Unauthorized andor Inappropriate Tattoos and Symbols

1
Unauthorized and/or Inappropriate Tattoos and
Symbols

• What You Should Know

2
Introduction

• Extremist groups tattoos and symbols.
• Prison tattoos.
• Numerical tattoos
• Controversial tattoos and symbols
• How should MEPS handle the issue of tattoos
• NOTE Most tattoos and symbols identified are
  considered controversial or extremist by the
• Anti-Defamation League
• Gang and prison tattoo examples are from local,
  state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
  These lists are not all inclusive.

3
Introduction (cont.)

• It is helpful to remember that many tattoos have
  a duality to them that is unique.
• Later in this presentation you will see that
  tattoos can have many different meanings. For
  instance. The SANTANA tattoo is used by many
  street gangs. It is also associated with the rock
  group.
• With regards to numerical tattoos, some have the
  same associations with other subjects.
• The tattoo NO FEAR can be a reference to
  extreme sporting life style or an extremist group
  called National Organization For European
  American Rights. Started by David Duke.

4
Introduction (cont.)

• The background of the person and the location of
  the origin of that person can help you identify
  what is or is not appropriate.
• Asking the right questions will help find the
  true meaning of the tattoos.
• Be sure of the facts.

5
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• This is one of the most popular tattoos or
  symbols for Neo-Nazi and White Supremacist
  groups.
• Known as Odins Cross (Celtic in origin) and
  represents international white pride.
• Popularized by the KKK in the 1920s.
• The display of this symbol caused a race riot in
  North Carolina in 1971.

6
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• The White Aryan Resistance (WAR). Used by
  neo-nazi and Skinhead groups in the United States
  and Europe.
• This is an anti-Semitic and racist symbol.
• Have been known to make members enlist in the
  military to recruit new members.

7
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• This tattoo is normally used by female members of
  the Skinheads (racist or non racist).
• Known as the girlfriend of a Skinhead. Also
  denotes the Skinhead women's movement.

8
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• This is another White Aryan Resistance tattoo or
  symbol.
• As a tattoo, it denotes prison time served by the
  member or a family member that has committed a
  crime for the greater good of the movement.
• Also a symbol that represents NeoNazi Skinheads

9
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• This tattoo (life rune) is taken from Norse
  Mythology. It signifies life, creation, birth, or
  renewal.
• An extremist group called The National Alliance
  uses this symbol to denote women (the giver of
  life) in the neo-nazi and white supremacist
  movements.
• Enlists women in the military for recruitment.

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Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• Extremist
• Group
• White Supreme Power.
• Note Nazi symbols

11
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• Dirty White Boys
• NOTE
• Nazi SS
• Symbols.

12
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• Silent Brotherhood
• NOTE
• Bruders Waffen
• 8 8 Heil Hitler

13
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• This is the symbol of the Hammerskin Nation. The
  crossed hammers are usually set on different
  backgrounds.
• With chapters scattered world wide, Hammerskins
  maintain that they represent the working class
  white.
• Prone to extreme violence.

14
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• General racist and neo-nazi symbol or tattoo.
• Known as Othala Rune, it expresses faith in the
  pagan religion of Odinism and was originally a
  symbol of the Vikings.
• Extremist now use it to promote Aryan heritage
  and cultural pride in Neo-Nazi and white
  Supremacist groups.

15
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• Known as the Three Sevens and the Three Bladed
  Swastika.
• Used as a symbol or tattoo to identify general
  white supremacist groups world wide.
• Tattoos may look like this or 777 will be
  tattooed on the arms.

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Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• This is a variant of the first KKK tattoo that
  was used in the early 20s. the noose is the more
  significant symbol. Represents the large amount
  of lynching of blacks that took place in the
  early part of the last century.
• Unfortunately the tattoo is becoming more popular
  with the KKK and Aryan Nation.

17
Extremist/Supremacist Groups

• SS bolts used by German special police , prison
  and concentration camp guards during WWII.
• Used in various tattoos mainly by the neo-nazi
  and racist skinheads.
• Also used in graffiti and characterizes the
  belief of these extremist groups in
  anti-Semitism, white supremacy and fascism.

