gangs

Definition Of A Gang Being an organized group with some recognized leader. Remaining together during peaceful times as well as during conflicts. Showing unity in obvious ways. Conducting activities that are criminal or threatening to another person, the community, or a rival.

Evolution Of Gangs In America 1700’sIrish immigrant gangs identified 1865First Ku Klux Klan founded in Tennessee 1873Industrial Revolution brought more immigrants to US 1900Thousands of gangs existed in US 1912Irish gangs decline-Italians, Jews, Chinese form gangs

Evolution Continued 1915Second Klan group charted in Georgia World War I - Gang activity diminishes 1919Prohibition - Golden age of Gangs 1920Immigration from Asia and Europe Stopped, First signs of Black gangs

Evolution Continued 1924Klan reaches record 5 million members 1943World War II - Heavy migration of Blacks and Puerto Ricans to North for wartime jobs Zoot Suit Riots 1945White servicemen return from war and reclaim jobs displacing minority workers

Evolution Continued 1954Desegregation triggers white supremacists activities 1958First Neo-Nazi movement in US 1960’sNational KKK committee meets in North Carolina – Texas prison gangs develop – Vietnam War – Black Militant movement (Black Panthers)

Evolution Continued 1970Gang called Crips forms in LA 1975Vietnamese immigrate to US 1976Fall of Saigon 1981KKK membership declines – Mind control/Identity groups form – Militias form – Crack appears

Gang Related Crimes Shoplifting Destruction of Private Property Assault and Harassment Drive-by shootings Grand Theft Auto Drug Dealing Gun Trafficking Extortion

Incentives (risk factors) Looking for surrogate family Identity problems Family has gang history Lack of alternative activities Need for money Love of violence and intimidation (perceived power) Need for survival (protection)

Identifying Possible Gang Members Says that he/she is in a gang Hangs out with other known gang members Has tattoos related to a certain gang Is involved in known gang activities and crimes Wears certain colors or types of clothing Is known by others by a moniker (nickname)

Records To Keep All records must be Confidential –Can be shared with other departments –Should have separate lists for juveniles and adults –Separate lists for confirmed and associate gang members

Record Contents Name Date of Birth Moniker Address and Telephone number Whether or not confirmed membership Colors Substance abuse Date/Time and reason for all contacts Affiliates with party at time of contact All information on the vehicle they are in Weapons involved or carried

Records Set-up Try to convert lists into alphabetical order by: –Legal Name –Moniker –Gang affiliation

Difficulties Investigating Gang Related Crimes Victims and Witnesses that are unwilling to cooperate Police should establish contacts with the gang members –Size –Names of as many members as possible –Symbols –Graffiti –Colors

Getting Information Seek out disenchanted members Children know what is going on in their neighborhood Teachers, School counselors, ministers Recreation department personnel Play members against each other

Defenses Against Prosecution Diminished mental capacity –Under the influence of drugs or alcohol Self Defense

Definition of Bias Crime Page 668 of Criminal Investigations

Most Notable for Bias Crimes Ku Klux Klan Skinheads Biker gangs Militias

Bias Crimes Most Often Seen Assault Rape Arson Vandalism Robbery Burglary Murder Cross-burning Painting Swastikas Bombings Hanging Effigies

Cults and Ritualistic Crimes A Cult is defined on page 671 of Criminal Investigations

Cult Leaders Normally a cult has a charismatic leader who develops ideas and beliefs that attract followers –Charles Manson –Jim Jones –David Koresh –Marshal Applewhite

Specific Cults Davidians Heaven’s Gate Wikkans Marilyn Manson Drac’s

Investigating Ritualistic Crimes Take sketches, photographs Describe Colors found Take measurements between objects Preserve all objects as evidence

"Do Not Follow in My Footsteps" Stanley "Tookie" Williams, Surviving Crips Co-Founder MESSAGE OF THE MOMENT The Apology I pray that one day my apology will be accepted. I also pray that your suffering, caused by gang violence, will soon come to an end....." Try This ! "...when you don't admit to your mistakes and deal with the consequences, you're probably going to keep making the same mistakes....."