Tips & Tricks

15 Prison Tattoos and Their Meanings

In the complex world of corrections, understanding inmate behavior is crucial for maintaining safety within prison walls.
15 Prison Tattoos and Their Meanings
Send to

In the complex world of corrections, understanding inmate behavior is crucial for maintaining safety within prison walls. Tattoos serve as visual markers, offering insights into an inmate’s affiliations, beliefs, and even criminal history. By deciphering the meanings behind these tattoos, correctional staff can enhance their situational awareness and better protect themselves and their colleagues. Here are 15 prison tattoos and their associated meanings:

1. The 1488 Tattoo: Symbol of White Supremacy

The number 1488, or its components 14 and 88, commonly adorns white supremacist inmates. Originating from a quote by Nazi leader David Lane, this tattoo signifies a commitment to racial purity and the ideals of Nazism. Understanding its significance can help identify potential threats within the inmate population.

2. The Cobweb: Sign of Incarceration

A cobweb tattoo often indicates a lengthy prison term, reflecting the notion of being trapped, much like prey in a spider’s web. Typically found on elbows, it symbolizes prolonged confinement and a sense of entrapment within the criminal justice system.

3. The Teardrop: Mark of Violence or Loss

Among the most recognizable prison tattoos, the teardrop’s meaning varies regionally. It can signify a long prison sentence, a history of violence, or even mourning for a lost comrade. Recognizing its diverse interpretations is essential for gauging an inmate’s background and potential risk factors.

4. The Five-Point Crown: Emblem of Gang Affiliation

Sported by members of the Latin Kings gang, the five-point crown symbolizes allegiance to one of the largest Hispanic gangs in the U.S. Its presence, often accompanied by the acronym ALKN, serves as a clear indicator of gang affiliation and potential involvement in criminal activities.

5. The Three Dots: Representation of “Mi Vida Loca”

A ubiquitous prison tattoo, the three dots signify a life of chaos and unpredictability. While not tied to a specific gang, it reflects a broader adherence to the gang lifestyle and its inherent risks. Understanding its significance aids in identifying individuals entrenched in the criminal subculture.

6. The Clock With No Hands: Symbol of Incarceration

Depicting a clock without hands, this tattoo metaphorically represents the timeless nature of imprisonment. Often worn by those serving lengthy sentences, it serves as a stark reminder of time lost within the confines of the penal system.

7. Aryan Brotherhood Tattoos: Markings of Hate and Violence

Recommended Article A woman went shopping and, at the checkout, opened her purse to pay.

Tattoos associated with the Aryan Brotherhood, including swastikas and SS bolts, denote allegiance to one of the most notorious prison gangs. Recognizing these symbols is crucial, as members are often responsible for a disproportionate amount of violence behind bars.

8.Norteño Tattoos: Affiliation with Northern California Gangs

Representing the Nuestra Familia gang, Norteño tattoos symbolize allegiance to Hispanic gangs in Northern California. Understanding these markings aids in distinguishing between rival factions and mitigating potential conflicts within correctional facilities.

9. La Eme Tattoos: Sign of Mexican Mafia Influence

La Eme, or the Mexican Mafia, wields considerable influence within the prison system. Its symbols, such as the letter M, serve as identifiers for members of this powerful criminal organization. Awareness of these tattoos is essential for countering their illicit activities.

10. MS 13 Tattoos: Emblem of Ruthless Criminality

Originating from El Salvador, MS 13 tattoos signify membership in one of the most notorious gangs in the U.S. Their presence, often in prominent locations, underscores the gang’s pervasive influence and propensity for violence.

11. Playing Cards: Sign of a Gambler

Tattoos depicting playing cards or card suits indicate an inmate’s affinity for gambling. In addition to recreational activities, they may also symbolize a willingness to take risks and embrace uncertainty—a trait prevalent in the criminal underworld.

12. EWMN: Representation of Aggression

The acronym EWMN, meaning “Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty,” conveys a sense of menace and hostility. Found on the knuckles of some inmates, it serves as a warning to others and highlights the individual’s confrontational demeanor.

