NCJ Number
86586
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 51 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1982) Pages: 16-22
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
To aid police in handling outlaw motorcyclists effectively, this article describes basic characteristics of the motorcycle gang subculture -- its initiation rites, rituals, attitude of hopelessness, group structure, and values.
Abstract
A probationary period when the probate must submit to gang members' desires and sometimes commit a felony witnessed by a member precedes formal initiation into a gang. The initiation ceremony that establishes a member's ties with the club and severs his relations with mainstream society is important to the gang, as are funeral and wedding rituals, travel formations, and motorcycle rallies. Outlaw gang members are primarily from the lower classes and usually exhibit an attitude of hopelessness because they have little chance of succeeding in regular society and look to the gang for security and self-esteem. Mounting evidence indicates that the outlaw code of mutual support extends to financial aid, and bond money is often quickly obtainable from club coffers. Law enforcement agencies are particularly concerned about outlaw gangs with a hierarchical organization that reflects the social structure of members involved in criminal activities, because the structure is one feature of a deeply rooted criminal organization. Universal gang values include strength or toughness as reflected in the possession of a motorcycle and weapons, sexual prowess, and risk-taking behavior. Tattoos are prevalent, and social scientists have suggested that the number of tattoos is positively related to the degree of social maladjustment. Members of outlaw motorcycle gangs frequently have sociopathic personalities, characterized by a lack of guilt or remorse, little loyalty to others, little tolerance for frustration, and impulsive behavior. Moreover, a sociopathic gang member may appear likeable and friendly when it is to his advantage. Women are not usually gang members, but play a servant role and often remain with the gang involuntarily or out of fear. Officers have difficulties developing women as informants on the gang, although they can be helpful when their associations with members weaken. Photographs and 18 footnotes are included. For Part 1, see NCJ-86430.