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First, I would like to mention that this is not my guide, this guide was originally made by Liam (@Large Hazard) and with his permission, it is being converted and used for GTA: W, small changes have been made and might occur down the line. The Sureño Car In jail/prison, a 'car’ is any selection of inmates who group together for the purposes of socialization, protection, and often a criminal enterprise. The prison system on GTA: W is heavily based on the California system, which is perhaps the most segregated system in the United States. Inmates in this system self-segregate by race and almost never cross racial lines except in matters of business or prison politics. The cars in this system are thus racial cars. The main cars are as follows: Black car: All African-American inmates regardless of affiliation. Subdivides based on those affiliations/cards (Crip, Blood etc.). Organization provided by gangs such as KUMI and the Black Guerrilla Family in some institutions, not usually in county jail. In LS county, Black inmates will subdivide based on neighborhood/neighborhood card (Blood, Hustler Crip, Mafia Crip etc.). White car: All White inmates. Subdivides based on geographical origin (city in prison, area in LS county) and sometimes affiliation (e.g. skinheads often have their own car). Organization provided by gangs such as Public Enemy No. 1, Nazi Lowriders, Family Affiliated Irish Mafia, Aryan Brotherhood etc. Asian/Pacific Islander car: All Asian and Asiatic inmates (includes Arabs etc.) plus Pacific Islanders. It can function as an 'Other’ car. Organization varies heavily from facility to facility. Norteño car: All Hispanic inmates from Northern San Andreas, more specifically often just Norteño gangs as Sureño gangs push north. Subdivides based on geography if numbers permit, acts as one car if not. Organization provided by the Northern Structure (Nuestra Raza) and Nuestra Familia gangs. NOT PRESENT in LS County. Sureño car: The Sureño car is obviously the primary focus here, others were explained for context. The Sureño car includes all Hispanic inmates from Southern San Andreas plus Sureño gang members from the frontier gangs in the north. Also affiliated are Armenian inmates who identify with the AP13 gang. Inmates of other races (White, Asian, and even Black) are accepted if they are Sureño gang members. In LS County, the Sureño car is really just the Mexican car as there is no Northern car. All American-Hispanic inmates belong to the one car. The Sureño car subdivides based on geographic origin in most institutions, as the car almost always has significant numbers owing to the huge Sureño gang population (estimated at well over 100,000 statewide). Major geographical subdivisions include parts of Los Santos: West Los: Vespucci, Del Perro, La Puerta, Little Seoul, Pillbox Hill, West Vinewood. North Side: East Vinewood, Hawick, Mirror Park. South Side: Rancho, Davis, Strawberry, Chamberlain Heights. East Los: El Burro Heights, Murietta Heights. Rural/suburban parts of the county (‘the valley’) would also have their own car though we’re unlikely to see many characters from there. In Los Santos, the larger varrios (‘super gangs’ like Florencia) may even have enough members in jail to support their own car independently. We are unlikely to be able to RP this, however. Cars within the Sureño car are not official subdivisions as in other racial cars. Each area does not have a rep, though there may be senior members. Instead, they are simply more like social cliques. Sureños will socialize and work out with others from similar areas, as they have more in common. Internal car politics may also be present. In terms of official car structuring, the Sureño car uses the Mesa system. The entire Sureño world is dominated by the Mexican Mafia (aka the Eme), a prison gang formed in the 1950s which now controls organized crime in huge portions of the state and controls the Sureño car in every prison and county jail. The Eme itself comprises only a couple hundred members and has a completely horizontal structure with no formal ranks. When Emeros began to be locked down in permanent segregated housing, the Mesa system was constructed to allow control of Sureño activities to continue through intermediaries. Each yard is run by a collection of senior inmates who make up the Mesa ('table’). The Mesa makes collective decisions on politics and some business. The Mesa answers to the Mexican Mafia directly in some way. If Emeros are present in the same facility, the Mesa answers to every member present. Unofficially however, each Emero has varying degrees of influence over a given Mesa and it may be possible for a single carnal (member, literally 'brother’) to dominate the entire Mesas. If Emeros are not present in the same facility, the Mesa still answers to somebody, possibly a carnal in another facility. Much internal Mexican Mafia politics and feuding result from the struggle to control Mesas. Members of each Mesa are often appointed directly from a carnal's associates or homeboys. A hostile takeover, similar to how most other cars determine leadership, is possible however all authority still flows from the Mexican Mafia. If a Sureño attempts to murder his way into the Mesa without backing or approval, he may be killed or forced off the yard in turn on orders from the Eme. The Mesa system comprises a complex structure, far more organized than the Eme’s horizontal layout. Essentially every possible custodial subdivision has an associated representative ('rep’), placed in a structured hierarchy. A full structure includes: Several representatives overseeing the whole yard (the Mesa itself) A rep for each building on the yard A rep for each unit in a building A rep for each tier in a unit A rep for each cell on a tier For us, roleplaying in this specific county jail, our modified structure will likely be set out as follows: Eme (carnal