Prison tattooing

Not to be confused with Criminal tattoo.
Tattoos on the back of a Dead Man Incorporated gang member

Prison tattooing is the practice of creating and displaying tattoos in a prison environment. Present-day American and Russian prisoners may convey gang membership, code, or hidden meanings for origin or criminal deeds. Lack of proper equipment and sterile environments lead to health risks such as infection or disease (hepatitis C, HIV) from contaminated needles.[1]

  1. ^ Hellard, Margaret E. (September 2007). "Tattooing in prisons—Not such a pretty picture". American Journal of Infection Control. 35 (7): 477–480. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2006.08.002.