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Criminal tattoos are classified in different ways. The meaning and histories of criminal tattoos varies from country to country, and they are commonly assumed to be associated with gang membership. [1][2] They could also be a record of the wearer's personal history—such as their skills, specialties, accomplishments, incarceration, world view and/or means of personal expression.[2] Tattoos have been empirically associated with deviance, personality disorders, and criminality.[3][4] There is no direct correlation between tattoos and criminals, but we can observe the developed history of tattoos and their meanings in countries such as, Australia, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States.

History

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The art of tattooing dates back to 8000 BC when it was used as a means of identification amongst different cultures. [5] Ancient Greek and Roman histories, as well as ancient Japanese and Chinese histories possess a record of criminality being associated with tattoos, but it was not until the 16th to 18th century that this notion became more prevalent in other parts of the world. Over time, tattooing began to be used to mark prisoners and those who committed crimes, so law enforcement would be able to monitor those who disrupted and caused harm to communities. As a means of tracking criminals, noting a person's tattoos became an efficient way to document them. It provided a unique descriptor that set a criminal apart from others. [6]

Rebels and lawless individuals started to mark themselves with tattoos to signify their actions which they took pride in or identified with; this could be acts of rebellion, crimes, personal beliefs, and commitment to a certain group. [5] Convicts had knowledge of their tattoos being used to exercise more control over them, but the rebellious, individuality of tattoos proved to be more important. [6]

Italy

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Towards the end of the 19th century, Italy implemented the Bertillonage system as a means to identify criminals; this method was used to also target anyone who was a threat to social order and was deemed "suspicious". [7]

Tattoos were not only seen on criminals but it was viewed as a common trait amongst criminals within the Bertillonage system. People with tattoos were set apart from others, and it was used as evidence that they were to be seen as different in the general public. This idea was applied to perceiving someone's psyche and deducing if they are biologically inclined to criminal behavior, as higher pain tolerance, primal nature, and shameless attitudes were associated with a predisposition towards criminal behavior. [7]

Specific, identifiable tattoos are seen within organized crime. "La Stidda," a Mafia-style criminal organization in Sicily, is known for using star tattoos to identify members.[8] This small, five-point star is called a stiddari and is typically placed between the thumb and index finger on the right hand.

Japan

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Tattooed yakuza

The Edo period in Japan exemplified the strive for internal peace within the country. Tattoos started to be used to mark those who committed crimes which began the correlation between tattoos and criminals. The Meiji restoration period followed the Edo period; Japan aimed to be viewed as more civilized during this time, so tattooing grew to be deemed barbaric and was outlawed throughout the country. [9]

Yakuza, the organized crime syndicate of Japan, dates back to the 17th century and maintains a strong loyalty. A form of committing is by embracing tattoos which make them identifiable within the gang and to the public. [10]

The Yakuza's tattoos would cover large areas of the body. The tattoos could be covering arms, chest, back, and legs, but may not be visible when wearing traditional Japanese garments, such as a kimono, due to the specific placement. As a member of the Yakuza, enduring the painful process of tattooing was viewed as a declaration of loyalty and courage. [11] Modern yakuza tattoos, with common symbols and visual motifs, are noted for their similarity to current Western tattoo styles.[12] Current Yakuza have full-body tattoos, typically inked in secret by tattoo artists associated with clans. Due to a clear association between tattoo artistry and crime, the practice was shortly banned following the Meiji restoration period. During the US occupation after World War II, this law was repealed.[13]

Due to the association between the Yakuza and tattoos, the stigmatization of tattoos in Japan has become a part of their cultural norm. As the public grew more knowledgeable of criminal activity, the portrayal of gangs became more evident in popular films, so this grew a specific connotation between a tattoo on an individual and a suspected criminal association. [14] Although Yakuza membership declined after the Anti-Organized Crime Law was enacted in 1991 and enforced in 1992, the gang is still active. [9] As a means of avoiding interactions with gang members in public and the history of the association, tattooed individuals, regardless of gang affiliation, are not permitted to enter a number of establishments due to societal standards and expectations. [10]

United States

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Tattoos can commonly be found on those related to a gang, as they represent pride in their membership. The symbols and typefaces used will vary and can indicate which gang one may belong to; the location of the tattoo is also notable, as it indicates the level of exposure and potential identification one may want to have in the general public. [15]

One of the most well-known criminal tattoos is the teardrop tattoo.[16] This is more symbolic of criminal activity among West Coast gangs where a teardrop tattoo underneath the eye can indicate whether an individual committed murder or attempted murder.[17][18] Other meanings of this tattoo are indicating time spent in prison or the loss of a loved one associated with a gang. [17]

