The word tattoo reportedly is derived from the Tahitian word "tatu." Some believe that tattoos go back as long ago as 12,000 BC but in recorded history they can be traced back to approximately the time the great pyramids were being constructed in Ancient Egypt.
Tattoos have long been used to identify people in many cultures. The gang culture of today is no different. Gangs members use tattoos for several reasons. First, gang members will frequently have numerous tattoos, particularly if they have spent time in prison. These tattoos may include one or more symbols that the gang has adopted as something unique to identify the gang and it’s members. Other tattoos might be a tear drop under an eye, spider webs to indicate prison time, or a popular phrase such as "Thug Life." Second, tattoos are worn and used for intimidation. Many members, particularly if the gang has a propensity for violence, will have the gang name tattooed in large bold letters so that other persons or gang members will know what gang the person represents.
Wearing an unauthorized gang tattoo could be hazardous to a person’s health, particularly in prison. Prison gang inmates have been known to remove unauthorized tattoos on non-gang members by cutting the tattoo from the person’s flesh.
Teardrop Tattoo 
David Romo (right) wears a teardrop tattoo that he got at the age of 12 for gang
related activities.
Many kids today are getting them to make them appear tough or as a fashion statement.
There is one particular tattoo that has become popular over the years that has become a generic symbol for gang members and non-gang members of all races and ethnicities
--- the teardrop tattoo.
The teardrop is said to have originated with Hispanic gangs in California in the 1940's. Others have said that it originated in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Regardless of the origin, over the years, the tattoo has evolved in appearance and meaning.
Originally believed to mean that the wearer had served time in prison, teardrops now mean a variety of things. They can mean that the wearer has killed someone or that they've lost a family member or fellow gang member. They may also mean that the wearer has done, or is doing, prison time. The prison time may range from one to ten years. Also, the Folks and People Nations, two alliances of many gangs, identify everything either to their right or left
sides, respectively. The teardrop may be used by persons to identify themselves as a gang member and to show the members allegiance to one nation or the other. Additionally, and unfortunately, many of today’s youths think it is “cool” to emulate what the gangs do. It is a way of showing off for some. As a fad or fashion statement, many have begun to wear the teardrop tattoo which in some areas automatically marks them
incorrectly as a gang member. Also, some celebrities not connected with gangs, have gotten the tattoo for their own reasons.
Today there are two distinct teardrop tattoos Depending on the meaning and the
particular group, the teardrop may, or may not, be filled in. The tattoo may
simply be the outline of a teardrop and is referred to as an open teardrop. The
filled in teardrop is referred to as a closed teardrop. What means one thing to
one person may mean something totally different to someone else. What matters as
much, or more than the tattoo, is the context in which it is worn.
One thing to remember. No one can look at a teardrop tattoo and state positively that the tattoo has a specific meaning. As stated above, there are multiple meanings and only the wearer knows the reason he or she is wearing the tattoo.
Tattoos - A Law Enforcement Tool
Tattoos are an excellent tool for law enforcement and corrections officers to use to identify known or suspected gang members. During any encounter with an individual, whether he or she is a gang member or not, the officer should make every attempt to obtain as much detail as possible about an individuals tattoos. Of course the best method of doing this is to photograph the tattoos and either store them in a database or a hard file.
Share your pictures of tattoos
Do you have pictures of
gang tattoos? If you would like to share them, forward them to me
by Email.
Each picture
must have a description of what the tattoo represents as well as the
name and location of the gang that uses it. All pictures must be
original and not taken from another web site or other sources. If
submitted, the pictures may or may not be used and no pictures will be
returned.
Chicago gang tattoos
The following link is a great source for hundreds of Chicago based gang tattoos.
Gang Ink
Recognizing and interpreting tattoos
The web page link below is an excellent web site for assisting in tattoo identification:
NOTE: Sgt Ken Whitley, Corona, CA Police Department (Retired), and owner of the above web site, has an outstanding collection of tattoos on CD-ROM. These tattoo photographs are an excellent tool for identification or training. For further information click onto his web site above and scroll to the bottom of the page.
OTHER TATTOO LINKS
Asian Gangs
