Tattoos are common among people that possess a strong sense of individualism. It isn't the tattoos fault that trait is also shared with lazy people who want to find the easiest path possible through life. I know a few people with tattoos that have no criminal record, and if you don't believe criminals without tattoos are rare, you haven't seen too many sex offenders in your time. Nor white collar criminals, nor dwi offenders, nor meth cooks or Ponzi scheme enthusiasts... Not all crime stems from gang or "club" activity.