A common tattoo in American prisons for Hispanic inmates, is four dots or three dots. The dots represent that you have earned your keep in your gang. The three dots would represent the 13 of the southern gangs and the same for the northern gangs with four dots :: for 14.[19] Geographic location is commonly referred to, so another identifiable tattoo is an area code (Ex. 213 would represent Los Angeles). Hispanic gangs have a trend of using old English script and incorporating religious themes in their tattoos, as a substantial portion of members and their families are Catholic. Their tattoos are frequently larger and easily visible. [15]

Markers of the Aryan Brotherhood, a white Neo-Nazi prison gang include but are not limited to: the letters AB, Celtic imagery, and the number 666. [20] Themes of racism are evident in Aryan Brotherhood gang tattoos through white supremacist language and Nazi references. [15]

Prison Tattoos in the Unites States

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In the United States, the tattooing on criminals increased in the 1930s, and this could be attributed to tattooing in prisons. Although tattooing is highly prohibited in U.S. prisons, inmates take part and accept the disciplinary action often taken. Studies have shown that inmates would receive tattoos while serving their sentence are more extroverted; they have a sense of belonging and embrace being a prisoner. This trait is coupled with a lack of self-discipline. [5]

Since tattooing in prison is illegal in many jurisdictions, the inmates do not have the proper equipment necessary for the practice. This forces inmates to find ways to create their own tattooing devices out of their belongings. The ink used to create the tattoo requires a certain quality to appear correctly. Inmates can acquire ink a number of ways: street ink from visits or corrections officers or it could be created with a few components. Ink could be made with water, isopropyl alcohol, and black soot. Improvising meant burning various materials to acquire the soot and ingredients containing alcohol such as mouthwash. Improvised tattooing equipment has been assembled from materials such as mechanical pencils, Bic pens, radio transistors, staples, paper clips, or guitar strings. [21]

Certain tattoo designs have developed recognized coded meanings.[22] The code systems can be quite complex, and because of the nature of what they encode, the designs of criminal tattoos are not widely recognized as such to outsiders. Coded prison tattoos commonly found in North America:

  • Three dots making a triangle - typically between the thumb and forefinger [22]
  • Teardrop - under the eye; multiple meanings, commonly symbolizes committing or attempted murder [17]
  • Shamrock - no specific location on body; indicates belonging to Aryan Brotherhood [22]
    • The shamrock can include the number 12, referencing the letters "AB"
  • Area codes - no specific location on body; gang members will identify with the area code of their neighborhood or gang's location [15]
  • Spider web - typically found covering the elbow; white supremacists use this symbol to outwardly express that they have injured or killed [22]
  • Clock with no hands - symbolizes time spent in prison and serving a sentence [22]
  • The number 13 - demonstrates being a member of the Mara Salvatrucha 13 gang [22]
  • The number 14 - demonstrates being a member of the Nuestra Familia, a prison gang [22]

References

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[10] "Yakuza: Past and Present | Office of Justice Programs". www.ojp.gov. Retrieved 2024-04-11.

[14] Varese, Federico (2006-02). "The Secret History of Japanese Cinema: The Yakuza movies". Global Crime. 7 (1): 105–124. doi:10.1080/17440570600650166. ISSN1744-0572

[23] Mansfield, Stephen (January 1, 1999). "The Indelible Art of the Tattoo". Japan Quarterly. 46 (1): 11 – via ProQuest.

[9] Cole, Michael (2019-01-30). "Asia Pacific Perspectives Journal - V16No1 Fall/Winter 2018-19 - Skutlin". University of San Francisco. Retrieved 2024-04-12.

[7] Musumeci, Emilia (2018-12-31). "Against the Rising Tide of Crime: Cesare Lombroso and Control of the "Dangerous Classes" in Italy, 1861-1940". Crime, Histoire & Sociétés / Crime, History & Societies (vol. 22, n°2): 83–106.

[24] Rozycki Lozano, Alicia T.; Morgan, Robert D.; Murray, Danielle D.; Varghese, Femina (2011-06). "Prison Tattoos as a Reflection of the Criminal Lifestyle". International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology

[15] Mallon, William K.; Russell, Marie A. (1999-09). "Clinical and Forensic Significance of Tattoos". Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal. 21 (3): 21. ISSN 1931-4485

[25] "Stidda", Wikipedia, 2024-01-11, retrieved 2024-04-12

[17] "Erasing the past: tattoo-removal programs for former gang members. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2024-04-12.

[18] Smith, Brendan (2008-04-25). "Tattoo Regret". Washington City Paper. Retrieved 2024-04-12.

[5] Brady, C (September 1993). "FROM PUNISHMENT TO EXPRESSION: A HISTORY OF TATTOOS IN CORRECTIONS". Corrections Compendium. 18 (9): 1–5 – via NCJRS.

[26]Tepperman, Alex (2019). "Marked Men: Masculinity, Mobility, and Convict Tattoos, 1919–1940". Social Justice. 46 (4 (158)): 53–80. ISSN 1043-1578.

