Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Youth Gang Investigations Chapter 15

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Overview The Growing Problem The Growing Problem Drugs, Firearms, and Gangs Drugs, Firearms, and Gangs Investigation Methods Investigation Methods Review Questions Review Questions Opportunity for Student Questions Opportunity for Student Questions

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Learning Objectives Understand how and why gangs are a growing crime problem Understand how and why gangs are a growing crime problem Know the four elements that define a street youth gang Know the four elements that define a street youth gang Discuss the connection of drugs and firearms to street gangs Discuss the connection of drugs and firearms to street gangs Describe the motivations for joining a youth gang Describe the motivations for joining a youth gang Understand the various investigative methods commonly employed against violent youth gangs Understand the various investigative methods commonly employed against violent youth gangs

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Youth Gangs Youth gangs are often referred to as street gangs Youth gangs are often referred to as street gangs The Chicago Police Department defines a street gang as an association of youthful individuals, generally ranging in age from 13 to early 20s who exhibit the following characteristics: The Chicago Police Department defines a street gang as an association of youthful individuals, generally ranging in age from 13 to early 20s who exhibit the following characteristics: –A gang name and recognizable symbols –A defined geographic territory –Regular meeting patterns –An organized, continuous course of criminality

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Gang Prevalence in the U.S. The National Institute of Justice documented The National Institute of Justice documented –Gangs are a formidable problem in both large and small cities –Nearly 846,000 members belong to more than 31,000 gangs in 5,000 jurisdictions –Youth crime has increased dramatically in the last two decades –2.3 million juveniles were arrested in 1995, a 175% increase since 1975 DOJ reported DOJ reported –Juveniles commit 20% of all violent crime –The rate is far out of proportion to their numbers

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Offender Characteristics The majority of youth gang members are black or Hispanic The majority of youth gang members are black or Hispanic The proportion of white and female involvement is increasing The proportion of white and female involvement is increasing Recently, gangs have begun to reflect Central and South American, Asian, and Jamaican populations Recently, gangs have begun to reflect Central and South American, Asian, and Jamaican populations The vast majority of members are male (90%) The vast majority of members are male (90%)

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Offender Characteristics (continued) 71% of members are age 15 to 24 71% of members are age 15 to 24 16% are under 15 years of age 16% are under 15 years of age Only 13% are over 24 years old Only 13% are over 24 years old

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Offender Characteristics By Race Hispanic44% Hispanic44% African American35% African American35% Caucasian14% Caucasian14% Asian5% Asian5%

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ The Making of a Gang Member One study showed that every gang leader had left school prematurely and most were expelled for assaultive behavior One study showed that every gang leader had left school prematurely and most were expelled for assaultive behavior In most large cities, gang membership is multigenerational In most large cities, gang membership is multigenerational –Father was a gang member –Older brother is a member

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ The Making of a Gang Member (continued) There is also informal social and family recruitment that is reinforced through incarceration in local jails or prison There is also informal social and family recruitment that is reinforced through incarceration in local jails or prison Intimidation plays a role in 20% of gang recruitment Intimidation plays a role in 20% of gang recruitment Most gang affiliation is through: Most gang affiliation is through: –Family –Friends –Drug-dealing activities

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Female Gang Members Females may be found as auxiliary branch members of exclusive male gangs Females may be found as auxiliary branch members of exclusive male gangs They may form fully autonomous organizations They may form fully autonomous organizations Surveys indicate that at least 100 girl gangs are operating in the U.S. Surveys indicate that at least 100 girl gangs are operating in the U.S. Females compromise 10% of gang membership Females compromise 10% of gang membership There are an estimated 84,000 girls in gangs There are an estimated 84,000 girls in gangs

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Female Gang Members (continued) Female gangs are typically structured to resemble male groups with similar: Female gangs are typically structured to resemble male groups with similar: –Initiations –Meetings –Associated criminality Female gang members appear to have three behavioral constants in their backgrounds Female gang members appear to have three behavioral constants in their backgrounds –Early sexual activity –Delinquency –Strong susceptibility to peer pressure

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Four Elements of Social Hierarchy Found in Gangs Founding members Founding members –Referred to as original gangsters –Are held in high esteem Hard-core members Hard-core members –Generally, these members are 16 ̶ 24 years of age –Totally dedicated to the gang New members New members –Referred to commonly as baby gangsters –Range in age from 12 to 16 years old Street lookouts Street lookouts –Known sometimes as tiny gangsters

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Gang Crime Patterns Homicides and other violent crimes account for nearly 50% of all recorded gang-related crime incidents Homicides and other violent crimes account for nearly 50% of all recorded gang-related crime incidents Other common crimes include: Other common crimes include: –Narcotics –Shootings –Assaults and robbery –Extortion –Terrorizing entire neighborhoods

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Gangs and Drug Dealing Approximately 10% of gang-related crime is dedicated to drug dealing Approximately 10% of gang-related crime is dedicated to drug dealing A distinguishing characteristic of gangs is the using and selling of crack cocaine and methamphetamine A distinguishing characteristic of gangs is the using and selling of crack cocaine and methamphetamine –At least half of all crack cocaine sold in the U.S. is trafficked by gangs –Youth gangs also distribute large quantities of meth and other drugs as well –56% of all arrests involving Chicago’s oldest African-American street gang–the Vice Lords–are for drug dealing or possession As gangs distribute more narcotics, they approach the distinction of being termed an organized crime group As gangs distribute more narcotics, they approach the distinction of being termed an organized crime group

