A cat tattoo represents a prisoner’s life as a thief and also serves as a good luck charm. A single cat means the thief acted alone. Multiple cats mean they were part of a gang.

Each point of a star represents one year spent in prison.

Skulls usually designate murderers.

Birds flying over the horizon means, "I was born free and should be free."

Barbed wire tattooed across the forehead signifies a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

A cross can indicate bondage, subordination, or slavery. Some tattoos are given involuntarily, as warnings or punishment for transgressions. Sex offenders, for example, are frequently branded with a dagger running across their shoulder blades and through their necks.

Known as Odin’s Cross (Celtic in origin) and represents international white pride. Popularized by the KKK in the 1920’s.

Originally Vietnamese, this tattoo denotes a circle of friends. One person protected by a group. It is worn by the Bloods, Asian Triad, and Gangster Disciples.

Represents the Aryan brotherhood and denotes recruitment while in prison.

Black Guerrilla Family started at San Quentin State prison in 1966 by former Black Panther, George L. Jackson. Often combined with cross sabers, shotguns and black dragons taking over prison towers provide the back drop for this tattoo. This gang promotes the black revolution and the overthrow of government.

Known as the girlfriend of a Skinhead. Also denotes the Skinhead women's movement.

The “Santana” is the Spanish pronunciation of Santa Ana. It’s a Latino gang located in Orange County, California. Santa Ana has the largest number of gangs and gang members in the U.S.

Symbolizes an Indian warrior. Each feather stands for a commission of a crime against white society and is worn on the neck or scull. It is sometimes worn by people not knowing story behind the design.