Motorcycle Gangs
Essay Preview: Motorcycle Gangs
Report this essay
Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
In the late 1940s outlaw motorcycle gangs were formed. These groups made up of veterans from World War 2, which overtime as the numbers grew they became organized and sophisticated. In the beginning there was about 800 motorcycle gangs, which eventually emerged together into four powerful groups. These groups were called the Hells Angles, the Outlaws, the Pagans and the Bandidos. The Pagans were the only group that didnt expand their organization over seas.
Outlaw Motorcycle gangs have become crime units that are very capable and well organized like the Mafia. There is documented evidence in federal court that these gangs have become organized crime equal to the Mafia. Also OMG have organized units throughout Europe, Australia, South America and Africa, and they export from the crime group. The American based motorcycle gangs use their network to spread criminal activity overseas. In moving outside the U.S. OMG make a better international criminal connection through the Italian Mafia and Columbian Cartels.
Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs have written constitutions by laws and a hierarchical structure of leadership. They must attend meetings to confirm locality and pay dues. If the members dont follow these rules they are punished with a fine or even murder depending on the situation. Other characteristics of the motorcycle gangs have gang logos “colors” and the gang meetings are sometimes referred to as “church”.
The gangs criminal activities arent just distribution of illegal drugs, possession and illegal sale of firearms motor vehicle theft and crimes of violence. They are involved in different criminal activities. Other enterprises of these gangs are extortion, arson for profit, prostitution, robbery, bombings, mail fraud, and the take over of legal businesses in order to lauder money. Their philosophy is to have a good time no matter what it takes or what laws are broken. Each member is very loyal to each other and everyone shares the same philosophy. An example of a philosophy used by a biker gang is “if your brother is standing next to you would you give half of what you have in your pocket? If he is hungry would you give him half of what is on your plate?” This is the loyalty the members show each other in the gang. If you wouldnt share you wouldnt be able to become a member of an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, and they say you should walk away.
In the 1960s the motorcycle gangs thrived because the illegal drug activity. Law Enforcement didnt believe the drug methamphetamine was a threat and the gangs took advantage of the situation. Outlaw Motorcycle gangs control Forty percent of the entire U.S. methamphetamine supply. Today the illegal market is not as good as it once was due to Law Enforcement directing their force to the market. Biker Gangs soon become targets and prosecutors were brought up against key members. After the law crackdown on these members a low profile was maintained.
Members of these groups used colors to show their allegiance. These colors where shown while traveling on major highways. Colors are the official uniform of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. The colors are usually denim or leather jackets, which has an official patch or insignia on the back and an assortment of patches and pins. In the past there were colors for members rank, which identified that was involved in drugs, sexual exploits or simply bear the initials of an anti-social statement. The colors also worn by OMG members show pride in his motorcycle. The motorcycle in which they ride must be American made with at least a 99cc engine. Motorcycles represent the bikers “mystique” of free living and recklessness. In 1984 the U.S. Marshals service stated weapons are common for OMG members. The studies showed the guns are hidden within the “colors” meaning in the boots and bellybands or any other place were they could be concealed.
Some of the colors worn by OMG is the number “13” which is a patch worn on an outlaw members colors, symbolizing that the biker either smokes marijuana, deals in it, or has contact for methamphetamine. “666” which is a patch worn on an outlaw members colors, or tattoo, symbolizing the mark of Satan. “69” which is a patch worn on an outlaw members, colors, or tattoo, symbolizing that the wearer has committed cunnilingus or fellatio with witness present. F.T.W. Standing for “Fuck the world” these initials are found on membership cards, as tattoos, and are patches or pins on colors.
By the 1980s the FBI recognized motorcycle gangs as an important step in its crime program just behind La Cosa Nostra. Federal agencies joined with state and local police to arrest and convict members of major outlaw motorcycle gangs. As the law enforcements actions grew stronger the gang members hired attorneys to fight federal prosecutors and multi-agency task forces. Some gangs members thought longer sentence were good because they learned better criminal techniques from other prisoners. Long sentences gave them a new look on criminal careers because of the better education on the world of crime and making new contracts.
Women also are Outlaw Motorcycle gang members. They are considered to be playthings and property. They are forced to prostitutes or street level drug traffickers, and are sexual and physically abuse. Outlaw bikers buy sell trade or give away women. Selling drugs taught the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs supply and demand. Men pay men to buy a space between the womens legs and the women works. Women are a piece of property. Why do women go with a biker if they are treated this way? It is because they are hungry, feel safe in a crowed or need a warm place to sleep. Some girls like freedom from responsibility. The unloved and homeless confuse sex with affection and cherish the arms that hold them. Women sometimes value an Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs because of the daily income. She gives all her money to the man. Other jobs that the women might have are massage parlors, topless bars, cocktail lounges and strip clubs. Women also use their sexuality to get information. They can work in the state or country officers where they have access to birth certificates, drivers licenses, and other useful documentations. Police records telephone operators and welfare officers also can be useful. Some women are called mama or sheep. These women anyone can have sex with and is expected to consent to the sexual desires of anyone at anytime. Some clubs let these women where color with the inscription “property of club” name embroidered on back. Another name for woman is “old lady” these are wives or steady girlfriends