Fighting gang validation in California

As far as my [gang] validations are concerned, well I have yet to hear back from anyone. It's been four months since the process began. I should've heard something by now. What I believe they're trying to do is leave it hanging over my head so that when I go in front of the committee they can hold me back.

If anyone finds their self in this situation, what they can do is what I'm doing myself. They can request an "Olsen Review" which we are entitled to twice a year. Once your request has been granted, ask your counselor to show you your 128 B2 form. This should say if you're validated or not. If you are, it will show you all the pieces of evidence they used against you. You are entitled to a copy of this form.

The importance of this for those of us who have received an indeterminate SHU for "program failure" and are being considered for "gang validation" as well is to not let these pigs hold you back here any longer than you have to be. Once you know you're validated you can start fighting your case. And not have to wait until your indeterminate SHU for program failure is up.

- a California prisoner, January 2005

MIM adds: the California prison system is notorious for labeling political activist prisoners as gang members. This gang validation can be achieved using secret evidence, informants who are given every incentive to make up information, tattoos, and information about who a prisoner speaks to in the library or yard. It is very difficult to challenge a gang validation, which can result in an indeterminate sentence to California's prison control units (the SHU).