavior. the movies was "The Wild Ones," in '~ In order to be effective in gang investi­ which bikers were portrayed as mod- ! gations, law enforcement agencies ern-day Robin Hoods seeking revenge . must not only commit resources to in­ on a world that did them wrong. This telligence analysis but also understand and several other similar movies ro­ the structure and characteristics of the manticized motorcycle club behavior . motorcycle gang. 3 and sparked an interest, drawing oth­ ers to motorcycle clubs. History Through the 1950's and early To understand the changing na­ 1960's, police problems with motorcy­ ture of law enforcement problems in­ cle groups were primarily connected volving motorcycle gangs, it is with controlling large gatherings. In important to know a brief history of July 1965, however, a rape incident these gangs in America. Many of the occurred that changed the future role outlaw groups started as recreational of the Hell's Angels. The gang held groups, but all have drawn status and their annual rally at Bass Lake in Cali- ' structure from the Hell's Angels. Hunt­ fornia. Although the incident was rela­ Special Agenl Davis er Thompson, who has written much tively typical of problems connected about the Hell's Angels, traced the with large gatherings of motorcyclists, beginning of the gang to groups like media coverage primed the public for the PO BOBS 4 and the Market Street an incident and provided an "orgy of Commandos. Both groups were said to publicity that gave long dormant Hell's include persons drawn together in Angels eighteen years worth of expo­ loosely knit gatherings of individuals sure in six months and it naturally went sharing a comparatively rare interest in to their heads." 6 motorcycles.s This creation of a national interest The early group of Hell's Angels in motorcycle gangs in the 1960's was, was only one of several motorcycle in large part, a media phenomenon. clubs active between the late 1940's Social scientists have identified the im­ and the 1960's. Several key media pact the media has upon behavior. The: events brought the Angels to public effects include not only changes in' attention and provided the media boost attitudes and values but also imitative which propelled them toward a nation­ behavior.1 The media boost given the al reputation. Hell's Angels encouraged similar be­ In the summer of 1947, in Hollis­ havior in other motorcycle gangs. ter, Calif., and later in the fall in River­ Many gang members are now in side, Calif., thousands of motorcyclists their midthirties,B and as the gangs gathered for motorcycle runs which matured, gang problems'also changed. ended in rioting, destruction of proper­ Police problems posed by outlaw ty, and in Riverside, two deaths. The gangs can be categorized into a nUM­ events posed an awesome crowd con­ ber of areas, including crowd (' ,/ ....; trol task for the small number of police community fear, territorial bat" officers in these two communities. In club dominance, rivalry over tl- the summer of 1948, again in River­ tro\. of narcotics and vice traG. J' C side, Calif., 5,000 cyclists gathered, crime conspiracies. and again, the event turned into a riot. The Riverside police chief blamed this Crowd Control occurrence on visiting "outlaws," and The frequent migration of gang the term "outlaws" began to be ap­ members to rallies, such as annual plied to individuals connected with Labor Day and Fourth of July runs, some motorcycle clubs. Later, movies continue to draw police attention. Po­ were made based upon incidents simi- lice agencies are spending valuablE man-hours, both in planning and con­ trol of these large gatherings and ir applying preventive measures to Iimr

