Which statement about traditional STGs is true?

• A. They have no documented history
• B. They have a documented history and a written set of laws or codes
• C. They operate outside prison
• D. They require no organizational structure

Answer: (B)

Traditional STGs are defined by having a documented history and a written set of laws or codes. This means the group has a long-standing presence within the inmate population that staff can trace through incidents, membership, leadership, and patterns of activity. It also means there is a formalized rulebook or code that governs how members behave, who leads, how disputes are resolved, what constitutes loyalty, and what penalties exist for violations. These two features together show a stable, organized group with established practices, which is why they’re classified as traditional STGs.

In contrast, groups without a documented history aren’t recognized as traditional STGs, and groups that operate outside prison or that lack any organizational structure don’t fit the standard definition of traditional STGs.