Prison "Gang" Hype
by Ali K. Abdullah
The practice of labeling prisoners as members or associates
of gangs on little or no evidence in order to cage them in costly "control
units" is contrary to constitutional guarantees of due process. Why
is such a practice allowed to flourish?
The Michigan Corrections Offcers (MCO), in reports regarding gangs in Michigan
prisons dated August 1994 and February 1995, rely on racism and unfounded
fears for political exploitation of prisoners. The August 1994 MCO report,
entitled "Gangs in Michigan's prisons, Part I," and "Gangs
are Growing in Michigan Prisons," depict a grim picture of "gangs"
in one of Michigan's many prison facilities. Listing evidence construed
as associated with gang activity, the August 1994 report pinpointed "Things
Officers Need to Look For," such as the following:
Membership lists Written codes of conduct Art work/photographs that depict
association or membership with a known gang Tattoos Hand signs/throwing
of signs Patterns of expansion or decline in membership Pant leg rolled
up on one leg. Hair/designs in hair
Thanks to Ronald Middaugh, one of MDOC's special investigators assigned
to monitor and track "security risk groups" inside the state's
prisons, MCO President Ed Fox and Randy Eicher at MCO Central Complex in
Jackson attempt to discredit the predominantly African American population
and/or people of color as well as those whites who do not follow the mainstream
American views. Things officers should look for in identifying prison gangs-the
art work, hand signs, pant leg rolled up on one leg, and hair designs- are
all basically young African American expressions. To suggest that one who
displays one of those characteristics is a "gang affiliate" is
to assassinate a people whose culture obviously differs from that of the
white report writers.
The report cited a Michigan Training Unit incident on June 25 (year not
mentioned) when six officers were injured. Two weeks prior to this assault
an MCO official wrote in a memo to his supervisors that a prisoner assault
on May 26 had really been an initiation into a Latino gang-a biased, unsubstantiated
claim that can give white racist corrections officers justification to abuse
and violate people of color. Since when does a tattoo make a person a gang
member? Although many gangs do wear tattoos, so do non-gang members and
even many MDOC/MCO officials. What Middaugh and his colleagues are doing
is laying the foundation to further oppress and silence the incarcerated
from speaking out against the injustices that take place within the prison.
It is significant that they refuse to allow state employees-trained psychologists,
social workers/counselors, and educators-to be involved in their study group.
Such professionals work with incarcerated individuals on a daily basis,
either in a group, an individual setting, or in classrooms, and they would
not wholly agree with the MCO's hype and the covert operations of this study
group. Many psychologists, social workers, and counselors know that much
of what is construed as "gang activity" is nothing more than fads
or youthful forms of expression, not a "security threat."
The February 1995 survey alleges problems with gang activity and presents
the need for more information and training of officers (in other words,
a need for more taxpayer dollars). It states that officers from 11 of Michigan's
prisons responded to this survey and 99 percent of these officers "believed
there was a problem with gangs in their facilities."
The report indicates that there are "more than 40 specific gangs"
in the correctional system, and claims gangs are affiliating with religious
groups like Fruit of Islam, Melanics, Moorish Science Temple of America,
Muslims, Nation of Islam, and Buddhists. This kind of wholesale indictment
emanates from a racist mindset that feels threatened by anyone, especially
people of color who do not accept western concepts. The survey mentions
HASTA as a gang. HASTA is a well known, respected organization in society
as well as within the prison system that works to help people of Latin origin.
Non-Latin people are also involved with HASTA. The officers also label as
"security threats" or "trouble makers" those who dare
to write a grievance or seek judicial redress for violations against them.
What they want is a license to do as they please with no accountability.
Months of undercover investigation by the U.S. Justice Department against
the MDOC have unearthed many violations and abuses against female prisoners
within the system: lack of adequate medical attention, sexual abuse and
harassment, and rapes (Scotts Correctional Facility, and Florence Crane
Women's Facility). However, the MCO did not mention this type of activity
in their report. Nor would Governor John Engler or MDOC Director Kenneth
L. McGinnis. Instead, they are calling the investigators "liars."
The public is being programmed into unfounded fears so they will continue
to pay for more prison construction and more abusive corrections officers.
Ali K. Abdullah, 148130, 3855 Cooper St. /C.E. Engler CF. Jackson,
MI 49201-7517
Feb-Mar 1996