International Journal on Criminology Volume 3, Number 2, Fall 2015 | Page 57

International Journal on Criminology
C - Hierarchical Structure
For reasons of cohesion, discipline and secrecy (sometimes with the opposite
effect), prison gangs operate according to hierarchies and chains of command in
the military mold. Some even have ranks and are divided into units. Right from
the outset, Nuestra Familia adopted a military structure with a system of ranks—
generals, captains, sergeants and soldiers. However, this structure, meant to ensure
efficiency and discipline, proved to be a weakness for the organization by revealing
its organized nature and showing the scope of its ramifications beyond the territory
of a single State. NF thus fell within the scope of the RICO law, 151 and has been
subject to federal prosecution. Following this, NF was obliged to change, dividing
into an “official” structure called Nuestra Raza, 152 operating both inside and outside
the prisons. The surviving core of leaders sank into a strictly prison-based twilight,
while maintaining overall control. The recruitment criteria were then changed. The
“classic” prisoner in search of protection is led toward Nuestra Raza, while only the
“professionals,” hardened prisoners trained in discretion, almost always based on
blackmail, 153 can join Nuestra Familia.
The militarized model has thus shown its limits and internal contradictions
with the requirement of secrecy: Nuestra Familia was severely affected, almost
destroyed, because each level knew the names of its superiors and subordinates
along with the overall objectives of the organization. When it was rebuilt, it adopted
a partitioned structure, better able to guarantee its security. It has an “intelligence
service”, the Regimental Security Department.... it appears that military references
are difficult to shake off.
This pyramidal structure is also found elsewhere, for example in one of the
major Taiwanese triads, 154 the Tien Dao Man, 155 which originated in a prison intended
for the rehabilitation of prisoners through “military training.” 156 From there, this
prison gang developed its criminal activity throughout the island's prison world and
well beyond its walls. Strongly hierarchical, in the image of the Chinese triads, but
perhaps also because of its origins, Tien Dao Man 157 was formed of six “territorial”
151
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO): An important legal instrument in the
fight against organized crime in the United States. This law allows a criminal group to be prosecuted
as such for committing crimes but also for its purpose—organized crime—alone. The notion of
“racket” (necessary for the implementation of this Act) includes the following offenses: death threats,
kidnapping, clandestine gambling, arson, theft, robbery, extortion, corruption, forgery, bribery,
obstruction of justice, racketeering (in the strict sense), prostitution, drug production and dealing.
152
“Our race,” to signal its Chicano origins. Its “official” name is the Carnales Estructura Norteña
(Brothers of the Northern Structure), commonly known as the Northern Structure.
153
To join, the candidate must commit a murder under orders. The sponsor knows the culprit, and
through intimidation, ensures his loyalty.
154
Along with the Bamboo Union, the Four Seas and the Pine Union.
155
Also the “Tiendaomeng.”
156
October 1986, at the Green Island Penitentiary.
157
Officially disbanded in 1999 “at the request” of the Taiwanese Minister of Justice. Taipei Times,
November 11, 2001.
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