18
Prison Tattoos

• This tattoo is commonplace in most state and
  federal prisons.
• Represents the Aryan Brotherhood. Denotes
  recruitment while in prison.
• Not normally seen unless prison time has been
  served by the member.

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Prison Tattoos

• The initials NLR (Nazi Low Riders) combined
  with with Nazi symbols and icons.
• This is a street and prison gang whose origins
  date back to the late 70s.
• Prone to violence and recognized as a criminal
  gang by Law Enforcement agencies.

20
Prison Tattoos

• Another nazi Low Rider tattoo. This was found on
  a prospective Army recruit.
• The swastika was superimposed after his second
  prison term.
• It is not unusual for gangs to try to enter the
  military. Gangs try to recruit military personnel
  for black market contacts and drug importing and
  sales.

21
Prison Tattoos

• The spider web design tattoo is often found on
  the arms or under the arms of racists who have
  spent time in jail.
• In some places, one apparently earns this
  tattoo by killing a Minority.
• However non-extremist may sometimes sport this
  tattoo as well, unaware of the symbology, simply
  because they like the design.

22
Prison Tattoos

• This tattoo is found on mostly Native Americans
  that have served prison time.
• Texas, Arizona and Missouri state prisons are the
  predominate facilities where this tattoo is worn.
  Used by several criminal street gangs.
• Symbolizes an Indian warrior. Each feather stands
  for a commission of a crime against white
  society. Worn on the neck or skull.
• This is another tattoo that is worn by personnel
  not knowing story behind the design.

23
Prison Tattoos

• BGF(Black Guerrilla Family).
• Combined with cross sabers, shotguns and black
  dragons taking over prison towers provide the
  back drop for this tattoo.
• This gang was started at San Quentin State prison
  in 1966 by former Black Panther, George L.
  Jackson.
• The gang has a strong political ideology that
  promotes black revolution and the overthrow of
  government.
• Members have recruited non-gang members to enter
  the military.

24
Prison Tattoos

• Member of the Black
• Gorilla family shows his tattoos of a dragon
  attacking a prison gun tower(left) and two hands
  chained over a crossed rifle an sword (right).
  Also considered a gang tattoo.

25
Prison Tattoos

• Quarter burns or cigarette burns are commonly
  found on Asian Gangsters.

26
Numerical Tattoos

• Extremist groups use numerical tattoos as a way
  to clandestinely signal their affiliation.
• Extremist groups use the number 88 to signify
  HH or Hiel Hitler. However it is also the
  positional number for a Wide Receiver in
  football. 311 signifies KKK however it also
  is a rock group with no extremist affiliation.

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Numerical Tattoos

• 14 (words)- Used as a general tattoo by white
  supremacist groups. Meaning (We must secure the
  existence of our people and a future for white
  children.)
• 88 The eighth letter of the alphabet is
  Height two times signifies HH or HIEL HITLER.
  Normally worn as a tattoo on the upper arm or
  back. Also seen on hate group flyers.
• 311- the eleventh letter of the alphabet is K.
  3 times 11KKK. Can be worn as a tattoo but is
  normally found on flyers and letters.

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Numerical Tattoos

• 100 - this is an expression of an individuals
  pure Aryan or white roots. It is common among
  white supremacists. Can be a tattoo or used as a
  saying between members of the group.
• 4/19 the anniversary date of two events
  the confrontation between the Branch Davidians
  and federal agents in Waco, Texas and the
  Oklahoma City Bombing. This date is sometimes
  used as a tattoo by anti-government hate groups.
• 4/20 Hitlers birthday. Neo-Nazis.

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Numerical Tattoos

• 18 this tattoo represents the Initials of
  Adolph Hitler. First letter of the alphabet is
  A and the eighth letter is H. The number 18
  is also used by the 18th street gang. Started in
  southern California, the gang is known for their
  extreme violence. Normally the 1 is placed on
  the right forearm and the 8 on the left
  forearm. This type of tattoo is known as
  stakes.
• 23 - Represents the 23rd letter of the alphabet.
  W used by white supremacist and skinheads.