or carnales in the facility, probably laying low and running things subtly) ‘Pod boss’ in each unit: if each pod is active and has a rep each, these two pod bosses plus the carnales in the jail will more or less make up the Mesa Tier rep on each tier, reporting to their pod boss Cell rep in each cell, reporting to their tier rep. - A cell is considered an individual unit of the car, thus cell reps are utilized to maintain maximum organization. A tier rep will always communicate with a cell’s representative if there are orders to be given for both occupants of the cell, or if the cell has a problem. Non-cell reps will communicate with the rep for their tier through their cell rep. This may seem like an extra layer of added bureaucracy but it’s done in real life to maximize organization and militancy. We should do the same. Each rep answers to their respective superior in the chain and is delegated tasks as such, allowing for a compartmentalized car structure which facilitates effective organization of large numbers of Sureños and delegation of important administrative tasks. Such tasks include assembling roll call lists ('gallos’), organizing hits, monitoring Sureños for battle-readiness, collecting intelligence, and overseeing the following of reglas (rules) and workout programs. The above full structure is designed to handle numbers of around 100-150, an average maximum number of Sureños on a state yard. The numbers on GTA:W are obviously much lower and we are roleplaying with a modified county jail structure, so fewer positions are utilized. The tasks and duties of each position remain the same, however, and each position may take up more duties to compensate for the ranks which have been omitted. A separate ‘para-Mesa’ structure also often exists in facilities with Mexican Mafia members directly present. The Mesa runs the day-to-day politics of the yard while an Emero's personal crew handles his business directly. This includes running his own personal business enterprises and protecting his interests (e.g. organizing and overseeing 'personals’, i.e hits ordered directly by him). The crew may exist parallel and separate to the Mesa, or it may include members of the Mesa structure. Usually, it's a combination of both. Stacking a yard’s Mesa with one’s own crew members is a common tactic employed to ensure total domination over a yard. If the Mesa and the crew are not the same, the Mesa will usually have authority over common political matters which the crew will not, but the Mesa will not be permitted to interfere with the crew’s business. This is considered ‘fucking with (a member’s) money’ and is usually a death sentence. The Sureño car is officially allied with the White car in every facility statewide, owing to a longstanding alliance between the Aryan Brotherhood and Mexican Mafia which is over 50 years old. In some yards, this alliance may only be nominal, as business and political issues can result in hostility and even open war between the two. The allied relationship is still the default however, and any yard with hostile White and Sureño cars is considered exceptional, even if there are multiple at any given time. Hostilities between the two are often forced to an end eventually by the Mexican Mafia and Aryan Brotherhood, as joint business ventures (which are somewhat common) are jeopardized by war. The White/Sureño relationship results in some contact across racial lines, but still only in matters of business or politics. Whites and Sureños will often share gym equipment, phones, and televisions (but use them separately), though keep separate tables. The two groups will also often work out together behind closed doors (in locked-down units or segregation units) but will not usually work out together on open units or yards. The only instance in which the two groups will regularly work out as one, in the same space, is on group SHU and death row yards. The AB/Eme alliance prompted a mirror alliance between the Black Guerrilla Family (BGF) and Nuestra Familia, allying the Black and Norteño cars in the same way and in opposition to the Whites and Sureños. This alliance is somewhat less stable due to the declining influence of the BGF. Ultimately, relations between cars are fluid and change from facility to facility and over time. The Sureño car is typically highly regimental regarding battle-readiness and internal rules (reglas). The Sureño car is among those who ‘hit chomos on sight’, meaning paperwork of all newly transferred inmate is checked to verify they have no sex crimes on their jacket. Rapists are to be stabbed once proof of their status has been obtained, and could be produced when questioned about the motive behind the stabbing. The Mexican Mafia The Mexican Mafia operates on the basis of a horizontal structure. The only rank is that of a full member (“brother”/”carnal”). In other words, you are simply in the Mexican Mafia or you are not. There is no formal differentiation or seniority between members. Every member is of equal status with every other member, and every member is entitled to a vote of equal value on important matters or the candidacy of a prospective member. One negative vote from one member is considered sufficient to reject a new member. In reality the idea of equal status is, in many cases, simply theoretical. Older or more senior members accumulate massive amounts of influence over their decades’ long careers and often end up leading a faction inside the organization. Members of these factions only consider other members of the same faction allies. All other Carnales are potential enemies. In-fighting between factions and individual members can result in extensive gang wars. Conflict rarely occurs between a Mexican Mafia member and an external force (a non-Mexican Mafia group or individual). Most varrios in southern California pay tax and few independent drug dealers refuse to do so. The majority of conflict occurs internally, usually