clique

Unlike legacy media, where similar outlets are viewed as competition, podcasters often treat each other as part of a larger community, or "clique."

Though Fernandez said that he too had a tattoo of the warrior image, he said his was not numbered — as some deputy clique tattoos are — and that he does not consider himself a member of the Gladiators.

The newly reported group, which is not named in the memo, is based out of the Los Angeles CountySheriff’s Department’s Norwalk station, which had not previously been linked to any reported deputy gang or clique.

Instead, he said he chose to use the “neutral term ‘subgroup’” because he had “insufficient information to conclude whether the group of deputies at the Norwalk Station associating under this symbol constitute a clique or deputy gang.”

“To eradicate this deeply embedded deputy clique culture requires a clear policy banning them,” he said, “and a clear message from the Sheriff that they will no longer be tolerated.”