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Gangs and Homicide DOJ estimates that nearly 1,100 gang-related killings occur each year DOJ estimates that nearly 1,100 gang-related killings occur each year One of every 21 homicide victimizations is gang related One of every 21 homicide victimizations is gang related The new street gang is far more focused on deadly violence The new street gang is far more focused on deadly violence Homicides are often committed using the drive-by Homicides are often committed using the drive-by Gang retaliations are a common motive Gang retaliations are a common motive Higher homicide rates are attributed to: Higher homicide rates are attributed to: –Drug dealing –More lethal weaponry –Frequent drive-by homicides

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Gangs and Associated Violence Gangs are responsible for expressive violence Gangs are responsible for expressive violence –Destructive behavior –No practical purpose (it is violence for the sake of violence) Random beatings Random beatings Arson Arson Auto theft Auto theft Frequent use of firearms Frequent use of firearms

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Gang Graffiti Gangs create staggering amounts of graffiti Made by taggers or tagging crewsMade by taggers or tagging crews High-tech tagging is rapidly spreadingHigh-tech tagging is rapidly spreading

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Investigative Procedures There are two basic investigative responses to gang crime There are two basic investigative responses to gang crime –Reactive ̶ investigated after the crime has been committed Traditional investigations Traditional investigations –Proactive ̶ the attempt to interrupt crime prior to it being consummated Undercover operations Undercover operations Using informants Using informants Community policing strategies Community policing strategies Criminal activity needs to be sorted into gang- related and non-gang-related activity by law enforcement in order to determine the correct investigative strategy Criminal activity needs to be sorted into gang- related and non-gang-related activity by law enforcement in order to determine the correct investigative strategy

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Determining if an Incident is Gang-Related–Eight Criteria 1. Identification–Crimes that stem from the significance a gang places on certain symbols (hand signs, language, graffiti) 2. Recruitment–Offenses related to recruiting gang members 3. Extortion–Efforts to exact payments 4. Territory violations–Crimes committed to guard a gang’s turf or to disrespect another’s territory

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Determining if an Incident is Gang-Related–Eight Criteria (continued) 5. Prestige–Crimes committed either to glorify the gang or to gain rank or peer status 6. Internal conflict–Offenses that result from internal conflicts or power struggles 7. Vice–Offenses typically involving the distribution of drugs (cocaine, crack, meth, PCP, or heroin), gambling, or prostitution 8. Retaliation–Criminal acts of revenge for real or imagined insults

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Three Types of Gang-Infested High-Crime Neighborhoods Turf hot spots Turf hot spots –Neighborhoods in which fights frequently occur over territorial boundaries –Intergang rivalries exist for territory Drug hot spots Drug hot spots –Areas in which gang-motivated drug crimes predominate –Assaults and homicides related to narcotic deals are common –There is heavy traffic from outside the neighborhood Combination neighborhoods Combination neighborhoods –Gang-motivated crime often includes both turf and drug criminality

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Neighborhood Classifications and Investigative Strategy First, investigators must classify the neighborhood First, investigators must classify the neighborhood Depending upon the classification, different strategies can be employed Depending upon the classification, different strategies can be employed –Turf hot spots require officers to conduct frequent field interviews to located concealed weapons ̶ the stop and frisk is effective –Drug hot spots require standard anti-drug investigation tactics (informants, UC buys, and buy busts) –Combination areas require a combination of investigative activity

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Investigative Procedures: Gang Units Comprised of volunteer officers Comprised of volunteer officers Receive special training Receive special training –Gang recognition –Graffiti reading/interpretation –Hand signs –Clothing Team up with specially-assigned prosecuting attorneys to handle gang cases Team up with specially-assigned prosecuting attorneys to handle gang cases

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Gang Crime Investigative Procedures: Using Computers Computer programs are used to track gangs Computer programs are used to track gangs Computers are designed to search for and identify gang members and gang crimes Computers are designed to search for and identify gang members and gang crimes Computers use partial identifies such as: Computers use partial identifies such as: –Nicknames –Gang tattoos –Aliases –Dates of birth –Residences –Scars –Probation/parole status

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Prosecution Issues: Witness Reluctance Often extraordinary measures are necessary to protect witnesses in gang cases Often extraordinary measures are necessary to protect witnesses in gang cases Threats and retaliation is a reality–causing fear Threats and retaliation is a reality–causing fear One survey showed that 90% of prosecutors in large cities and 74% in small jurisdictions agreed that obtaining the cooperation of victims and witnesses is one of their most significant problems One survey showed that 90% of prosecutors in large cities and 74% in small jurisdictions agreed that obtaining the cooperation of victims and witnesses is one of their most significant problems Another complicating factor is that many victims and witnesses are gang members themselves Another complicating factor is that many victims and witnesses are gang members themselves

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Review Questions 1.How does the Chicago Police Department defines a street gang? 2.List five offender characteristics of a youth gang member. 3.According to one study, what is common to all gang leaders in terms of educational history? 4.How many ‘girl-gangs’ operate in the U.S.? 5.What is the percentage of female gang membership compared to all gang members? 6.Describe the social hierarchy found in gangs. 7.Compare and contrast proactive and reactive investigative processes. 8.Identify the eight criteria that helps to identify if a criminal incident is gang-related. 9.Describe the three types of gang neighborhoods. 10.Why are victims and witnesses of crime (especially gang-related) reluctant to cooperate with police and prosecutors?

Criminal Investigation, 7 th Edition By James N. Gilbert PRENTICE HALL ©2007 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ Student Questions