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Gang Tattoos

• RBD Red Blood Dragons
• Prevalent in California, New York, Minnesota,
  Illinois, and Oregon.
• This tattoo is typical due to the hand made
  tattoo shape of the letters.
• You will find that the majority of these types of
  tattoos are in old English gothic letters.
• Dual tattoos on both forearms are called stakes
  meaning that he or she has been inducted into
  that gang for life

31
Gang Tattoos

• Same as the previous page but professionally
  done.
• Note the old English gothic letters

32
Gang Tattoos

• Originally Vietnamese, this tattoo denotes
  circle of friends one person protected by a
  group. Used by the Bloods, Asian Triad, and
  Gangster Disciples .

33
Gang Tattoos

• This member is affiliated with the Gangster
  Disciples.
• The number 6 is the sign of the Gangster
  Disciples.
• J-bone is the street name of the person wearing
  the tattoo.
• The rest of the tattoo is a smoking joint with a
  ghostly face portrayed - meaning that the gang
  is protective of its boundaries and harm will
  come to other gangs that cross their boundaries.

34
Gang Tattoos

• This is the more common tattoo that represents
  the Gangster Disciples
• A six pointed star represents the gang itself.
  The pitchfork at the top symbolizes the direction
  of the gang members. The cane at the bottom
  represents his support and position in the gang.

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Gang Tattoos

• Black Gangster Disciples
• NOTE
• B G D, Star,
• Pitchfork Cane theme

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Gang Tattoos

• Black Gangster Disciples
• NOTE
• 12-22-14 B G D
• (see table)

37
Gang Tattoos

• Imperial
• Gangsters
• NOTE
• I G, Star,
• and Pitchfork theme

38
Gang Tattoos

• The Santana is the Spanish pronunciation of
  Santa Ana. A Latino Gang located in Orange
  County, California.
• Santa Ana has the largest number of gangs and
  gang members in the U.S.
• This tattoo is given to most Hispanic gang
  members (regardless of which gang the member
  belong too) to signify the member was from Orange
  County, California.
• Notice the gothic letters inherent to many gangs

39
Gang Tattoos

• The Santana tattoo must be closely monitored.
  Every gang member that receives this tattoo is
  not necessarily part of a criminal gang.
• Several of these gangs support law enforcement,
  community service,and political and social
  agendas.
• But there are just as many that are considered
  criminal gangs.

40
Gang Tattoos

• This Hispanic gang member is wearing (Smile Now,
  Cry Later) tattoos. Used by many Hispanic gangs.
• The distinctive tattoos are of a Spanish soldier
  smiling on the forward part of the left shoulder
  .
• The five pointed crown located near the center of
  the arm represents the Latin Kings.
• The soldier tattoo alone does not mean he or she
  is a gang member.
• (Continued on next slide)

41
Gang Tattoos

• This is the same member with a Spanish soldier
  crying located on the right shoulder.
• All three of these tattoos must be present to be
  affiliated with this gang.
• Other gangs use this combination of tattoos
• Gang members wearing this are considered prone to
  extreme violence.

42
Gang Tattoos

• Hispanic Gangs
• Mexikanemi

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Gang Tattoos

• Latin Kings
• NOTE
• Crown Theme

44
Gang Tattoos

• Latin Kings
• NOTE
• Crown Theme

45
Gang Tattoos

• Latin
• Disciples
• NOTE
• Nazi symbol Pitchfork theme

46
Gang Tattoos

• Vice Lord Nation
• NOTE
• Star Cane theme

47
Gang Tattoos

• Multiple
• Gang
• Symbols

48
Gang Tattoos

• Multiple
• Gang
• Symbols

49
Controversial/Inappropriate Tattoos

• Most people recognize this symbol or tattoo. Its
  history has been associated with the slavery
  issues during the civil war.
• Some state capitals still fly the Stars and
  Bars.
• For military members this tattoo is just as
  controversial. Considered an extremist tattoo or
  symbol by some but not others. The question is
  Does it promote good order and discipline in the
  military?
• Many extremist groups use this tattoo or symbol
  to promote hate.

