Or at the opposite end of the spectrum, the initiation may require the individual to endure some hardship that will cause pain. Street and prison gangs certainly did not invent initiation rites as a requirement to belong to the gang but they certainly have expanded initiation requirements. Gangs use the initiation rite as a means of determining if the inductee is mentally and physically strong enough to be worthy of membership. Prison gangs not wanting law enforcement agencies to try and infiltrate the gang by placing an informant or undercover agent in the group, generally require a prospective member to murder or seriously assault someone in the prison. Theoretically, if he has killed someone, he will not reveal to the authorities, other acts of violence he may know about or witness.
Street gangs use a variety of acts of initiation to induct an individual into full membership.
During this act the members use fists, kicks and stomps, or even clubs to beat the new member. It is also, in many cases, an act of extreme violence. The new member at best may survive with broken ribs, cuts and contusions or maybe a broken jaw. However the beating can be so severe that the person could suffer permanent injury or even death. Blessed In - Occasionally, a prospective gang member will not have to endure any of the normal gang initiation rituals.