14 I FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin ______

~------=~~------hrr,hl~!m~ with the groups. Additionally, Hell's Angels, Outlaws, and other A Hell's Angel member, turned Gov­ is a need for specific police intel­ gangs continue as the gangs struggle ernment witness, provided evidence of ligence-gathering activities, including to dominate the area's lucrative vice a code of silence by describing the identifying fugitives occasionally con­ and narcotics trade.18 Incidents in killing of two probationary members nected with some groups. Incidents North Carolina have resulted in an over the mere suggestion that one was occasionally occur in spite of 'police intensi~ied law enforcement effort a police informer.21 A Pagan gang planning efforts.9 against gang-related crime problems, member gave similar testimony. "'I including execution-style slayings.19 just killed a snitch,' Boyd announced Community Fear as he returned to the party. 'Is there A more pervasive problem is the Crime Conspiracies any more?' As a Pagan prospect, Boyd ~':'·,-?ption citizens have of the dan­ In the 1970's, another problem had demonstrated his loyalty to the :;osed by gangs in their communi­ surfaced which served as an indicator club." 22 ;"eports of the presence of an of deepening gang involvement in Because of a strictly enforced ;,;ang, though legitimate cause for criminal activity. A complex interstate code, there are few discussions with :',:er, anxiety, are difficult for police to network of associations developed be­ outsiders about gang-related criminal deal with until an incident occurs. Inci­ tween rebel gangs, and this "brother­ activities. The code appears to be im­ dents in various parts of the country hood" provided links for more posed upon nonmembers as well. Wit­ , have caused citizen action against sophisticated criminal activities. Crime ness intimidation by gang members, ) gang presence in the community.10 In territories were determined, and fixed both directly and indirectly, is an exten­ I ~ two cases, citizen concerns stirred ac­ roles and characteristic ways of doing sion of this code and a problem tion by city and county boards, precipi­ business evolved. Particularly worri­ officers frequently face in gang cases. t&.ting charges that the police were some to law enforcement officers were The Margo Compton case is an exam­ afraid to deal with the gangs. 11 the characteristics of organization that ple of what happened to one person who testified against Hell's Angels. Not Territorial Battles only was she slain, folfowing r.e~ court Battles for "turf" are a continuing "Witness intimidation disclosure about a club member'S in­ law enforcement problem. Often, the volvement in drugs and prostitution, rivalry results in violence confined be­ by gang members . . . but also killed were he.r 6-year-old twin tween gang members.12 Gang war is . . . a problem daughters and the 19-year-old son of deaths have resulted, however, in bat­ law officers frequently her boyfriend.23 tles in public parking lots,13 attacks face in gang cases." Motorcycle gang members' efforts upon gang clubhouses,14 and firebomb at intimidation have also made police and shotgun raids against homes.15 officers the target of gang violence. Frequently, outsiders are injured by Police in New York arrested a gang made these groups so difficult to pene­ gang violence. In New York, 5 people member with a bomb, a revolver, and trate. The following components of were killed and injured in a ven­ ammunition who said he wanted to 22 organization similar to those seen geance war,16 and an innocent news­ blow up the police station. 24 A detec­ among traditional organized crime boy in Wisconsin was killed when he tive from Solano County, Calif. was groups were apparent among many moved a bomt that was planted during crippled by a bomb blast in 1977 during outlaw gangs. These characteristics a gang feud. 17 his investigation of the Hell's Angels. 25 are perpetuated in gang activities to­ In Maryland, a deputy sheriff was shot day and warrant ctoser examination. Rivalry for Crime Dominance and killed when he interrupted a Pagan Because of a reluctance by group Codes of Silence gang member and an associate in a burglary.26 In Garden Grove, Calif., a members to cooperate, it is often diffi­ "A Hell's Angel is an honor soci­ Hessian gang member shot his way cult to sort out the motivations for vio­ ety, man. We live by some of the stric­ out of a bar, killing one policeman and lence between gangs. Frequently, the test rules going and if you break one, wounding four others,21 In Portland, feuds begin over another altercation; you might not have the chance to As time passes, a cycle of retaliation break another." 20 Attributed to a Hell'S Oreg., an officer was killed in a raid on the Outsiders motorcycle gang head­ continues until either its momentum Angel member, this quotation de­ quarters.26 These incidents, only a few weakens or an incident demanding scribes the rules by which outlaws live. police attention develops. In other of many, testify to officers' personal 29 cases, however, disagreements are for concern about working gang cases. much larger stakes. Charlotte, N.C., is Mobility one such example. Problems with The high degree of mobility of out­ law gangs is a hinderance to police agencies attempting to keep track of

