La Hermandad de Pistoleros Information
In recent months this group has begun to appear on the East Coast in the areas of PA, NY and CT . At present it is unknown as to the extent of their numbers or the reason for this gang migration other than possible interstate transfer or the large latino population in this region. Recent Office of Juvenile Justice reports have shown a migration of west coast and midwest gangs to the east coast.
Racial/Ethnic Makeup: Hispanic
Gang Colors: None
Emblems:
- "HPL"; "Forty-fives"; 16/12's (which refers to the 16th and 12th letters of the alphabet - "PL" for "Pistoleros Latinos"
- Eagle's Head
- .45 Handgun
Enemies/Rivals:
- Barrio Azteca
- Ayran Brotherhood of Texas
- Texas Chicano Brotherhood
- Raza Unida
- Texas Syndicate
Allies:
- Mexikanemi
Criminal Activity:
- Assault, burglary, extortion, gambling, murder, narcotics trafficking, protection rackets, theft, and weapons violations.
History:
The HPL (La Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos), translates to "Brotherhood of the Latin Gunman", was founded in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in the early 1980's. Membership in the HPL is restricted to Hispanics, with many of the members being from Mexico. The HPL also accepts non-Mexican members who are of Latin descent (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Venezuelans, etc.). FemaleÕs members are apparently allowed into the gang, with one female member allegedly holding the rank of Lieutenant within the gang. The HPL were initially very independent, with several peace treaties in effect with various other prison gangs. An alliance was formed in early 1985 between the HPL and the Mexikanemi when the Mexikanemi were at war with the Texas Syndicate. The HPL remained on the side of the EMI (Mexikanemi) even after the conflict was over. The Mexikanemi later began assaulting HPL members, which broke their alliance.
Due to internal differences there was a split within the HPL into two factions: "Forty-fives" (taken from one of the tattoos known to be favored by members of the HPL), and 16/12's (which refers to the 16th and 12th letters of the alphabet - "PL" for "Pistoleros Latinos"). The HPL has been involved in many criminal activities to include gambling, inmate assaults, protection rackets, staff intimidation and murder. Internal problems within the group forced a division among the members. Today one faction calls itself the "Sixteen Twelve," or 16/12. These numbers refer to the 16th and 12th letters of the alphabet P/L or "Pistoleros Latinos." The other faction calls itself the "Forty-Fives," and uses as one of its known tattoos, the .45 caliber automatic pistol. Although operating as separate factions, the groups follow the constitution and other rules of the HPL. The HPL are composed mainly of Latino offenders from all over Texas. Recently, there has been a lot of activity in the Corpus Christi Area involving this group. They are known to use a HPL tattoo or a '45 caliber pistol tattooed that appears to be tucked into the waist or one that looks like it was tucked into the sock of the foot.
The HPL were initially very independent, with several peace treaties in effect with various other prison gangs. An alliance was formed in early1985 between the HPL and the Mexikanemi when the Mexikanemi was at war with the Texas Syndicate. The HPL remained on the side of the EMI (Mexikanemi) even after the conflict was over. The Mexikanemi later began assaulting HPL members, which broke the alliance.
