International Journal on Criminology Volume 3, Number 2, Fall 2015 | Page 59

International Journal on Criminology
D - Code of Conduct
All prison gangs operate under a more or less formal code of conduct with rules
given the status of “philosophical” principles. Adherence to this code is always
manifested by a solemn oath of loyalty.
In the US, not all prison gangs have adopted the same model. The Marxist-
Leninist Black Guerrilla Family is probably the most politicized US prison gang. The
objectives of the BGF are “to eradicate racism, fight to maintain dignity in prison and
overthrow the government.” The BGF demands an oath of loyalty inspired by both
Mao Zedong and the Bible, glorifying brotherhood and giving special status to group
cohesion. 163
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If I should ever break my stride, and falter at my comrades’ side, This oath will kill me. If ever my
world should prove untrue, should I betray this chosen few, This oath will kill me. Should I be slow to
take a stand, should I show fear to any man, This oath will kill me. Should I grow lax in discipline, or
in time of strife, refuse my hand, This oath will kill me. Long live comrade George Jackson! Long live
the Black Guerrilla Family
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With reference to the letter “N,“14th letter of the alphabet, for North.
1. All Nortenos will strive for a better education, respect and social status of equality. This includes
and goes beyond acquiring any incentives and privileges to which an inmate is entitled.
2. All Nortenos will take a strong positive attitude toward aiding and assisting all those of
Latindescent, as well as any other minority group worthy of our cause. It is our duty to work
together in harmony and unite those forces in alliance with us to reach our set goals.
3. All Nortenos will do everything within their reach and capability to acquire mainline status,
for these are the grounds we must secure for our fellow Nortenos and all those who live for the
cause to have a strong establishment pinta to go to, without the threat or interference of the
opposition.
4. In order to continue our struggle with far less difficulties, there shall be no tolerance created by
internal confrontation, individualism or homeboy favouritism. No Norteno will spread false
rumors or negative gossip about a fellow Norteno, and at no time will a Norteno attempt to take
advantage of, or disrespect, a fellow Norteno’s ruca or familia. To do so will result in serious
repercussions.
5. All Nortenos will acknowledge and respect the authority in charge at all times. No Norteno will
feel inferior to one who holds rank or position. Nor will a Norteno holding rank or a position of
some type feel superior to his fellow Nortenos because of his status.
6. And all data pertaining to a new arrival shall be reported through its proper channels
immediately. See Household Procedures, especially that which endangers a life or is contrary to
the cause.
7. At no time will a Norteno endanger the life of a fellow Norteno. There shall be no fighting
amongst Nortenos, nor shall any cowardice dealing with the K-9 or enemy be tolerated. To do so
will be dealt with accordingly.
8. No Norteno will lie or boast about his status. Be he rank or file, he will pay high regard to his
physical and mental wellbeing and will always strive to better himself and become more aware
and educated in all aspects relevant to the accomplishment of our set goals.
9. Should a Norteno be transferred from one facility to another, it is his sole duty to establish a
branch in in union to procedures set henceforth and work hand-in-hand with other Nortenos at
said facility and in parallel with other pintas.
10. Every chapter and stronghold of Nortenos will keep track of all enemies and enemy activities
behind enemy lines.
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