tattoos are a prominent symbol of commitment to gang membership; their permanent nature and personalized nature serve to proclaim allegiance publicly. A gang tattoo allows individuals to declare their allegiance unabashedly on their bodies. Gang members often sport tattoos on prominent areas like their hands, neck, and face – the Removery takes pride in concealing or removing hate symbols for former gang members working to change their lives.
Prohibition Era Gangsters
Criminals posed a severe threat to Chicago and the rest of America, responsible for numerous robberies, drug trafficking, and more. Because these individuals were violent and ran the risk of getting killed or arrested, they had to protect themselves by getting hand tattoos or having their names permanently inked onto them. Law enforcement saw these gangsters as public enemies and would pursue them nationwide for crimes like the Lindbergh kidnapping or Kansas City Massacre.
The Golden Age of Organized Crime
During Prohibition, criminals relied heavily on bootlegging, gambling, and drug importation to earn their living and sidestep law enforcement’s harassment. Such activities allowed criminals to avoid being subject to harassment from police forces by effectively making their living through illegal means. Cleveland’s gangsters did more than invest in bootlegging and gambling; they built an enormous enterprise of real estate, railroads, and legitimate businesses to evade law enforcement harassment while earning respect from their community.
The Italian Mafia
Comprised of small family or clan groups based on a geographical area, this criminal enterprise ranks among the most formidable organized crime organizations worldwide. Each family has its honor code to guide its illegal activities within its control area and utilize retribution and extortion schemes to make money. During the Italian Mafia’s golden years, its members often displayed tattoos representing the importance of loyalty and discipline on their hands or arms – sometimes including words such as, “Do not touch my family!”. The Mafia has thrived and survived due to a unique code of silence known as “omerta.” This rule prevents members from discussing their interaction with law enforcement authorities with anyone outside their immediate circle.
