Street
ninja turtles
What does ninja turtles mean?
Correctional officers dressed in helmets and body armor for cell extractions or riots, resembling the cartoon turtles. Also just 'turtles.'
"When the ninja turtles rolled up, everybody knew a cell extraction was coming."
Origin
After the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, for the shell-like riot armor.
Frequently asked questions
What are ninja turtles in prison slang?
They are correctional officers dressed in helmets and body armor for riots or cell extractions, whose bulky gear makes them look like the cartoon turtles.
Why are riot-gear guards called ninja turtles?
The shell-like body armor and helmets resemble the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, so inmates borrowed the name for the tactical getup.
What does it mean when the ninja turtles show up?
Their appearance usually signals a serious situation like a cell extraction or riot response, so seeing them means force is about to be used.
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