By C1 Staff
Our last list of prison tattoos only scratched the surface of what inmates can ink onto their skin. In this next collection, we have a variety of gang tattoos and some unique artwork that may be more for display than anything.
Know a different meaning for the tattoos you see below? Let us know to help keep your brother and sister officers safe.
1. 713
‘713' tattooed on this subject’s skull represents the Houston area code. THe number ’13' stands for ‘M,’ the thirteenth letter of the alphabet, for ‘Mexican Mafia.’
2. Angel of Death
This tattoo depicts the “Angel of Death” or the “Grim Reaper.” It was found on a Sureno gang member.
3. Epaulette
This tattoo is one of the many intricate pieces of artwork that Russian inmates place on their skin. Military insignia and epaulette tattoos are used to signify criminal accomplishments or other parts of a prisoner’s history. Skulls generally designate murders.
4. CRIP
The Crips are a primarily but not exclusively African-American gang, and one of the largest in California. This tattoo shows the word ‘CRIP’ tattooed largely across a gang member’s back.
5. 276
The number ‘276' represents the second, seventh and sixth letters of the alphabet, (B, G, F) the initials for the Black Guerrilla Family.
6. Birds on Horizon
The bearer of this tattoo enjoys freedom and is escape-minded. An image of birds flying over the horizon means “I was born free and should be free.”
7. Barbed Wire
Another typical Russian tattoo, barbed wire across the forehead means a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
8. Cats
A cat tattoo is representative of a thief. One cat means they worked alone; several means they were part of a gang. A cat tattoo can also be indicative of an inmate who does not like law enforcement, especially if worn on the chest.
9. Boot Sole
This tattoo depicts the image of a boot sole and tattooed knuckles spelling ‘SKIN.’ It represents neo-Nazi skinheads.
10. Aryan Brotherhood Knight
The letters A/B on the shield of the knight represent Aryan Brotherhood.
11. BGF Dragon
This Black Guerilla Family (BGF) tattoo displays a black dragon attacking a prison gun tower. BGF commonly use different versions of a dragon surrounding a prison tower and holding a correctional officer in its clutches.
12. Clown Face/Masks
Common among gang members, clown face or mask tattoos can have many different meanings. “Laugh now, cry later,” “play now, pay later,” and “my happy life, my sad life” are just a few. This style of tattoo is popular among Latin and Asian gang members.
13. Chinese Characters
These Chinese characters translate to ‘LATIN’ and ‘KING.’ The Latin Kings are also known as the Almighty Latin King Nation.
14. Black Hand of Death
This tattoo is of the ‘Black Hand of Death,’ a symbol known to be used by the Mexican Mafia.
15. Asian Gang Dragon
Tattooing in Asian cultures is seen as a defilement of the body -- however, someone who tattoos himself is not necessarily a gang member. Tattoos in Hong Kong tend to depict animals, like snakes, dragons, swallows and phoenixes.
Bonus: 444 tattoo
The “444" tattoo is often associated with protection, guidance, and reassurance. In numerology, the number 4 represents stability and grounding, and when repeated, it amplifies the message. Many interpret 444 as a sign that they are on the right path and supported by spiritual forces or guardian angels. It can serve as a reminder to trust in one’s journey and maintain focus during times of uncertainty. The “444" tattoo does not have a widely recognized or specific meaning within U.S. prison or gang culture.
Bonus: 5150 tattoo
The “5150" tattoo is commonly associated with mental health, referencing the California Welfare and Institutions Code 5150, which allows for the involuntary psychiatric hold of individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. In tattoo form, it can symbolize a personal struggle with mental illness, a rebellious identity, or a sense of embracing one’s perceived madness. For some, it represents resilience and survival through mental health challenges. The number 5150 is not widely associated with prison gangs or coded inmate communication in the U.S. prison system.
This article, originally published October 24, 2014, has been updated with a video, tattoo images and additional resources.