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Hells Angels
Risk to Public
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The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) is frequently involved in the production and smuggling of methamphetamine and other drugs. Hells Angels is also associated with weapons trafficking, money laundering, prostitution, motorcycle parts theft, intimidation, extortion, arson, and murder. Most of the violence carried out by HAMC is directed to rival Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) such as the Pagans. |
Membership
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Hells Angels’ membership is limited to Caucasians, Hispanics, and Asians, males 18 years old or older, and Harley-Davidson owners. The membership process is very involved; the preliminary stage ensures that the potential member is committed to the group. Once commitment is established, his status is elevated to a “hangaround” who completes menial tasks to gain respect from gang members. Later he may become a “prospect” for the chapter if a member will sponsor him. After another full year or more, the prospect must be voted in unanimously by the chapter members to gain full membership.
Members join for a variety of reasons. First, bikers often consider themselves as loners and join gangs for mutual protection. The bonds with other motorcyclists are strengthened by the subscription to non-conventional norms and the rejection of mainstream society. Secondly, they use OMGs as mechanisms of power. Oftentimes, OMG membership brings them legitimate and illegitimate job opportunities and financial prospects. Additionally, members feel a sense of control while intimidating less powerful, defenseless citizens. Generally, the values of this OMG subculture lie in the value of brotherhood, the interest in motorcycling, and respect for mechanical skills. Although many motorcycle gang members are loners, many have families, are gainfully employed, and have much to lose despite their risk-taking.
While there are international rules of conduct, there is no international hierarchy dictating decisions for local chapters. Important decisions are made at regional, national, and international meetings. At these meetings, Hells Angels communicate, take notes, and collect and share intelligence. Communication via Internet websites, cellular phones, pagers, and other business technologies are commonplace.
Every local HAMC chapter submits to a set of bylaws that lay out the rights and responsibilities of members. If members break rules or bylaws, such as missing meetings, not paying dues on time, or taking intravenous drugs, they are punished accordingly. Sanctions range from simple fines to assault by fellow gang members. One of the most serious offenses is failing to respond to a call for help from HAMC. In such cases, members may be exonerated or death sentences may be rendered. |
Identification
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Symbols of Hells Angels include~A skull with wings known as “Death Head.” The death head is placed between the top rocker and bottom rocker of the jacket. The top rocker represents the club name and the bottom rocker reveals the chapter.
~All members wear leather with sleeves cut off called “cuts,” “colors,” or “rags.”
~Many members or supporters wear an “AFFA” patch meaning “Angels forever, forever Angels”.
~”81:” The “8” symbolizes the eighth letter of the alphabet, which is “H.” The “1” corresponds to “A,” the first letter of the alphabet. Collectively, they read “HA.”
~Hangarounds or other gang associates may wear support t-shirts such as “support your local Red & White” or “support your local Big Red Machine.”
Hells Angels oftentimes wears patches on their jackets. A police patch sewn upside down would indicate that the wearer has assaulted law enforcement from that jurisdiction. In the past, stripes have been earned by selling drugs, specifically methamphetamine.
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Overview
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The first Hells Angels chapter was formed in San Bernardino, California, in 1948. Once identified as the “Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington,” the motorcycle gang was organized by several World War II veterans. The next chapter was created in San Francisco in 1954 and a third in Oakland in 1957. Ralph Hubert “Sonny” Barger, the founder of the Oakland chapter, was instrumental in expanding the gang nationwide. HAMC has continued to expand during the last thirty years.
Currently, Hells Angels claims 3000 to 3500 members and more than 230 chapters in 27 countries. Membership has increased by 10% annually during the past five years. In the United States, HAMC is active throughout the country. Due to the international scope of the organization, Hells Angels are able to coordinate drug smuggling operations with prominent drug trafficking organizations, such as the Italian Mafia and Columbian cartels. In this way, criminal connections are easily enhanced.
HAMC sells t-shirts and other merchandise containing their logo for profit. Generally, goods are sold at biker rallies or over the Internet.
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Maryland Activity
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Maryland has traditional been predominantly a Pagan-controlled area. However in 2002, the Tribes Motorcycle Club, formerly associated with the Pagans, began to align with the Hells Angels. In 2003, the Hells Angels North Beach Prospect Chapter was recognized as the first legitimized chapter in Maryland. In the summer of 2003 the president and vice-president of Hells Angels in North Beach were charged with drug distribution and conspiracy. Attention has recently been given to the newly-formed 15-member chapter in Baltimore. The gang is actively recruiting members with signs welcoming the “Red and White,” which are Hells Angels’ colors.
The greatest threat in Maryland is the violent rivalry between the Pagans and Hells Angles. On January 2, 2004, two Pagan members were shot by Baltimore, Maryland, Hells Angel’s prospects at a strip club Club Tattletales. Both prospects were charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and weapons violations. In May 2002, the vice-president of the Maryland HAMC chapter was shot outside a bar in Anne Arundel County by a Pagans member.
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Allies and Rivals
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The major Hells Angels rival is the Pagans. Other OMGs such as the Outlaws, Bandidos, Iron Horsemen, and Phantoms are also documented rivals of the Hells Angels.
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Images
References
Baltimore County Police Department. (February 6, 2004). Press Release.
Baltimore Sun (January 5, 2004).
The Capital. (June 9, 2002). Annapolis, MD:
Geary, F. (December 5, 2003). Motorcycle Gang Activity in Las Vegas Rising, Police Say. Las Vegas: Las Vegas Review-Journal.
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