[6]Saunders, Rosie (2021-10-04). "Inked and Exiled: How Tattoo Culture Became Synonymous with Criminals in Britain". Medium. Retrieved 2024-05-01.

  1. ^ Watkins, Derrick. (2007). Gang investigations : a street cop's guide. Ashby, Richard., American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7637-3391-9. OCLC 62593583.
  2. ^ a b Introduction to criminal investigation. Birzer, Michael L., 1960-, Roberson, Cliff, 1937-. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4398-3934-8. OCLC 747385725.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  3. ^ Wesley G. Jennings; Bryanna Hahn Fox; David P. Farrington (January 14, 2014), "Inked into Crime? An Examination of the Causal Relationship between Tattoos and Life-Course Offending among Males from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development", Journal of Criminal Justice, 42 (1, January–February 2014): 77–84, doi:10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2013.12.006
  4. ^ Joshua Adams (2012), "The Relationship between Tattooing and Deviance in Contemporary Society", Deviance Today, pp. 137–145
  5. ^ a b c d Brady, C (September 1993). "FROM PUNISHMENT TO EXPRESSION: A HISTORY OF TATTOOS IN CORRECTIONS". Corrections Compendium. 18 (9): 1–5 – via NCJRS.
  6. ^ a b c Saunders, Rosie (2021-10-04). "Inked and Exiled: How Tattoo Culture Became Synonymous with Criminals in Britain". Medium. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  7. ^ a b c Musumeci, Emilia (December 31, 2018). "Against the Rising Tide of Crime: Cesare Lombroso and Control of the "Dangerous Classes" in Italy, 1861-1940". Crime, Histoire & Sociétés / Crime, History & Societies. 22 (2): 83–106. doi:10.4000/chs.2313. ISSN 1422-0857.
  8. ^ Hodapp, Christopher (2008). Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies For Dummies. Wiley Publishing. p. 292. ISBN 978-0-470-18408-0.
  9. ^ a b c Cole, Michael (2019-01-30). "Asia Pacific Perspectives Journal - V16No1 Fall/Winter 2018-19 - Skutlin". University of San Francisco. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  10. ^ a b c "Yakuza: Past and Present | Office of Justice Programs". www.ojp.gov. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  11. ^ Maruko, E (2002). "The "Underworld" Goes Underground". Harvard Asia Quarterly. 6 (3): 14–18.
  12. ^ Boyd, Oscar (2018-09-15). "'Yakuza Tattoo': Inside the secretive world of the yakuza's tattoos". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2019-07-10.
  13. ^ ""Irezumi": The Japanese Tattoo Unveiled". nippon.com. 2017-01-30. Retrieved 2019-07-10.
  14. ^ a b Varese, Federico (February 2006). "The Secret History of Japanese Cinema: The Yakuza movies". Global Crime. 7 (1): 105–124. doi:10.1080/17440570600650166. ISSN 1744-0572.
  15. ^ a b c d e Mallon, William K.; Russell, Marie A. (September 1999). "Clinical and Forensic Significance of Tattoos". Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal. 21 (3): 21. ISSN 1931-4485.
  16. ^ MacDonald, John Marshall (1987). The confession: interrogation and criminal profiles for police officers. Apache Press. p. 83. ISBN 9780961823009.
  17. ^ a b c d "Erasing the past: tattoo-removal programs for former gang members. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  18. ^ a b Smith, Brendan (2008-04-25). "Tattoo Regret". Washington City Paper. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  19. ^ Goslin, Charles (2017). Understanding Personal Security and Risk: A Guide for Business Travelers. CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-3153-5035-6.
  20. ^ "White Gang Tattoos". www.policemag.com. 7 August 2009.
  21. ^ Whidden, Calen "Wolf" (2022-10-07). "A Brief Lesson on Prison Ink". Prison Journalism Project. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g "Prison Tattoos and Their Meanings". tattoo-designs.dk. 2010 [2004]. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013.
  23. ^ Mansfield, Stephen (January 1, 1999). "The Indelible Art of the Tattoo". Japan Quarterly. 46 (1): 11 – via ProQuest.
  24. ^ Rozycki Lozano, Alicia T.; Morgan, Robert D.; Murray, Danielle D.; Varghese, Femina (June 2011). "Prison Tattoos as a Reflection of the Criminal Lifestyle". International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology. 55 (4): 509–529. doi:10.1177/0306624X10370829. ISSN 0306-624X.
  25. ^ "Stidda", Wikipedia, 2024-01-11, retrieved 2024-04-12
  26. ^ Tepperman, Alex (2019). "Marked Men: Masculinity, Mobility, and Convict Tattoos, 1919–1940". Social Justice. 46 (4 (158)): 53–80. ISSN 1043-1578.
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