The Bloods are a street gang based in Los Angeles, California, originally formed by Sylvester Scott and Vincent Owens for protection against the Crips gang. A shift in objectives to criminal activity for profit and other predatory activities ensued shortly after the gang's formation. The gang's leadership and organizational structure is fluid, and violent acts are a method by which respect is achieved and maintained. Gang membership initiation rituals, such as being “beat in,” tend to reflect the overall violent tendencies of the gang culture. Typical Blood gang identifiers/symbols include the color red in [Page 66]clothing, the use of red bandannas or rags, and specific Blood gang tattoos.