Individuals taking part in this type of behavior run the risk of being mistaken as a rival gang member. Tattoos may be seen as an extension of gang graffiti. Tattoos are used to identify the wearer as a member of a particular gang. Gang tattoos may include the name, initials, or symbols of the gang. Often times are responsible for organized leadership in a particular gang.
Leaders generally tend to be older members with extensive criminal backgrounds.
Often times at the local level, leadership is unstable and changes frequently. Hard-core members are subjects who are committing gang violence and narcotics trafficking in the name of the gang. These subjects are also in involved in recruitment of the younger gang members. These members are attached to the gang but are not as involved in serious criminal activity. They associate with the gang for status, recognition, and respect.