How to Deal with Gangs in Prison Architect

Gang violence can quickly spiral out of control in Prison Architect if left unchecked. This guide walks you through proven strategies to manage gangs effectively by isolating them, preventing recruitment, and using eviction tactics to maintain order in your prison.

Understanding the Gang Problem

Gangs in Prison Architect pose a significant threat to prison security. They can recruit new members from the general population, engage in deadly conflicts with rival gangs, and create chaos within your facility. The key to managing gangs is preventing their growth and isolating their leadership.

Step 1: Transfer Gang Members to Isolated Areas

The first step in dealing with gangs is to segregate them from the rest of your prison population. Identify which gang you need to control (for example, the Blues) and transfer all members to a dedicated area within your prison.

Once you’ve assigned gang members to a specific zone, block it off completely with walls. This physical separation prevents gang members from mingling with the general population and recruiting new members.

Step 2: Isolate Gang Leaders and Lieutenants

Gang leaders and lieutenants are the most dangerous members—they actively recruit and coordinate gang activities. You must isolate these key figures separately from regular gang members to break the chain of command.

By keeping leaders and lieutenants confined away from the general population, you prevent them from expanding their influence and recruiting new gang members. This directly slows gang growth.

Step 3: Prevent Gang Conflicts

When gangs are isolated from each other, they cannot engage in violent confrontations. This isolation strategy protects rival gang members from being killed and reduces overall prison violence.

Step 4: Lock Down Gang Members Permanently

If a gang occupies an area like the yard, use the permanent lockdown feature. Select all gang members in that location and apply a permanent lockdown order. This prevents them from moving or causing trouble while you prepare for eviction.

When gang members are on permanent lockdown, they cannot conduct any activities or recruit new members.

Step 5: Initiate Eviction

Once gang members are locked down, use the eviction tool to remove them from your prison. Click on the eviction option to begin the process.

You’ll notice an eviction bar appear on screen. Wait for this bar to empty completely—this indicates that the eviction process is underway.

Once the eviction bar disappears entirely, all locked-down gang members will be removed from your prison facility.

Summary: Your Gang Management Strategy

To effectively manage gangs in Prison Architect, follow these three core principles:

Isolate gang members from the general population by transferring them to blocked-off areas

Lock down gang leaders and lieutenants to prevent recruitment of new members

Use permanent lockdown followed by eviction to remove gang members from your prison

By implementing these strategies consistently, you’ll maintain control over your prison and prevent gangs from becoming an unmanageable threat. With proper isolation and swift eviction actions, you can keep your facility secure and orderly.

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