______October 1982/ 15 L ,. jj jj&£.filL£.. L..".,,,,,,,,.~ ,'..... ',; ., '"'", ... ' ... l

and sort out the complex criminal con­ South and West are being linlted with S A sample by the author of 373 confirmed Outlaw gang members disclosed a median age of 34 years. nections among gangs and gang mem­ an enormous increase in vice activi­ 9 "Motorcycle Gangs Received Blame for Trouble bers. Outlaw rallies and funerals are ties. 33 In North Carolina, gangs are Midwest Festival," Corpus Christi Caller. August 4, 1980. ,. Kathy O'Dell, "Cycle Gang Terrorize Neighbors," attended by gang members from var­ being referred to as "the new mafia," a St. Louis Globe-Democrat, St. Louis, Mo., August 21, 1980. ious parts of the country, making it " J. Stryker Meyer, "Cycle Gang, H03ti1a Youths result of the movement of some mem­ Breed Fear and Loathing In Mernsville," Trenton Times, difficult to identify individuals of police bers into drugs and prostitution con­ Trenton, N.J., Februart22, 1981. See also "ReSidents Threatened," Washington Post, July 21, 1973; "Town interest. These gatherings also provide nected with businesses such as Werned Over Party fer 5,000 Motorcyclists," Houston Star, opportunities for gang members to ex­ "photo and art studios and dating serv­ August 28, 1980. .. "Four Accused of Attempted Murder," New York tend their criminal, as well as their ices." 34 In various parts of the country, Times, February 11, 1976, p. 6. See also Bill McKelway, social, networks. 3D authorities have identified gang-domi­ "Area Siayings Most Bizarre of Long Series," Time· Dispatch, Richmond, Va., January 12, 1981, and Jon The connections between mem­ nated crime networks, including mil­ Standefer, "Bikers Lie Low But Fears at War Mount," San bers of diverse gangs are being used Diego Union, San Diego, Calif., October 9, 1977. lions of dollars of narcotics, stolen ""Fourteen Hurt at Camden Stadium as Gangs to perpetuate and extend the flow of property, firearms, and explosives, as Exchange Gunfire," New York Times, November 23,1979 . 3s .. Patrick T. Mornson, "Fusillade Fells Gang contraband and to further other crimi­ well as the harboring of fugitives. Member," Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Ind., March 6, nal activity. The mobility of many indi­ Reports have also surfaced indicating 1980. 's Larry Ciko and Butch Badon, "Sidell Attack Gang. viduals connected with motorcycle gang members have now graduated to Inspired, Police Claim," The Times·Picayune, New gangs is well-documented in police "murder-for-hire" enterprises. 36 Orleans, La., September 18, 1980. ,. "Fourteen Indicted In Four Murders," Newsday, files. In fact, some gangs have formed The categories of gang problems April 2, 1971, p. 5. chapters, called nomads, where mem­ 11 "Bomb Kills Newspaper Carrier," New York Times, • law enforcement authorities face are November 6, 1974. bers do not belong to clubs based in a numerous, and the nature and diversity "Robin Clark and Tex O'Neill, "Bikers Survival Code Based on Bloodshed," The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte, specific city but are members of a of criminal enterprises associated with N.C., August 17, 1981, p. 7A. chapter of transients. ,g "FlVe Gang Members Slain In Clubhouse," Houston Post, Houston, Tex., July 5, 1979. See also "Slain Men Called Hell's Angels Pair," Greensboro Record, Security Networks Greensboro, N.C., September 28, 1961, p. B3. ,. George Wethem and Vincent Colnett, A Wayward The extensive security precau­ "With an increasing Angel (New York: Richard Marck), p. 222. tions used by gang members also " Ibid., p. 225. level of criminal "Allen Davis, "The Last Ride of Amos Moses," hinder law enforcement efforts. Police Pennsylvania Illustrated, October 1979, p. 37. competence, gangs are " James Long and James Duncan, "Hit Man Got have discovered radio scanners in S10,000 tor Oregon Murders," The Oregon Journal. members' possession, and gang mem­ committing more Portland, Oreg., August 12, 1977, p. 1. ,. "Head at Cycle Gang Is Accused of Possessing bers and probates have been ob­ sophisticated crimes." Bomb and Pislol," New York Times, August 15,1973. served conducting surveillance of ,. Howard Kahn, "Hell's Angels" Rolling Stone, April 5, 1979, p. 59. ; police officers and local prosecutors. .. U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of I Instances of attempted infiltration of gang members are beginning to tax Investigation, Uniform Crime Reports, "Law Enforcement 'i Officers Killed," (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Government and law enforcement law enforcement resources. It is in­ Printing Office, 1979), p. 25. creasingly important, therefore, that '7 Ibid., (1980), p. 33. agencies by gang members and asso­ " Ibid., (1979), p. 64. ciates have also been reported. 31 law enforcement officials understand .. For additional similar incidents, see "From the the behavior and characteristics Police Blotter," New York Times, June 19,1973, p. 43; Los There are also reports of occasional Angeles Times, July 8, 1973, p. 25; New York Times, May gang efforts to obtain information from unique to motorcycle gangs. The con- 16, 1980, p. 29; Tampa Tribune, June 7, 1980. clusion of tt->ic: - will pr.")'.'ldo the 3. Dan Lohwasser, "150 Hell's Angels Assemble at law enforcement agercv er~ Jioyees. Sialn Member's Funerat," News and Observer. Ralei1~ ; .>:.:der v.ith Q _,::;ychological pro- N.C., October 2, 1981, p. 22. See also Michael Welns,aln, "Police Going Over Who, What ThBY Saw on Thursday," Criminal Enterprises file of outlaw motorcyclists. m Ch8.rlotte News, p. A-<3. (Continued next month) " D3.ve Casey, "Threats Keep Outlaws In Business," With an increasing level of criminal Sun Sentinel. Ft. Lauderdale News, Fl Lauderdale, Fla., competence, gangs are committing March 4, 1978, p. 14A. 32 Patrick T. Mornson, "Local Outlaws Gang Getting more sophisticated crimes. The FBI Footnotes Involved in Network of Crime," Indianapolis Star. and police departments throughout the , Brian Ross, "Hell's Angels," NBC Nightly News, Indianapolis, Ind., December 2, 1979, p. 11. New York, September 14, 1978. " Rich KUlTo and Henry T. Vogt, "Cycle Gangs on United States are becoming more in­ 'John W. Howard, "Report of the Activities of Outlaw Move Here, Police Say," St Louis Globe-Democrat. 51. volved in investigations of outlaw gang Motorcycle Gangs bV the Task Force on Welfare Reform, Louis, Missouri, March 30,1981, p. 02. See also Kurre and hearings held October 12,1979, In Washington, D.C." Vog~ "Infiltration of Bars Called Part of Nationwide members. In Indianapolis, Ind., police House Republican Research Committee, Washington, • Trend," St Louis, Globe-Democrat St. Louis, Mo., March D.C., October, 1979. 30,1981, p. 2. and Los Angelos Times, April 19, 1977, reported that gangs were "solidifying 3 For a discussion of the need· for effective Intelligence p.1. analysis to include studies of crime groups and their their ranks to form a national criminal 34 Robin Clark and Tex O'Neill, "Shadowy Businesses operations, see Peter A. Lupsha. "Steps Toward Strategic Revolve Around Drugs, Theft," The Charlotte Observer, network." 32 Reports of gang infiltra­ Analysis of Organized Crime," The Police Chief, May 1980, August 18, 198 1, p. 6A. pp,36-38. tion into legitimate businesses in the '"Casey, supra note 31, p. 14. See also Jerry Kinser, 4 POBOBS Is an 1l0'fO/lylll lor "Pissed Off Bastards of "Nine Held in Motorcycle Thefts," Daily Herald, Gulfpor\, Bloomlng1on." Miss., January 12, 1979, p. 1 and W.C. Johnson, • Hunter Thompson, Hell's Angels (New York: "Motorcycle Gangs and White Collar Crime," The Police Ballatine Books, 1975). p. 85. Chief, June 1961, p. 32. J S Ibid., p. 52. i 36 "Ohio Gangs Ride Herd," D8.IIas Moming News, i 7 Georgo Gerbner, School of Communications, March 11, 1980. University of Pennsylvania, In a presentation before the FBI National Executive Institute, Quantico, Va., December 2,1977.

