Prison Gangs Since the creation of the first prison gang, the "Gypsy Jokers," prison gangs have been a handful for officials trying to provide security and the safety not only of prison officers. but also for the prisoners. Prison gangs are responsible for many illicit activities behind bars, including: gambling, drugs, protection, and prostitution (Knox, 2012). Over the years, research into prison gangs has proven difficult due to the secretive nature of these organizations, but new evidence has come to light that helps combat these illusory and lucrative criminal organizations. There are currently 150,000 gang members incarcerated across the United States (State of New Jersey: Commission of Inquiry, 2009). With the increase in the prison population, there has been an increase in the prison gang population and gang activity. “Most areas of the United States will experience an increase in gang membership” (National Drug Intelligence Center, 2009). The bulk of the prison gang population will mirror the demographic trend of its street gang counterparts, as drug markets increase and expand into new territories outside the inner city. “La Eme commands more than 50,000 to 75,000 members and associates of the Surenos gang” (International Drug Intelligence Center, 2009). The Eme (Mexican Mafia) and prison gangs like it control street gangs and their own members through fear and intimidation. “In general, the prison population has increased over the past two decades” (Knox, 2012). When asked about the growing prison gang population, prison officials asked: "Do you think gangs or gang leaders are capable of influencing politicians in your state?" ?" (Knox, 2012). This question was like... middle of paper ...... is implemented by moving a core gang member to another high security facility, preferably out of the state In the study conducted by Knox & Tromanhauser in 1991, approximately 70% of guards advocated bus therapy. One problem, however, is that by moving key gang members, you run the risk of transferring gangs and. gang activities from one institution to another Prison gangs have proven to be very powerful and difficult and expensive to control Although, thanks to new educational programs aimed at correctional officers and gang members themselves, While one might hope that the number of inmates participating in gang activities will decrease, research indicates otherwise. With the constant influx of new members and the amount of money that can be made by participating in gang activities, it would appear that. prison gangs may very well prove to be an integral part of prison life..