As you navigate your neighborhood, tattoos can tell more than just personal stories. In a rising trend, gangs are spreading beyond major cities, necessitating awareness to safeguard your community. Gangs utilize tattoos to signify membership and territorial influence, making it crucial to recognize these symbols for personal safety.

One recognizable tattoo is the “14” or “88,” representing the neo-Nazi Aryan Brotherhood—a sign of affiliation with a formidable prison gang. Another, the Spiderweb Tattoo on the elbow, indicates prison time and gang protection. Teardrop Tattoos signify gang-related murders, with varied meanings. The “Three Dots” Tattoo represents a chaotic gang lifestyle, while the more perilous “Five-Dots” Tattoo indicates substantial prison history.

The “MS” Tattoo ties to the notorious MS-13 gang, known for random violent attacks. Awareness of these tattoos becomes a vital tool for personal and familial safety. Given recent challenges faced by police departments, understanding signs of gang activity is now more critical than ever. Stay vigilant, as awareness can be a life-saving measure against the rising influence of gangs.