16 I FBI law Enforcement Bulletin ------'------....,V 149030 u.s. Department of Justice (p t 1 2 National Institute of Justice S • &

This document has been reproduced exactly as received from the person or organization originating it. Points of view or opinions stated in ,thiS dO,cument a~e those o,f t,he authors and do not necessarily represent the oHlclal position or policies of the National Institute of Justice, Permission to reproduce this copyrighted material has been granted by FBI T.ae Enforcement BuJJetin

to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS), Further reproduction outside of the NCJRS system requires permission of the copynght owner,

Davis, R.H. "Outlaw Motorcyclists: A Problem for Police (Part 2)." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, November 1982, Vol. 51, No. 11, 16-22.

NATIONAL YOUTH GANG INFORMATION CENTER 4301 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 730 Arlington, Virginia 22203 1-800-446-GANG • 103-522-4007

NYGIC Document Number: )"0/0(,:,

Permission Codes: Outlavv Motorcyclists A Problem for Police (Conclusion)

By ROGER H. DAVIS* Special Agent Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D. C. 'Special Agent Davis was formerly assigned to the Behavioral Science Unit, FBI Academy. Quantico. Va.

Outlaw Motorcyclists: A Sociopsychological Profile Motorcycle gangs constitute a bi­ zarre subculture, but for some reason, have been "beneath the dignity of seri­ ous social scientists" to study.37 In dealing with emergent problem groups,' such as motorcycle gangs, group be­ havior is important to understand. Any group of people-an occupational group, cultural group, or adult gang­ develops special characteristics that

16 / FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin ------c------~ · "Motorcycle gangs constitute a bizarre subcultur.e. . . ."

