Security Threat Group Unit

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The Security Threat Group Unit collects information and intelligence on prison gang members and validates inmates as being members of prison gangs.

What is a Security Threat Group?

Any organization, club, association or group of individuals, either formal or informal (including traditional prison gangs), that may have a common name or identifying symbol, and whose members engage in activities that include, but are not limited to planning, organizing, threatening, financing, soliciting, committing or attempting to commit unlawful acts that would violate the Department's written instructions, which detract from the safe and orderly operations of prisons.

Frequently Used Terminology


"AIMS": Adult Information Management System
"GRITS": Gang Related Inmate Tracking System
"S": Suspect- Have at least 2 points of validation criteria evidence
"V": Validated - Validated member with 10 or more points
"D": Debriefed
"STG Unit": Investigations staff
"SSU": Special Services Unit. Uniformed staff on unit level that monitor STG activity
"SSU Lt": Complex Lt. Coordinating SSU's collection of STG validation evidence on STG members
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STG Earmarks

  • Bylaws or a Constitution: Usually will include a "Blood In/Blood Out" rule
  • Tattoos, logos, symbolism: Members will display STG specific tattoo.
  • Drawings (art work, graffiti) of STG specific symbols will be found
  • Rank Structure; Council system, La Mesa (The Table), Military type rank system, One Man Leadership, etc
  • Membership Rosters
  • Leaders, members, probates, associates, wannabes, dropouts, debreifers (defectors), & enemies
  • May develop a "hit list"
  • Will usually establish "missions" for members and/or probationary members to follow inside/outside of prison
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Membership Validation Criteria

  • Self admission = 5 pts
  • Tattoos = 7 pts
  • Symbolism = 2 pts
  • Documents = 5 pts
  • Publications = 1 pt
  • Authorship = 7 pts
  • Court Records = 9 pts
  • Group Photos = 2 pts
  • Association = 2 pts
  • Contacts = 2 pts
  • C/I/ Information = 2 pts
  • Membership = 9 pts
  • Other Agencies = 8 pts
  • Media = 5 pts
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Security Threat Groups

STGs Certified STGs Monitored



 STG Artwork and Tattoos
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Associated Sites

You may find these sites on the web helpful in furthering your understanding of gangs and security threat groups:

National Major Gang Task Force page. National Level Gang Investigators Association. Listing of State leadership. An excellent contact source
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Contact ADC's STG Unit

You may contact the Arizona Department of Corrections STG Unit at:

Arizona Department of Corrections
Security Threat Group Unit
Mail Code 930
1831 W. Jefferson
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Tel. (602) 771-2100 ext. 324

email:
azprisongangs@hotmail.com