Which term describes groups that originate within the prison system?

• A. Prison Based STGs
• B. Traditional STGs
• C. Non-traditional STGs
• D. Extremist STGs

Answer: (A)

Understanding origin of security threat groups in correctional settings. STG stands for Security Threat Group, and when a group is described as Prison Based, the key idea is that it originated inside the prison system itself—formed by inmates within the facility and operating there. These groups emerge from the prison environment, often to handle protection, control internal dynamics, or run illicit activities. Traditional STGs, in contrast, have roots outside the prison, in the broader community, and arrive behind bars with those preexisting affiliations. Non-traditional STGs refer to groups that form in the prison but aren’t tied to established street gangs, while extremist STGs are organized around extremist ideologies. The term that best describes groups that originate within the prison system is Prison Based STGs.