Gang Awareness Guide P. 2
For emergencies, call 911
09-10
The Folk Nation is a Chicago based alliance of many gangs which spread throughout the US
and Canada. Each set has its own unique colors, hand signs and organizations but have
signed a charter to join together. The Folk Nation began in 1978 within the Illinois Department
of Corrections. Generally, gangs within the Folk Nation use the six-point star, wear identifi ers
on the right side (hats, bandanas, etc) and embody the pitch fork. Folk nation rivals the
People Nation. Gang sets include Black Gangsters Disciple and Gangster Disciples.
Folk Nation:
The Mara Salvatrucha (MS) are a transnational street gang that originated in Los Angeles and are widely
spread throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and Central America. In the 1980s, Salvadorian immigrants
banded together to protect themselves from already established gangs in the Pico-Union neighborhoods.
They later aligned with the Mexican Mafi a who protected MS members in prison and
adopted the “13” as a tribute. MS associates with “MS”, “MS13” and “Mara”. MS
typically represents themselves with blue and white (El Salvadorian fl ag colors) but
also includes other colors depending on the sub-set or faction. While aligned with
Sureños, MS13 sets do have confl icts with Sureños but more often fi ght with Norteños.
Mara Salvatrucha (MS13):
Newest to the world of street gangs, the Insane Clown Posse (ICP) originated as fans of the Detroit born
horrorcore band the Insane Clown Posse (Psychopathic Records Label). Band members,
Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler), attest they do not promote
the gang persona. In a live performance, Bruce addressed the audience as “Juggalos”
which stuck as a name for male members. Females are called “Juggaletts”. ICP is known
for their outlandish clown make-up and associate with the “Hatchet man” symbol. ICP
members do not believe they are a gang but rather a “family” which is ideal to attract
migratory and homeless youth. They favor the colors red, orange and black. Crimes
include robberies and assaults where members are armed with edged weapons.
Insane Clown Posse:
The People Nation is another Chicago based alliance of many street gangs which
have spread throughout the US and Canada. Similar to the Folk Nation, the People
Nation formed in 1978 when the gangs El Rukns, Vice Lords and Latin Kings
banded together. Gangs within the People Nation wear identifi ers to the left side
(gang signs, hats, left pant leg rolled up, folded arms with the left on top). People
Nation uses a fi ve pointed star, a 3D pyramid, 5-pointed crown, a crescent moon
and playboy bunny symbol. They use an upside down pitch fork as disrespect for
Folk Nation gangs with whom they are rivals.
People Nation:
Asian Gangs:
Contrary to popular belief, Asian street gangs are not usually synonymous with the organized crime syndicates
such as the “Yakuza”. However the smaller street gangs often work for and with the syndicates. During
the 1980’s, Asians in Los Angeles and San Francisco banded together for protection from the larger Black
and Hispanic street gangs. In modern times, Asian gangs often align with Blood
or Crip sets depending on mutual enemies or criminal activities but many remain
independent due to the member’s ethnic rigidity. Group colors and symbols vary
and are not uniform or traditional. Many new Asian gangs begin as dance troupes
or road racing groups that eventually morph into criminal street gangs.
www.ci.lake-stevens.wa.us
cbrooks@ci.lake-stevens.wa.us
Lake Stevens Police Department