The organizational structure and function of La Nuestra Familia within Colorado state correctional facilities

This article addresses the organizational structure and function of La Nuestra Familia, a prison-based Chicano crime group (gang) that formed in California in 1968 and has gradually moved eastward across the United States and into the Colorado prison system (Colorado Department of Corrections [DOC]). I argue that researchers of La Nuestra Familia have misinterpreted, or been unaware of, many of the vital functions of the organization to its membership. I demonstrate that Familia's organizational structure operates with a strong consensus of the Familianos (members) and that La Nuestra Familia functions, in most situations, as a mutual aid society.