In various western democracies where policy directives for incarceration have been implemented, we can identify an ever stronger and persistent presence of organized groups of prisoners, i.e. prison gangs. This phenomenon is also observable in the majority of Brazil's federal states, including Bahia. Here we look to identify some of the factors and nuances involved in the relation between the state, prison administrations and two of the main prison gangs active in Bahia during the first decade of the 21st century. By using a case study methodology and data triangulation, elements can be found that help us comprehend the process through which these gangs came to be formed and maintained inside and outside the prison units during the period analyzed.
Prison; Prison gangs; Incarceration; Social control