set it apart from all others. A subculture may be based upon regional character­ istics, common traits, occupations or interests, and may carry with it certain styles of dress and behavior. A motorcycle gang subculture is based upon a number of common fac­ tors, including a mutual interest in motorcycles. Other characteristics,' however, also draw people to outlaw gangs. Outlaw gangs differ from many other groups in that their behavior goes beyond the dominant characteristics that set many other groups apart. Out­ law gang membelrs challenge domi­ nant features of American s()ciety, not only with their criminal behavior but with overt actions intended to shock. The shocking behavior we often see is, in fact, an open break with the value system of society.38 Language can be a component of subculture, and the language of an outlaw gang member sets him apart from other groups. An outlaw motorcy­ cle gang member's language is satu­ rated with vulgarity and with terminology that denotes a different meaning to an outsider. Terms such as "ape-hangers," meaning high-rising handlebars, or a "fash truck," a van that follows the gang's motorcycle for­ mation, are examples.39 Although these behavior patterns are subcultural characteristics, an un­ derstanding of the gang subculture is important because a look at the world as seen through the eyes of a gang member may aid the police officer in being more effective in dealing with motorcycle groups. Such an under­ standing is critical, since indications of future gang activities point toward a shift in behavior from the unruly free­ wheeling indiVidualist of the 1950's and 1960's to the older, wealthier, and more deeply connected outlaw of the present.

November '1982 / 17

----~~------.----~ :j I I .. ,1 .i ~l ".f ;\ Persons from different subcultural requirements seem to vary with the' 1 groups behave in ways that differ from confidence level the group has in any those of the mainstream of American particular probate. Some groups may­ 'f I· society. As one social scientist ex­ require probates to commit one or f ., plained, value orientations differ more criminal acts, while others have ,.f no such requirements. ,I among varying groups of people be· cause the views and beliefs people The probationary period is a time have are the products of learning and of testing, but group influence on what ;: group relations.40 Most members of behavior is desirable and what is unde· . sirable is clearly taught. The probate' -, SpecmlAgentDav$ outlaw gangs are from lower or lower i, middle class levels of American soci­ learns that bizarre. shocking behavior ety. and as such. bring with them their is a way to "show class" and gain; ...... ~~i, " class·associated behaviors. Criminolo· status. Criminal behavior may also be~ gist Walter Miller suggests that lower seen as desirable. During the proba· class people are characterized by dis­ tionary period. the probate comes to. tinctive values which not only differ see deviant behavior as appropriate in ~ from the values of the majority of his new role. Witnessed criminal be· American citizens but also conflict with havior serves as a test to those pro.' our legal code. 41 As individuals with bates whose reliability and loyalty to like values become more and more the group are questioned. It also involved with outlaw gang members. serves to both filter out potential police some of these values are accentuated, informers and give the group some reinforced, and accepted as modes of I~verage ~ver members. Outlaws bel behavior within that group. heve that If some members have wit1 nessed others commit a felonious act. Gang Member Initiation the group's code of silence is more The process through which a po· easily enforced. tential member is assimilated into a Frequent close contact with group. gang is interesting. When a person members. the teaching of group' expresses a desire to become a part of norms, and the membership require.." the grouP. he is sponsored by a memo ments all mold the probate. He bert is designated a probate, and changes not only his behavior but his serves a period of time in that status. identity. The new identity is evident in The actual time period varies. With the behavior that follows, w~ "." some groups it is a vague period that cludes a symbolic attachmer' terminates when a group consensus is group represented by tattoo reached that the probate has met the club logo appearing on memt test. Membership is gained after the ies. especially on arms and be process of assimilation and "testing" is Individual club names for ",eme satisfactorily completed. During the become the only names they are probationary period, the probate is re­ known by within the group and provide quired to submit to the desires of gang both a special personal identity and a members. wait on them. and run er­ group identity. Names such as Flapper; rands. Some outlaw gangs have levied Spider. Greaser, Loser. Roach. Wild other requirements on probates. in­ Man. and Zit are typical. ' cluding the commission of felony viola· tions witnessed by a member. These