over territorial disputes. Secure Housing Unit (SHU) Roleplay Roleplay in the Secure Housing Unit (SHU) is an incredibly important part of the big picture. Sureño cars are traditionally "run from the back", meaning the leadership structures on general population yards (usually Mesas) defer authority to "big homies" in the SHU, either actively or passively. This means the Sureños who run the SHU program also have the authority to run the mainline yards. "Actively" meaning the yards take direct orders, "passively" meaning those in the SHU do not actively interfere in mainline affairs or give many direct orders but their authority is technically recognized and their orders will likely be followed if they give them. If there are Mexican Mafia members in the facility (usually in the SHU), they will definitely run the mainline yards actively. Non-Mexican Mafia residents of the SHU may also run things actively if they are still considered quite senior. If they are not especially senior, they probably run yards passively. Most racial cars use this system, as whoever is running the SHU program is probably an experienced and respected inmate even if they do not have the backing of a gang (e.g. the Mexican Mafia). It is also simply convenient to have the entire facility run from the SHU, as the SHU can easily act as a conduit of communication between all yards. Every facility only has one SHU building and inmates from all yards are sent there, so whoever is running the SHU is capable of sending and receiving messages to and from all yards. What is the relevance of all this? Roleplaying in the SHU means roleplaying with (probably) the most senior inmates in the facility. On GTA:W, this means roleplaying with the Mexican Mafia directly. SHU roleplay is also important to learn about as you will inevitably be sent to the SHU in the natural course of your prison roleplay. Possession charges, assault charges and riot charges - all quite common - usually result in SHU time. Another point worth mentioning is that a lot of prison roleplayers find SHU roleplay quite fun, as it is a change of pace from regular prison roleplay, and so nailing the basics down will ensure you do enjoy the experience. First days in the SHU are similar to the first days in general population. Your character will be contacted by whomever is running the program, asked for their "papers" (lockdown chrono which lists their charge(s)) and for their "plug". A plug is a kite written by whomever runs the mainline program explaining the circumstances and why your character is now in the SHU. If the incident was unplanned, the veracity of your character's claims will be established in another way. This background information is assessed in order to determine whether or not the new arrival is there on 'legitimate' charges. Things like taking off on enemies without authorization or carrying out a murder (or attempted murder) without authorization are not legitimate charges and will see the inmate punished by those in the SHU for breaking reglas. The new arrival may also be asked if they need anything (food, coffee, books etc.) and will be filled in on SHU program rules if necessary. The method by which inmates communicate in the SHU (and in lockdowns) will be covered in the next section. SHU program specifics will not be covered here, as they should be learned IC. There are a few points worth mentioning, however. Roleplaying in the SHU requires quite a different mindset. If your character is not an experienced convict or is new to the SHU, you should roleplay as you did during your first days in prison. The SHU is a step up - everything is more serious and intense. The most hardcore individuals from every race are represented in the SHU and it is their territory in which your character now finds himself. Minor mistakes or breaches of protocol will mandate punishment - usually by the victim's cellmate as there is nobody else with access to him. Antagonizing members of other races or even simply being loud will also mandate punishment. Repeated offences may get an inmate killed. The older, more serious inmates in the SHU appreciate a quiet and respectful environment. An inmate making a fool of himself may find a kite is sent to his cellmate with a knife attached. The bottom line here is that you should roleplay carefully and that it is important to take into account the nervousness your character is sure to be experiencing. For the sake of realism, long term SHU roleplayers are unlikely to be forgiving of mistakes. In order to roleplay those characters properly, a measure of ruthlessness is required. Keeping this in mind will help you avoid getting your character into trouble, allowing you to adapt to the SHU environment and enjoy the roleplay on offer there. Communication Between Cells (Kites and Similar) Convict ingenuity means even being locked behind a steel door has proven inadequate for putting a stop to communication. During lockdowns, non-program hours and in the SHU, the most common method of communication is by "kite" ('huila'). A kite is a letter written on a small piece of paper, usually in microscript ('micro-writing') in order to fit as much text as possible on a small form. The contents of a kite may be about any given subject. Many are innocent conversations between inmates about mundane topics, such as trading commissary or lending books. This is because the Sureño car is one of the racial cars which regulates the way its members communicate. Shouting in the unit is forbidden unless necessary, so the use of kites is the only way inmates can have any kind of conversation between cells. Some inmates play games such as tic-tac-toe with kites. On the other hand, kites are frequently used for serious matters such as giving orders and discussing prison politics. Disputes between cars may be solved by kite and orders to kill or riot may also be transmitted by kite. Exhibition of respect is of paramount