Latin Kings started in Chicago and came to the east coast via the NY state prison system

Latin Kings started in Chicago and came to the east coast via the NY state prison system and are active throughout New Jersey with large populations in Elizabeth and Plainfield.

-Sullivan, who spent months wiretapping the gang and communicating with informants stated that “these guys are everywhere.” Sullivan warns that in order to strike fear and intimidation in their neighborhoods, gang members will often try to portray themselves as a religious or community organization that will strive to protect citizens when the police cannot.

-The structure of the Latin Kings is incredibly elaborate. Members are organized by chapter or “tribes” and adhere to a regional, state, and a national system. Officers are supported by a crown council of seven members which set rules and regulations and holds disciplinary hearings. The hierarchy leads to a Supreme Inca ruler based in Chicago.

-New recruits have to go through a long initiation process. Recruits must study Latin King History and are given “lessons” on the gangs manifesto by current members and are even given a CD Rom copy of the Latin King constitution.

-Identifiers include hand signs in the shape of the crown, yellow and black colors, crown tattoos. Latin King members will often greet each other with the phrase “amore de rey” (love of kings) and refer to each other as “mani” or “manito” meaning brother or little brother.