50
Controversial/Inappropriate Tattoos

• Any tattoo that can be deemed sexual in nature or
  expose sensitive body parts are no longer
  acceptable.
• This example can be covered or clothing added to
  make it acceptable.

51
Controversial/Inappropriate Tattoos

• This tattoo looks innocent enough , but ask the
  question what does this mean.
• This particular tattoo is the Chinese word for
  Hate.
• Good judgment and asking the tough questions is
  the only way to determine whether a tattoo is
  inappropriate.

52
Controversial/Inappropriate Tattoos

• This tattoo is a Celtic cross. The person wearing
  it does not know that several hate groups and
  street gangs use this tattoo to identify members.
• Though the tattoo is conservative it may or may
  not be inappropriate

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Controversial/Inappropriate Tattoos

• Again the Celtic cross is in use. The circular
  pattern in the center of the cross is associated
  with the KKK.
• The satanic theme may be perceived as a gang
  tattoo.
• Again the person does not realize the meaning of
  this tattoo.
• This is an example of a non-conservative tattoo.

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Tattoos and their Meaning

• Clock faces without hands.........
  ...........Doing timeTombstones with numbers on
  them.............The years they were
  insideTombstones with numbers and
  rip.............Mourning the death of a
  friendSpider or cobb webs on elbows or
  shoulders....................................
  Doing timeEight balls............................
  .........................Behind the eight
  ball or bad luckOne laughing face, one crying
  face.......Play now, pay later or my happy life,
  my sad lifeSWP...................................
  ........................................Sup
  reme white powerPeckerwood.......................
  ....................................White
  pride ( males )Featherwood.......................
  ........................................Whit
  e pride ( females )Viking themes.................
  ........................................Commo
  n Caucasian tattoosGranite block
  walls.......................................
  .......Time in Old Folsom Prison100
  pure......................................
  .....................Pure white or AngloCell
  window with sun or bird showing.............
  ..................Waiting to get outFace of
  female crying.......................Has
  someone on the outside waitingSUR................
  .............................................
  ..............................SouthernerNortean
  o............................................
  ............................................North
  ernerPrison block wall with bricks falling
  outward................................Inside
  wanting to get out
• This is a list of the most common type of
  tattoos. List is not all inclusive. 

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Handling the Issue

• Ask the applicant when and where the tattoo came
  from and its meaning.
• Location and background of the tattoo will help
  you identify gang and prison tattoos.

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MEPS EVALUATIONMR 40-1 para 7-8 o (dated 26 Sep
2002)

• o. Item 37 Identifying body marks, scars,
  tattoos.
• (1)  Annotate comments on clinically significant
  scars, their location and reason (i.e., surgical,
  non-surgical). Scars are particularly significant
  when they cross joint lines, especially on flexor
  surfaces or where full extension or flexion is
  compromised or may lead to tissue breakdown and
  ulceration. Plantar and palmar scars are
  disqualifying if symptomatic. Annotate clinically
  significant scars and tattoos on
• DD Form 2808, items 37 and 44. Pay particular
  attention to scars, burn and skin-graft scars on
  the feet, ankles, waist, and shoulders which are
  likely to interfere with military training and
  wearing military clothing or equipment.
• (2)  Tattoos or body piercing are only medically
  disqualifying if associated with a disqualifying
  medical conditions such as scarring, infection,
  or an underlying psychiatric disorder such as
  antisocial personality disorder. In the absence
  of associated medical conditions, questionable or
  offensive tattoos should be referred to the
  appropriate service liaison.

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FINAL Review

• Extremist groups tattoos and symbols.
• Prison tattoos.
• Numerical tattoos
• Controversial tattoos and symbols.
• How should MEPS handle the issue when we spot
  them.

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CONCLUSION

• Supremacist and hate group tattoos are relatively
  easy to spot. Gang and prison tattoos are an ever
  changing subject.
• Caution must be exercised when determining
  appropriate or inappropriate tattoos. The
  applicant may not know the tattoos full meaning
  .
• If in doubt, check with the Service Liaison.