15 Prison Tattoos and Their Meanings

Introduction
The complex world of corrections presents unique challenges, with the safety and security of both inmates and staff at the forefront of every decision. One crucial aspect of maintaining order within prison walls is the ability to understand the visual markers that inmates use to convey their affiliations, beliefs, and even criminal histories.

Tattoos, in particular, serve as powerful symbols that can offer valuable insights to correctional officers. By deciphering the meanings behind these intricate designs, staff can enhance their situational awareness and better protect themselves and their colleagues from potential threats or incidents.

In the following sections, we will explore 15 common prison tattoos and their associated meanings, providing a glimpse into the complex language that inmates use to communicate and assert their identities within the confines of the prison system.

1. Teardrops
Teardrops are one of the most well-known and recognizable prison tattoos. These small, simple designs can hold a variety of meanings, including:

  • Commemorating a loved one who has passed away
  • Signifying the number of people the wearer has killed
  • Indicating the wearer has been the victim of sexual assault

2. Spider Web
spider web tattoo on the elbow or neck can signify the wearer’s involvement in the white supremacist movement or their time spent in prison.

3. Five-Point Star
The five-point star is a versatile tattoo that can represent a variety of affiliations, such as:

  • Membership in the Sureños gang
  • Identification as a Mexican Mafia member
  • A general symbol of power and authority within the prison hierarchy

4. Barbed Wire
Barbed wire tattoos, often placed around the arm or neck, can symbolize the wearer’s time spent incarcerated and their perceived entrapment within the prison system.

5. Hands Holding Cigarettes
This tattoo design, featuring a pair of hands holding lit cigarettes, can signify the wearer’s addiction to nicotine or their ability to obtain contraband items while incarcerated.

6. Clocks Without Hands
clock without hands tattoo is a common symbol used by inmates to represent the endless nature of their sentences and the feeling of being trapped in a timeless void.

7. Praying Hands
Praying hands tattoos can indicate the wearer’s religious devotion, their desire for redemption, or their belief in a higher power to guide them through their incarceration.

8. Three Dots
The three dot tattoo, also known as the “mi vida loca” or “my crazy life” tattoo, can signify the wearer’s involvement in the Chicano gang lifestyle.

9. Cross with a Face
cross with a face tattoo is often associated with the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist prison gang, and can represent the wearer’s commitment to their racist ideology.

10. Swastika
The swastika, a symbol with a long and complex history, is often used by white supremacist inmates to display their hateful beliefs and affiliations.

11. Inmate Number
An inmate number tattoo, sometimes accompanied by the letters “IDOC” (for “Illinois Department of Corrections”), can indicate the wearer’s acceptance of their criminal identity and their time spent in the prison system.

12. Tear Drop with a Face
tear drop with a face tattoo can signify that the wearer has committed murder, with the number of tears corresponding to the number of lives they have taken.

13. Spiderwebs on the Elbows
Spiderwebs on the elbows are a common tattoo among inmates who have spent a significant amount of time in solitary confinement or who have been incarcerated for an extended period.

14. Five-Pointed Crown
five-pointed crown tattoo is often associated with the Latin Kings, a prominent Hispanic street gang, and can indicate the wearer’s membership or affiliation with the organization.

15. Playing Cards
Playing card tattoos, such as the ace of spades or the joker, can symbolize the wearer’s gambling habits, their disregard for authority, or their involvement in illicit activities within the prison environment.

Conclusion
Deciphering the complex visual language of prison tattoos is a vital skill for correctional officers, as it can provide invaluable insights into the affiliations, beliefs, and criminal histories of inmates. By understanding the meanings behind these intricate designs, staff can enhance their situational awareness, improve their ability to identify potential threats, and ultimately, ensure the safety and security of both inmates and personnel within the corrections system.

Related Posts

The Atlantic Ocean is cooling down at a record speed and scientists don’t know why

The ocean’s surface temperatures have reached a strange low for this time of year A strange anomaly is going on in the Atlantic Ocean, and experts can’t…

My Parents Denied Me My Inheritance Because I’m a Girl — Now I’m Ready to Fight

Anika, 28, has always been someone her friends and family could count on for sound advice. Whether it was relationship troubles, career dilemmas, or just the daily…

I Won’t Allow My Husband’s Daughter to Move In Unless She Follows My Rules

Emily never wanted to share a home with her husband’s teenage daughter. However, when the daughter asked to move in, Emily felt obligated to say yes. She agreed, insisting that her stepdaughter…

‘Dancing With the Stars’ icon passed away today

Len Goodman has died at the age of 78. He was a judge on “Dancing With the Stars.” The English dancer, who competed in the ballroom competition…

Actor Passes Away at 79

Welcome or back to wowstorry.com, the site that tries every day to help you with as much information as possible. If these are useful to you, don’t…

Stories About Everyday Heroes Without Capes

In today’s world, where many people focus on themselves, even small acts of kindness can seem special. It feels good to help someone you know or even…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *