Gang Activity in Georgia

Georgia's gang problem is unusual. Many gangs in Georgia are hybrid gangs (made up of members from different ethnic backgrounds) and are not nationally affiliated. These gangs sometimes call themselves Bloods but use symbolism from other gangs. Gangs composed primarily of Caucasians sometimes take the name and exhibit the symbols of nationally affiliated Hispanic or African American gangs. African American gangs are being challenged by an increasing number of Hispanic gangs as they attempt to carve out a niche in Georgia's drug trade. There is growing conce over the increased presence of older, more experienced gang members from Chicago and Los Angeles such as 30- to 40-year-old members of the 18th Street gang, a prominent Hispanic gang based in Los Angeles. Local law enforcement street gang units believe this growing presence to be an initial stage of organization and an attempt to affiliate well-organized street gangs with loosely organized gangs in the state. Law enforcement officials report that most violent crimes committed by gang members result from protecting turf or settling drug debts.

Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) have a limited presence in Georgia. Georgia law enforcement authorities report that OMGs are not as active in Georgia as they are in surrounding states, although law enforcement authorities report that OMGs occasionally produce and distribute methamphetamine in Georgia. In addition, members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club transport methamphetamine produced in Mexico, Califoia, and southweste states into Georgia, primarily to the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Bloods and Crips

Bloods and Crips are two of the largest and most violent associations of criminal street gangs in the United States. The membership of both gangs is primarily African American. Both gangs are a collection of structured and unstructured gangs commonly known as sets. Generally, gang sets are established by an entrepreneurial individual who runs the set and recruits members to distribute drugs, primarily cocaine. Bloods and Crips distribute drugs in Califoia and many other states including Georgia. Although Bloods and Crips sets are located throughout the United States, not all gangs that claim to be Bloods and Crips are affiliated with the Los Angeles-based Bloods and Crips. Bloods and Crips embrace the principles of individualism, loyalty to their own members, and violence against other gangs. The gangs harbor deep hatred toward each other and each considers the other a rival. The two gangs will, however, cooperate in criminal ventures for profit.

Gangster Disciples

Gangster Disciples is the largest of the Chicago-based street gangs and its membership is primarily African American. This gang has been in existence since the early 1960s, and its organizational hierarchy resembles that of a corporation. The gang distributes illegal drugs, primarily crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, throughout the Chicago area, usually in low-income areas on the south and west sides of the city, and in over 40 other states including Georgia.

La Gran Familia

La Gran Familia is one of the primary Hispanic street gangs in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Its members distribute cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine and engage in violent criminal activity including assault, auto theft, drive-by shooting, and homicide. In Atlanta La Gran Familia is an alliance of predominantly Hispanic street gangs. Gangs identified with La Gran Familia alliance in Atlanta include Vatos Locos, Pachucos, Latin Kings, Riverside, 18th Street, East Side Locos, La Raza, Aztecas, and Matildos 13.

Latin Kings

Latin Kings, also known as Almighty Latin Kings Nation, is a predominantly Hispanic street and prison gang with two major factions: one in Chicago and one in the northeast. These gangs started as social groups in Hispanic communities but later evolved into criminal groups that distribute drugs and commit violent crimes. Latin Kings is a highly structured gang that relies on strict, detailed charters to maintain discipline. Chicago-based Latin Kings, affiliated with People Nation, is the foundation for all other Latin Kings gangs. The gang has expanded throughout the nation including into Georgia. Latin Kings members in the Atlanta metropolitan area reportedly have ties to Latin Kings in New York.

Sureños 13

Sureños 13 is a major Hispanic street gang in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Its members distribute cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine. They also commit assault, auto theft, drive-by shooting, and homicide. Law enforcement reports indicate that Sureños 13 in Atlanta identifies itself as a gang rather than an alliance of gangs as does Sureños 13 in Southe Califoia. There are no reports to indicate that Sureños 13 in Atlanta is associated with the Sureños 13 alliance of gangs in Southe Califoia.

Vice Lords

Vice Lords, one of the largest and most violent associations of criminal street gangs in the United States, is based in Chicago. Its membership is predominantly African American. Vice Lords is split among major factions such as the Conservative Vice Lords, Traveling Vice Lords, and Four Coer Hustlers. Each faction has a distinct membership and leadership. Vice Lords distributes drugs, principally crack cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and some heroin, in Chicago and other states including Georgia.