A "shot caller" is a slang term primarily used in the context of gangs and prisons to describe someone who holds a position of authority and leadership. Specifically:
- In prison slang, a shot caller is an inmate who holds informal authority over other inmates and masterminds criminal activities. They are the decision-makers who "call the shots," including ordering hits or managing gang operations within the prison
- The shot caller is often the top gang leader, controlling the gang's activities not only in a specific prison but sometimes across multiple prisons and housing units. They have significant influence and power, often being responsible for decisions that affect life and death inside the prison
- Beyond prisons, the term can also refer more generally to someone in charge or a leader, especially within street gangs
- Being a shot caller requires a combination of ruthlessness, intelligence, political skill, and the ability to maintain order among inmates. They must balance diplomacy with enforcement to keep peace and control within a chaotic environment
In summary, a shot caller is the key leader or boss in a gang or prison setting who makes major decisions and commands respect and authority over others