importance in prison and this is reflected in kites. There are certain customs every inmate follows when writing kites, and each car has its own exclusive customs as well. A kite will commonly be opened with allusions to "love and respect" for the recipient. The closing lines of kites follow the same principles. Between Sureños the standard opening is "saludos y respetos" ("salutations and respects"), shortened to "SYR" or "S/Y/R". The standard closing is a variation of "con respeto" ("with respect") - such as "con todo respeto" ("with all/total respect") or "con sentido respeto" ("with heartfelt respect"), followed by the sender's placa and perhaps their gang affiliation. There are many variations of these phrases and all are standard practice. The general tone of the actual body of the kite is also usually very respectful. Respectful tones and phrases such as "love and respect" ("amor y repeto") may seem odd to those unfamiliar with prison customs, especially coming from convicted felons, however every inmate follows these customs. Omission of overtones of respect in a kite may be interpreted by the recipient as an intention to disrespect or insult by the sender. Below is an example of a typical Sureño huila. In this scenario, the shotcallers of the Sureño SHU program are assigning two torpedoes to a hit. "Heavy hitters", especially Mexican Mafia members and their close associates, are known to write important huilas completely in Spanish in addition to any codes that may be applied to the contents. This is to prevent unauthorized readers from understanding the subject if the kite is intercepted. An incredibly important point to note is that it is standard practice to show any kite you receive to your cellmate so that they may read the contents. This is a matter of common courtesy adopted by any good cellmate. The main function is so that your cellmate knows that you have not just received a kite ordering you to kill them. Customs also apply to the way kites are sent and received. When addressing another cell, it is standard practice to begin with "excuse me on the tier" (or a Spanish derivative). You would then announce your name, cell, the person or cell you are attempting to address and then your message. For example, if you were sending a kite you would say something along the lines of "mail inbound for 04" (04 being the target cell). If the recipient announces they are ready to receive, you would send the kite on your fishing line (see below) and wait for the signal to pull your line back once the cell has received the kite. When you are finished addressing the unit, you announce "thank you on the tier" (or a Spanish derivative). "Fishing" is the process by which anything is sent from one cell to another. It is most commonly used to transfer kites but can also transfer cargo, such as commissary or a book (so long as the cargo is capable of fitting under the cell doors). A fishing line is technically two lines of thread, most commonly sourced from bed sheets, which is tied into a single rope upon which a "carrier" may be attached. A carrier is any object capable of holding the kite or cargo you are sending, such as a flattened toothpaste tube or small cardboard container. The carrier is shot out of the sender's cell towards the recipient's cell, who then uses their own line to "hook" the other line and reels the cargo to their cell. This is fishing. The intricate details of fishing and how to roleplay it are usually taught in character. There are some alternative methods used to communicate between cells in limited circumstances. Some facilities' plumbing infrastructure allows certain cells to communicate with each other when their toilets are emptied. This is sometimes referred to as a "bowl phone". Some vent systems also permit a similar method of communication. Gang members are known to use contraband cell phones to communicate with each other. This is the most common way the Mexican Mafia delivers orders and receives information. A burner phone network can allow a shotcaller in the SHU to instantly communicate with subordinates on mainline yards or other parts of the SHU. Communication between the street and a cell is also possible, and this communication forms the backbone of modern Mexican Mafia operations. Orders to kill or conduct business are transmitted from SHU cells on a regular basis by phone. Phones are an extremely valuable commodity in prison, and can sell for over a thousand dollars depending on supply & demand and the quality of the phone being sold. Street Prison/Jail REGLAS In Character reglas shouldn't be thought of like faction rules. Good roleplay can stem from characters breaching or bending the reglas to suit their own interests. Mainline reglas can also be a lot like the Mexican Mafia's reglas. There are 'hard' reglas and 'soft' reglas. Some might be broken routinely and are just there for show (soft reglas), and some might be taken rather seriously and really do have punishments attached (hard reglas). I'm not going to list which is which. It usually depends on the mindset of the shotcaller(s) at any given time, and how they choose to interpret and apply the reglas. This is something for faction members with leadership characters to consider also. Don't treat the reglas as gospel, it might be practical to ignore the application of some. Keep this in mind when you roleplay. What can your character get away with? How does it benefit him? To repeat, the reglas are not faction rules. They're completely In Character. Do with that information what you will. This thread can be taken IC in the form of a kite given to new inmates and kept on hand by authority figures (as in real life). This thread should not, however, be used as a substitute for checking in newcomers with proper roleplay. You know what the most important reglas are and these should be communicated to newcomers first hand. The full version of the reglas can be given to them later.