18 I FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin ------~ ... -----.. -::-.,::.:;;=;;..-'---..;.....;.------

--- ~------.1\ Outlaw gangs are ritualistic an event where the club jacket (colors) up to societal expectations that require groups, and the importance of gang is initiated along with the new member. achievement and education. The gang rituals in building probate loyalty and The person being initiated is some­ offers an answer-it provides security group cohesion should not be over­ times required to lie on the ground for misfits in society. George Wethern, looked. Rituals, such as initiation cere­ while members pour oil or pig urine a Hell's Angel turned Government wit­ monies, funeral and wedding over them or while they urinate, defi­ ness, identified the strong connection ceremonies, meetings, travel forma­ cate, or vomit on them. Whatever the between his psychological needs and tions, and required motorcycle rallies, process, the event itself provides a his gang associations when he said, are significant events pulling the group formal acknowledgement that the initi­ "My self-esteem and my deepest together. Gangs exhibit their ritualistic ate is now part of a special society. friendships were bolted to my motor­ nature in wearing certain patches for cycle." 42 participation in events, in certain devi­ Hopelessness A poem in a magazine widely read ant acts, or for symbolically expressing Since outlaw gang members are by gang members typifies the hope­ the group position on issues such as primarily from the lower class, they lessness that pulls a memb'er toward drug usage (indicated by the patch hold values that are associated with gang associations: "13") or motorcycle helmet laws. persons at that societal level. As indi­ My dog has fleas and doesn't know When a probate has passed the viduals with those values drift together where to scratch, my bike won't run test of acceptance, he will be formally and form gangs, some behavior IS rein­ and I have no place to crash, I just initiated into the group. The initiation forced, and some characteristics be­ spent the day getting food from the process is a ceremony that establishes come extreme. One class-level trash, I think I'll go and score me a totally new identity with the group, characteristic prevalent among gang some grass. and at the same time, serves to some­ members is hopelessness. The gang's This 0'1 world ain't treating me right, what sever a new member's former existence seems to be the result of a it's the same old way from morning identity with r'ainstream society. The need to deal wit~, bitterness toward till night. I try being peaceful and end initiation ceremony itself varies from society. Members have little hope of up in a fight, I'll just smoke a number club to club. Universally, however, it is succeeding in society in terms of living and get my head right. I go look for a job and get no place, I smile at my friends and get slugged in the face, I keep telling people I'm not running a race, I think I'll sit down and get stoned just a taste. My chick just split with another man, I lie in the sun and can't get a tan, when I'm out in the streets there's always The Man, I'll go to a station and smoke in the can. Well, that's my story from day to day, it never vaiies in any way, so if you need me-I'll be away, lying somewhere and smoking the hay.43

______November 1982/ 19

~...... t

'------~------~------~-- .' '

'~An outlaw gang is structured to aflow the group its own standards, rules, rituals, status requirements, and tests to pass."

The outlaw code is a code of mu­ Groups with a hier(lrchical criminal ~ tual support-one for all, all for one. structure are of particular concern to: Mutual support combats the feeling of law enforcement because the structure ~ hopelessness and provides for some is an indicator of a movement toward a~ individual security needs. The gang­ more deeply rooted criminal organiza-' code require!> that members rally to tion. According to a member of the f each other's aid, and evidence is Hell's Angels, u ••• club structure was mounting to indicate that the credo of easily adapted to drug trafficking. AI( mutual support extends to an opportu­ essential jobs could be filled with club nity to provide for financial security, as members-distributors, dealers, en­ well. According to a former Hell's An­ forcers, transporters." 47 With solidify-" gel, ". . . cohesion (no longer) was ing criminal organization, law' strictly a matter of fraternal pride. 'It enforcement efforts targeted against' was an insurance policy protecting our such groups also become more diffi· livelihood and ke~!Jjng us out of the cult Because of this movement by slammer... .' By the late 1960's being some groups toward a deepening in­ a Hell's Angel had become a full-time volvement in criminal activities, police job for many and at least one income officials warn of the necessity for early supplement for most. .. 44 law Emforcement intervention. The profits some gang members An outlaw gang is structured to make in crime offer ample opportunity allow the group its own standards, tor members who so desire to "get a rules, rituals, status, requirements, and piece of the action." The group tests to pass. Within these outlaw su~ supports this activity in tangible ways. cultures, certain universal characteri~ Bond money is quickly obtainable from Group Structure tics appear. - club coffers or through loans from Social scientists have studied se­ Strength or toughness appears as member.s. When 11 Hell's Angels were cret societies and find a remarkable a universal g,'1ng requirement that' indicted in San Francisco, they were variety of formal and informal group seems to conter status., Members able to raise more than $3 million in structures dependent upon the central­ flaunt their tough image.48 They seem bail money, and when freed, they ization of control.46 Outlaw gangs have obsessed with height, muscles, and drove away in a Iimousine.45 an organizational structure that in­ obesity. Tattoos are particularly preva~ The gang also fills other voids in cludes a group president, vice presi­ lent. Social scientists who have studied" its members' lives. Status and dent, secretary, treasurer, enforcer, tattoos and established a relationship recognition from society, at large, have and road captain. In some gangs, the between m,aladjustment and tattoos been withheld from most persons structure of individuals involved in report that persons with large numbers attracted to motorcycle gangs. The criminal activities may resemble the of tattoos tend to be more deviant, gang meets those needs by offering a organizational hierarchy. This seems to hostile, impulsive, and sociopathic than special status with the group which be more the case among older groups, persons without tattoos.49 Tattooing by comes with bizarre and sometimes such as some Hell's Angels chapters. gang members is not only indicative of criminal behavior. Where attaining For other groups, however, the criminal possible maladjustment and a desire to meaningful roles in life has been network associated with the gang has identify with the gang but is sometimes difficult for the outlaw biker, the club included connections among gang an outlaw group requirement. offers specific group roles and the members and person::. only tangential­ st:::tus, responsibility, and respect that ly associated with the group. In some follows. - of these instances, the criminal struc­ ture bears little resemblance to the formal club hierarchy.

