Gangs and Their Tattoos: Identifying Gangbangers on the Street and in Prison
Aug.12, 2009 in
Tattoo Books
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 c…
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August 12th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
The concept behind this book is good enough, but unfortunately, not only is the writing mediocre, but the drawings are subpar and the drive of the book seems to be towards informing frightened people who want to know who, of the people around them, are “gang members” or “dangerous.” What’s unfortunate is that, for example, dragons and tigers are outlined as “gang” tattoos for Asians with dangerous lifestyles, which, while that is relevant, it is problematic because it is not pointed out that not *all* Asians with those as tattoos are dangerous. I imagine that anyone who is reading this to “identify gangbangers on the street” around them, aside from, say, security guards or similar individuals, will give into fear and judge those around them with tattoos because of what they read in this book. But as I said. The writing has errors in it, such as the constant misspellings of Teotihuacán, and gems like saying that Asians get tattoos of dragons and tigers because those animals are native to Asia. (Tigers, maybe. Dragons? Better wording is in order.)
In sum, I have read much better books on the topic and not only because they contained better data, but because they were written and/or illustrated more professionally.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Although this is not going to end up in every tattoo enthusiast’s library, it ended up in mine when I was looking into symbolism. If you ever wanted to see tattoos that really have something to say, you’ll see them here.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
3.0 out of 5 stars
if you’re buying it just for the tattoos….
i bought the book originally for the tattoos… if you’re wanting to buy it for the same reason i did, or maybe add some of the tattoos in here to your tattoo library, i’d say…
August 12th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
This book was simply, great. As a Gang Investigator I found this book to be extremely accurate, up-to-date and highly valuable. This book gives you concrete identifiers that have remained constant in some gangs for 20+ years. I have personally seen some of these tattoos on gang members. This is probably THE manual to have if this is your field. You can not get any more specific information outside of the law enforcement relm.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:20 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
inmate Tattoos
This book is a must for correctional officiers and nurses that work in corrections. very informative.
August 13th, 2009 at 3:20 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unusual And Thorough Book On A Very Specific Subject
If you have any need for this kind of information, I highly recommend this book. Very few of us need to be able to identify gang members by their tattoos, but this is a valuable…
August 13th, 2009 at 6:07 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
“Just About Everything You Need to Know About Gangs & Tattoos”
“Gangs and Their Tattoos: Identifying Gangbangers on the Street and in Prison”, by Bill Valentine & Robert Schober, Paladin Press, CO 2000.
August 13th, 2009 at 8:56 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting
If you are interested and want to know what the tatoos mean. This is a good way to find out without having to ask the person who has them. :0)
August 13th, 2009 at 11:36 am
3.0 out of 5 stars
Limited coverage
I may be off base as far as gang activity in other areas of the country but this book focuses so much on the tats of white supremists I didn’t find it to be as useful as I had…
August 13th, 2009 at 11:42 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
ink behind the walls
this book covers alot of the different prison gangs and gives not only thier history but tat’s warn by thier members.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
book review
I have found the book to be quite useful. The information is not up to the second, but it is a great starting point and reference.
August 13th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Reference Material
This is an amazing reference book if you’re a tattooist. I know the slant of the book comes from law enforcement background, but if you’re a tattooist this book is great for a…
August 13th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Tattoos & Street Gangs
The quality of the information on current tattoos was excellent, and worth the investment. You can’t tell the street gang players without knowing their tattoos; this book will…