Redd Alert

Redd Alert (RA) are an aboriginal Canadian organized crime group which operates as both a prison gang and a street gang.^[12][13]

History[]

Redd Alert was established in 1999 by Robert Lee Wenger along with other First Nations inmates of Cree, Anishinaabe, and Métis origin as an alternative to joining two of the other Aboriginal gangs within the Alberta prison system: the Indian Posse and the Manitoba Warriors.^[14] Details on their origin are unclear but some reports say they originated as an offshoot of the Edmonton Northside Boys.^[15]

The gang initially established a presence in the streets of Alberta and Manitoba before migrating west to British Columbia. In the late 1990s, its first Vancouver chapter was founded.^[16] Aside from Canada, they are also rumored to be active within certain parts of the United States - purportedly, Houston, San Fransisco, Denver and Vallejo. These allegations remain unconfirmed, however.^[17]

When Redd Alert first significantly fell under the police radar following a 2005 raid by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, authorities categorized them as an unorganized and loosely affiliated bunch. Since then, they have drastically grown in prominence and are currently reported to be on the scope of law enforcement across Canada.^[18]

Background and structure[]

Redd Alert is composed mainly of Aboriginal Canadian youth, many of whom come from rough, displaced backgrounds such as dysfunctional households and juvenile detention.

In the context of membership, Redd Alert upholds the motto "blood in, blood out" - a popularly used phrase amongst gangs to signify that members are required to carry out a brutal assault and/or homicide and the only way for one to depart from the group is through their own death. Redd Alert members are bent on securing a respected reputation within Canada's criminal underworld, a reason that many of the gang's crimes are large-scale and often involve brutal tactics.^[19]

Redd Alert adopted the color red as their official "gang color" as an ode their Native Canadian background.^[20]

Redd Alert maintain a strong alliance with the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, for whom they reportedly sell drugs for. They are also allies with the White Boy Posse, a neo-Nazi criminal organization that operates throughout the Canadian West. Redd Alert are also affiliated with the Independent Soldiers, another prominent street gang within Canada's Western provinces.^[21][22]

For a time, Redd Alert was in conflict with the Fresh Off the Boat (F.O.B.) gang before both groups eventually reached a partnership.^[23]

Organized crime activities[]

Like many other street and prison gangs, members of Redd Alert generate income through the sale, transportation and distribution of illicit drugs. The gang also makes money off of prostitution and engage in home invasions as well as robberies.^[24][25]

References[]