20 I FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin The motorcycle itself is an exten­ sociopathic personality is not only the centered and has difficulty with inter­ sion of this concern with masculinity most common criminal personality but personal relationships. Even within the :md is used not only to attract attention also the most dangerous and difficult group, he has difficulty keeping close :lut as an expression of power. Weap­ to identify and is characterized by a friends because of his irresponsible Jns are also an outlaw obsession and lack of guilt or remorse. 52 and cynical nature. 3ppear as a further extension of power The sociopathic outlaw biker be­ The sociopathic group member of­ md masculinity. lieves the world wants to be like him. ten has little tolerence for frustration. A sexual fertility theme is consist- He is OK-it is everyone else who is He externalizes life pressures by blam­ 3ntly present among outlaw bikers. 50 out of step. Although appearing tightly Ing others for his problems. This incli­ :;ex rituals are occasionally included as bonded to the group, the outlaw biker nation to place blame elsewhere is )art of the initiation ceremony, club is a free spirit who has very little loyalty combined with an impulsiveness that neeting, or motorcycle run. Sexual to others. His essential commitment is produces an individual who fails to 'achievementz" by members are re­ to himself. This characteristic makes think through the consequences and yarded by the group, are seen as con­ him a potential informer, but only in irrationality of his crimes. It follows, erring status, and are formally those instances when there is clearly then, that a sociopathic gang member lepicted by various colored jacket some benefit in it for him. Police offi­ will often have a police record that latches denoting witnessed sex acts. cers working with this type of personal­ appears to show no pattern of criminal n effect, these status symbols are ity find that the gang member is specialty. Rather, because of his un­ 'merit badges" for deviant acts. 51 seldom targetable until after he is predictable nature, he is often involved Risk-taking behavior is also preva­ charged with a crime and is faced with in a variety of crimes and is occasional­ ent among gang members. Shocking the choice of either informing or going ly motivated by impulse. lehavior and hedonism bring status to prison. Interestingly, the gang mem­ Police dealing with gang members hat comes with the group's distortions ber exhibiting this personality needs to know about the impulsive nature of If society's values. prove himself constantly through bi­ gangs. An incident in Houston, Tex., Members of outlaw motorcycle zarre or criminal behavior. The group exemplifies the dangerousness of langs, particularly those attracting po­ allows him an excuse to become devi­ some gang members. A member of the ce attention, frequently have domi­ ant to impress his brother gang mem­ Conquistadors gang, reacting to the lant personality characteristics. The bers. This type of person is self- discovery that an 11-year-old boy had been fishing in a pond on the gang member's property, fired an M-2 ma­ chinegun into the boy's home, injuring the boy.53 Of concern to police is that this kind of impulsiveness is often connect­ ed with violence. Not only does this type of person act out his tensions, but he has no worry or remorse about his behavior. He feels no remorse be­ cause, in fact, he feels little guilt. He reacts, often with violence rather than worry, about what is bothering him. He does not learn from bad past experi­ ences because he gives them little thought-he is simply reactive. A sociopathic gang member may exhibit deceitful and manipulative be­ havior, but be likeable on the surface. When it is to his advantage, he puts on

