Gang members use hand signs to communicate with each other and to challenge rival members or law enforcement officers in what they call "throwing signs." After forming in Los Angeles in the early 1970s, the Bloods street gang spread to the East Coast and formed "sets." These sets include the Piru Bloods, Fruit Town Brims, and South Side Brims (in western Maryland). The hand signs in this gallery were recovered during a multi-agency investigation earlier this year. Photos courtesy of Det. Rich Keys of the Maryland State Police.
East Coast Blood Hand Signs
The suspected Blood on the left is showing "blood" with both hands. The other with his arms crossed is showing "westside." The female in gray is showing "brims are one."
The two suspected Bloods on the left are showing that they like guns and the other three are showing "westside" or "brims."
The suspected Blood with the red hat is showing "westside" or "brims." The one in the middle using his right hand to show the same and his left hand to show "crip killer." The one with the black hat is showing "blood" or "piru."
The two suspected Bloods in black shirts are sending a familiar message to rivals. The female in gray is showing "blood love." The one in the orange shirt is showing "westside."
Three suspected Bloods (from l. to r.) show the hand sign for "westside" or "brims"; hold a street sign; and show the sign for "blood" or "piru."
The Blood wearing the stocking cap (left rear) shows "westside" with his left hand and "brims" with his right. The female wearing the black bandana shows "blood." The one in the front is showing "blood rule."
The suspected Blood with the gray shirt is showing "westside" or "brim." The other one is showing "westside" with his right hand and "crip killer" with his left hand.
The suspected Blood on the left is making an "s" for "southside." The one in front is throwing up "westside" or "brims." The one in the back is showing "crip killer" with his left hand and using his right hand with the last one to make the sign for "brim as one."