NCJ Number
120424
Date Published
1989
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the history, organization, membership, and activities of the major motorcycle gangs.
Abstract
The first so-called outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) originated in California during the late 1940's. This gang, originally called the "Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington," later changed its name to the "Hell's Angels" and has grown to become the largest and most sophisticated OMG in the world. Other gangs have imitated the Hell's Angels, and some have become significant organized crime groups. Three of the largest are the "Outlaws," the "Pagans," and the "Bandidos." These OMG's have chapters throughout the United States. Drug trafficking is the most lucrative criminal pursuit of the OMG's, aided by their geographically widespread membership and "chapters" in select cities. OMG's are constantly expanding their membership and geographic representation. They are quick to take advantage of every lucrative criminal opportunity. They typically use violence and the corruption of public officials to control competition and avoid arrest and conviction. Although OMG's are perceived by the public to be unsophisticated street criminals and bullies, their sophisticated and aggressive criminal enterprise makes them dangerous to the social order of communities throughout the United States. Figures show the organization and location of various OMG chapters.