Aryan Brotherhood (AB)
Gender Makeup: Male

Racial Makeup: White

Origin: Originated in 1967 in the San Quentin State Prison, California Department of Corrections.

Characteristics:

Unaffiliated splinter groups sometimes use the name of their state along with the name "Aryan Brotherhood" (e.g., Aryan Brotherhood of Texas).

Members display many white supremacist, neo-nazi characteristics and ideology, but often state their goals as simply "getting high and getting over," or making their stay in the prison as comfortable as possible.

Members are ordinarily apolitical. Most are in custody for crimes such as robbery.

Identifiers/Symbols:

Shamrock clover leaf
Initials "AB"
Swastikas
Double lighting bolts
The numbers "666"
Known to use Gaelic (old Irish) symbols as a method of coding communications
Aryan Brotherhood groups from other states often accompany the symbols mentioned above with the name of the state
Enemies/Rivals:

The AB maintains a working relationship with the Mexican Mafia (EME) and therefore opposes the EME's long-time enemy, the La Nuestra Familia (NF).

The Aryan Brotherhood has traditionally nurtured a deep hatred toward black individuals and members of black groups/gangs, such as the:

Black Guerrilla Family (BGF)
Crips
Bloods
El Rukns
Allies:

Maintains a working relationship with the Mexican Mafia (EME).

Is known to give moral support to black groups in an effort to encourage possible prison disturbances.

Utilizes black associates to buy and sell drugs to elements of the black prison population.

Compatibles with most motorcycle gangs; many members were former "Bikers."

Compatible with most white supremacy groups. This often leads to confusion in distinguishing AB members from other white supremacist groups, particularly when making identification by their tattoos or symbols.

"Copy cat" Aryan Brotherhood groups are generally tolerated by true members. However, federal and California ABs do not consider them to be legitimate and may threaten violence if AB tattoos are not burned or cut off.

Actively cooperates with the Dirty White Boys, an Anglo spin-off gang of the Texas Syndicate. Similar cooperation has been observed with the Silent Brotherhood.
Recruitment/Initiation:

Membership in the AB has traditionally come from white male inmates.
Lifelong allegiance is a requirement.
A "Blood in, blood out" oath must be taken.
Often a "hit" or significant act of violence is required before full membership is earned.
Candidacy for membership may last a year or more.
Propensity for Disruptive Behavior:

Aryan Brotherhood is not readily recognizable; however, receipt of inmates on interstate compact and the current membership in groups with white supremacy ideology lend to the threat of an organizing AB within our facilities.

Main activities of the AB are centered on drug trafficking, extortion, pressure rackets, and internal discipline.

Prison activities include introduction of contraband, distribution of drugs, and getting past facility rules and regulations.

Traditionally, targets have been non-gang inmates and internal discipline.


From 1975 to 1985, members committed 40 homicides in California prisons and local jails, as well as 13 homicides in the community.

From 1978 to 1992, AB members, suspects, and associates in the federal system were involved in 26 homicides, 3 of which involved staff victims.
Once released from custody, AB members are actively expected to continue to assist or "score" for the members remaining in prison.


http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/prison.html#ab