Prison Gangs Since the creation of the first prison gang, the "Gypsy Jokers", gangs in prisons have been a handful of officials seeking to provide security and protection not only to prison workers but also for prisoners. Prison gangs have been responsible for carrying out a large number of illicit activities behind bars, including, but not limited to: gambling, drugs, protection, and prostitution (Knox, 2012). Over the years research into prison gangs has proven difficult due to the secretive nature behind these organisations, but new evidence has been brought to light which is helping to combat these illusive and profitable criminal organisations. There are currently 150,000 incarcerated gang members in the United States ( State of New Jersey: Commission of Inquiry, 2009). With the increase in the prison population has come an increase in the prison gang population and gang activity. “Most regions of the United States will see an increase in gang membership” (National Drug Intelligence Center, 2009). Most prison gang populations will reflect the demographic trends of their street gang counterparts, as drug markets grow and expand into new territories outside urban centers. “Eme commands over 50,000-75,000 members and associates of the Surenos gang” (International Drug Intelligence Center, 2009). The Eme (Mexican Mafia) and similar prison gangs control street gangs and their own members through fear and intimidation. “In general, the prison population has grown over the past two decades” (Knox, 2012). When asked about the growing population of prison gangs, prison officials were asked: “Do you believe that gangs or their leaders are able to influence politicians in your state? ?” (Knox, 2012). This question was how… half of the document… is implemented by moving a gang leader member to another maximum security facility, preferably out of state. In the study conducted by Knox & Tromanhauser in 1991, approximately 70% of gatekeepers supported bus therapy. One problem, however, is that moving core gang members runs the risk of transferring gangs and gang activities from one facility to another. Prison gangs have proven to be very powerful, difficult and expensive to control. Although with new educational programs for prison officers and gang members themselves one can only hope that the number of inmates participating in gang activities will decrease, research says otherwise. With new members joining all the time and the amount of money that can be earned by participating in gang activities, it would seem that prison gangs could well prove to be a permanent part of prison life..