November 1982 / 21

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"The extent of criminal involvement of outlaw motorcycle gang members is extensive, and the behavioral nature of the group is complex." a good front, becomes outwardly Gang women feel guilty for failing to ties of these groups. Any law enforce. friendly, and feigns repentance and re­ live up to the expectations of others; ment officer who has investigated morse. Officers experienced with gang they are also less reactive to pressure crimes by outlaw motorcycle gang: members of this personality style than their male associates. They seem members knows the lengthy plodding know, however, that this friendly dispo­ to internalize life's pressures rather effort these complex cases require. sition is only a temporary first impres­ than blaming others. Consequently, Techniques that are, however, essen. sion. gang women are attracted to the domi­ tial in gang investigations include the Motorcycle gangs are particularly nant personalities of some gang mem­ development by a gang investigator of attractive to persons exhibiting some bers and are easily used by them. an understanding of the group's "cui· of the tendencies discussed above­ Because of fear and a relatively low ture" and the ability to apply knowl· they are mutually supportive. To the lev:,1 of self-esteem, and often simply edge of gang personality types and sociopathic gang member, violence is because of no place to go, the gang behavior characteristics for the pur· exciting and easy, since he feels no "old lady" or "mama" feels unable to pose of more effective information· anxiety or guilt for what he has done. break away. Instead, she develops a gathering from gang members. FBI The group, in turn, needs his muscle to strong dependency. Not unlike some establish and maintain its reputation battered women, she may even accept and to support and enforce criminal responsibility for being abused and Footnotes 37 Randal Montgomery, "The Outlaw Motorcycle activities. The group meets his needs may feel guilty for not living up to a Subculture,"' Cenadian Journal of Criminology and in turn for his daring. Since the socio­ gang member's expectations. Corrections, vol. 1B, No.4, October 1976, p. 332. 3. Although the term "subculture" will be used pathic personality style is frequently For many gang women, sex be­ throughout this article· to refer to customs and beliefs of comes a means to establish intimacy. outlaw motorcycle gangs, a more specific term encountered in outlaw gangs, officers "contraculture" seems appropriate. See J. Millon Yinget, who handle gang investigations have The need for affection and self-esteem "Contraculture and SUbculture," Amencan SociologiCIJI Review, vol. 25, No.5, October 1960, p. 62B. In a learned to use extreme caution with is strong, and exploitive sexual rela­ contra culture, the value conflict with society is central. ~. the members. tions with male members and asso­ Outlaw gangs are contracultural groups in the sense theY'. appear as "subsoc/eties" with emergent norms in conflict­ ciates become confused with affection. with society. Gang Women It is, in part, because of these 39 Royal Canadian Mounted Police Gazelle, vol. 42, No. 10, 19BO, p. 37. A final important aspect of gang behavioral dynamics that officers in­ ." Edwin H. Sutherland, Principles of Criminology vestigating gang activities often have (Philadelphia: J. B. Uppincott, 1947), p. 6. investigations and an aid to an under­ ., Walter B. Miller, "Lower Class Culture as a standing of gang behavior is the role of difficulty developing gang women as Generating Milieu of Gang Delinquency," Journal 01 Sodsl Issues, vol. 14, No.3, 1958, p. B. women and their association with the informants. Fear and the need to de­ .2 Wethem and Colnett, supra note 20, p. 63. gang. Although women are usually not pend upon gang men produces a loyal­ ., P. Overholtz, untitled, In the Wind 6, No.6, (Burbank, Calif.; Paisano Publications, 19B1). gang members, they perform an impor­ ty that is difficult to overcome. .. Wethem and Colnett, supra note 20, p. 108. tant function in many gang-related Investigators often find gang women ... Ross, supra note 1• ... Bonnie H. Erickson, "Secret Societies and Social crimes. Initially attracted because of most helpful with information when Structure," Social Forces, vol. 60, No. I, September 1981. their associations with gang members p.1BB. the excitement gang life offers, many .7 Wethem and Co/nett, supra note 20, p. 336 women are later held involuntarily or weaken and loyalties shift. Unfortu­ ... Montgomery, supra note 37, p. 336 . •• Robert J. Howell, I Reed Payne, and All.. , ~-. stay out of fear.54 They may be the nately, information received then is of­ "Differences Among Behavioral Variables, Porser,a··, "property" of one member only or ten outdated. Characteristics and Personality Scores of Tattooe~ ;, Nontattooed Prison Inmates," Journal 01 Researell " used by several gang members. The Crime and Delinquency, vol. B, No.1, January 1971. ~ :,: female role is that of a servant. Women Conclusion 50 Montgomery, supra note 37, p. 336. 51 RCMPGazelle, supra note 39, p. 21. are looked upon as objects to be used The extent of criminal involvement '2 Thomas Strentz and Conrad Hassel, "The Socio, path-A Criminal Enigma," Joumal of Police Science and for sexual, criminal, or personal pur­ of outlaw motorcycle gang members is Administration, vol. 6, No.2, January 197B, p. 135. poses. The women who allow them­ extensive, and the behavioral nature of 53 Burke Watson, "Kill All the Kids," Houston Chron­ icle, Houston, Tex., July 31, 19BO. selves to remain in this role seem to be the group is complex. There is no easy s. RCMP Gazelle, supra note 39, p. lB. best characterized as inadequate per­ path to dealing with the criminal activi- sonality types. They have relatively poor jUdgment, not because they do not care but because they are inept.

22 I FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin ------