STG stands for Security Threat Group and is the official title given to prison gangs. In terms of making parole involvement in a prison gang is the worst choice an offender can make.
STG stands for Security Threat Group. It refers to any group of offenders that are believed to pose a threat because of the nature of the group. This is the official term for prison gangs. Prison officials are constantly trying to determine which offenders are members of a STG. If an offender is confirmed as a member through tattoo’s, hand signals, or other forms of information there will be severe consequences including the fact that it makes it almost impossible to be granted parole.
Although gang members will try various tactics in order to recruit members an offender should know that these organizations are not going to benefit them, are not looking out for their interests and will most likely make their incarceration more difficult and longer. Inevitably, if an offender joins an STG they are pressured or forced into negative activities and by then it is often to late for the offender to get out of the situation. If an offender is confirmed by TDCJ as a gang member it can affect their visitation, ability to use the phone, ability to participate in academic and vocational activities, good time, and they can be placed in Administrative Segregation.
As parole attorneys we are often asked for advice on making parole. The first piece of advice we give to offenders and their family is to avoid any gang involvement. This can be difficult especially for young offenders. Often young offenders receive bad advice prior to arriving in TDCJ and are more susceptible to the pressures exerted by older or more experienced inmates. Joining a gang will only make an offenders time more difficult and makes parole almost impossible.
The Texas Parole Board views gang membership as a commitment to criminal activity. The Parole Board is looking for indicators that an offender will be successful on parole and has learned from their mistakes. Membership in an STG indicates that an offender has not learned these lessons and is a sign that they are likely to reoffend if released. If you have any question about the parole process or how you can help someone with parole please fill out an online contact form or call us for a free consultation with an experienced Texas parole lawyer. If you would like other pointers for how to improve an offenders chances at being granted parole please call us.