13. Cross on the Chest: Symbol of Criminal Authority\

In Russian prisons, a cross tattooed on the chest signifies a “Prince of Thieves,” denoting a high-ranking figure within the criminal hierarchy. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential for grasping the dynamics of inmate social structures.

Have you read them?

Behavior: My cat is rubbing and scratching against me… What does it mean?

Selena Gomez Reacts to Idea of Martin Short and Steve Martin Officiating Nuptials, Reveals Her Wedding-Day Demand

Rare facts about the astonishing Melanie Griffith

Before buildings shake and collapse due to earthquakes, these 4 animals will send you these signs

News Feed

30.03.2025 17:59 Joke

A woman went shopping and, at the checkout, opened her purse to pay.

30.03.2025 17:54 Health

What does numbness and tingling in your limbs mean? Here are some serious causes of this feeling

30.03.2025 17:49 Spotlight

Find 6 differences

30.03.2025 17:45 Stories

A 2-Year-Old Boy’s Remains Were Found a Year Ago. His Grandparents Have Just Been Arrested on Suspicion of Murder: Reports

30.03.2025 17:41 Celebrities

The Sprouse Twins today: Inside their life now, at 30

30.03.2025 17:35 Animals

Behavior: My cat is rubbing and scratching against me… What does it mean?

30.03.2025 17:32 Celebrities

Selena Gomez Reacts to Idea of Martin Short and Steve Martin Officiating Nuptials, Reveals Her Wedding-Day Demand

30.03.2025 17:26 Celebrities

Rare facts about the astonishing Melanie Griffith

30.03.2025 17:16 Life&Style

Before buildings shake and collapse due to earthquakes, these 4 animals will send you these signs

30.03.2025 17:12 Celebrities

Vet Says Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Dog Did Not Die of Hantavirus, May Have Starved to Death

30.03.2025 17:07 Celebrities

Claudia Cardinale: Here’s what the Italian film icon looks like at 86

30.03.2025 17:02 Health

10 Foods That Prevent and Fight Can.cer

29.03.2025 17:57 Stories

After Dad Passed Away, My Stepmother Barred Me by Changing the Locks—A Move My Father Had Predicted

29.03.2025 17:55 Joke

An elderly married couple had just settled into bed

29.03.2025 17:51 Spotlight

The One Chain That Decides It All: Can You Guess Which Breaks to Make the Brick Fall?

29.03.2025 17:48 Celebrities

Elon Musk Sells X in $33 Billion Deal to His AI Startup Almost 3 Years After Rebranding Twitter

29.03.2025 17:35 Celebrities

Hulk Hogan’s Ex-Wife Linda Claims Their Daughter Brooke Is a ‘Narcissist’ as She Alleges Mental and Verbal Abuse as a Child

29.03.2025 17:29 Spotlight

People who have this line on their hand are very special.

29.03.2025 17:24 Spotlight

Spot 7 Differences

29.03.2025 17:15 Celebrities

Jennifer Coolidge Reveals How The White Lotus Has ‘Really Upped’ Her Dating Game

29.03.2025 17:11 Celebrities

Southern Charm’s Craig Conover Is Dating Dak Prescott’s Ex Natalie Buffett After Paige Split

29.03.2025 17:07 Tips & Tricks

More and more people are using the toilet facing forward, for 10 surprising reasons

29.03.2025 17:02 Items

You’ll Never Guess What This Vintage Car Part Really Is – Only True Gearheads Know

29.03.2025 16:51 News

Four Texas cops take their own lives in six weeks

29.03.2025 16:45 Cooking

Over 200 People Are Killed By The “World’s Deadliest Food” Every Year, But Almost 500 Million People Still Eat It

29.03.2025 16:36 Celebrities

Young Scooter Dead At 39 After Being Hospitalized

29.03.2025 16:28 Health

The vitamin the body lacks when legs and bones are painful

28.03.2025 22:31 Stories

Asthma can be fatal: Remembering Ryan Gibbons

28.03.2025 22:25 Animals

World’s most mysterious shark that lives for 400 YEARS found lurking in UK – and could hold key to extending human life

28.03.2025 22:20 Health

You are doing it all wrong. Here’s the right time to eat everything

Exit mobile version