What term describes members who come to prison and realign with traditional and nontraditional gangs?

The term that best describes members who come to prison and realign with traditional and nontraditional gangs is "transitional gangs." This term highlights the process in which individuals who may have been affiliated with different groups or who are entering the prison system for the first time start to connect or reestablish ties with both traditional gangs (which have established power structures, rituals, and longstanding histories) and nontraditional gangs (which may be newer or more loosely organized).

In the context of corrections and gang dynamics, transitional gangs are often a response to the unique environment of prison life, where previously held loyalties may shift and new alliances can form for protection, identity, or survival. These gangs may adopt rules and behaviors that reflect a blend of influences from their prior affiliations outside of prison and the new social dynamics they encounter inside.

Other terms such as "non-traditional gangs," "traditional gangs," and "street gangs," while relevant in the broader conversation about gang structures, do not specifically capture the transition and realignment of affiliations occurring within the prison setting. Non-traditional gangs refer to groups that might not fit into the classic definitions known for territorial claims or organized hierarchy, whereas traditional gangs pertain to well-established groups often functioning in community settings. Street gangs typically