2. Introduction A criminal street gang is a formal or informal group of three or more individuals with common identifiers whose primary goals include criminal activity. Common identifiers can include group name, colors worn, and common use of symbols/signs.
3. Introduction Identification Self Admission Parents Informants Associates with known gang members Duck rule, i.e. acts like one, treat as one
4. Introduction Gang Associate Meets partial criteria Admits to gang association Wanna be’s Can be most dangerous as they have something to prove Most likely win become involved in gang activity without intervention
5. Introduction New Orleans Gangs According to FBI gang task force, no national known gang activity All, except for some Vietnamese in New Orleans East, are home grown No less violent and represent considerable problems for law enforcement Harder to build cases and prosecute because of fluidity
6. Introduction Federal Gang Statute Title 18 Part I Chapter 26 Sec. 521. Criminal street gangs -STATUTE- (a) Definitions. - ''conviction'' includes a finding, under State or Federal law, that a person has committed an act of juvenile delinquency involving a violent or controlled substances felony. ''criminal street gang'' means an ongoing group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons - (A) that has as 1 of its primary purposes the commission of 1 or more of the criminal offenses described in subsection (c); (B) the members of which engage, or have engaged within the past 5 years, in a continuing series of offenses described in subsection (c); and (C) the activities of which affect interstate or foreign commerce. ''State'' means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States. (b) Penalty. - The sentence of a person convicted of an offense described in subsection (c) shall be increased by up to 10 years if the offense is committed under the circumstances described in subsection (d).
7. Introduction Federal Gang Statute Title 18 Part I Chapter 26 Sec. 521. Criminal street gangs (continued) (c) Offenses. - The offenses described in this section are - (1) a Federal felony involving a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)) for which the maximum penalty is not less than 5 years; (2) a Federal felony crime of violence that has as an element the use or attempted use of physical force against the person of another; and (3) a conspiracy to commit an offense described in paragraph (1) or (2). (d) Circumstances. - The circumstances described in this section are that the offense described in subsection (c) was committed by a person who - (1) participates in a criminal street gang with knowledge that its members engage in or have engaged in a continuing series of offenses described in subsection (c); (2) intends to promote or further the felonious activities of the criminal street gang or maintain or increase his or her position in the gang; and
8. Introduction Federal Gang Statute Title 18 Part I Chapter 26 Sec. 521. Criminal street gangs (continued) (3) has been convicted within the past 5 years for - (A) an offense described in subsection (c); (B) a State offense - (i) involving a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)) for which the maximum penalty is not less than 5 years' imprisonment; or (ii) that is a felony crime of violence that has as an element the use or attempted use of physical force against the person of another; (C) any Federal or State felony offense that by its nature involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person of another may be used in the course of committing the offense; or (D) a conspiracy to commit an offense described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C). -SOURCE- (Added Pub. L. 103-322, title XV, Sec. 150001(a), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2034; amended Pub. L. 104-294, title VI, Sec. 607(q), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3513.) -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 1996 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104-294 inserted at end '' 'State' means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.''
9. Introduction Louisiana Gang Statute RS 15:1404 §1404. Definitions A. As used in this Chapter, "criminal street gang" means any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which has as one of its primary activities the commission of one or more of the criminal acts enumerated in Paragraphs (1) through (8) of Subsection B of this Section or which has a common name or common identifying sign or symbol, whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity.
10. Introduction Louisiana Gang Statute RS 15:1404 (continued) B. As used in this Chapter, "pattern of criminal gang activity" means the commission or attempted commission of two or more of the following offenses, provided at least one of those offenses occurred after September 7, 1990 and the last of those offenses occurred within three years after a prior offense, and the offenses are committed on separate occasions or by two or more persons: (1) Aggravated battery or second degree battery as defined in R.S. 14:34 and R.S. 14:34.1. (2) Armed robbery as defined in R.S. 14:64. (3) First or second degree murder or manslaughter, as defined in R.S. 14:30, 30.1, and 31. (4) The sale, possession for sale, transportation, manufacture, offer for sale, or offer to manufacture controlled substances, as defined in R.S. 40:961 et seq. (5) Illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, as defined in R.S. 14:94. (6) Aggravated arson as defined in R.S. 14:51. (7) Intimidating, impeding, or injuring witnesses; or injuring officers, as defined in R.S. 14:129.1. (8) Theft, as defined in R.S. 14:67, of any vehicle, trailer, or vessel. Acts 1990, No. 230,§ 1.
11. Gang Ideology The gang can represent a family to the member who is looking for camaraderie, friendship, love, discipline, identity and support, both emotional and financial The gang provides this through a well structured and disciplined environment. The gang provides an identity and the gang heritage to the member It can represent a paramilitary model
12. Gang Ideology Family Gang replaces family Gang provides for basic needs Love Discipline/Structure Food Shelter Financial Support
13. Ideology Gang Discipline Punishment is NOT discipline Punishment is a tool for discipline Discipline Attending all gang activities Being down for the set Recruiting new members Furthering the purpose of the gang Serves to remind the member where the boundaries are and requiring adherence to those boundaries
14. Ideology Respect equals fear Weakness is equivalent to Kindness Courtesy Benefit of the doubt
15. Ideology The gang is not a street gang but an organization Explains this attitude by Provides help for members Supports members Gives guidance to new members They get along with each other
16. Ideology Social movement Grass roots movement Social cause Minority oppression Assist impoverished communities Incorporates as a non profit Very vocal Apply for grant money Front for criminal activity
17. Ideology Political action Candidates run for office Funding political campaigns Hinders criminal investigations by seeking injunction forbidding investigations Political statement and endorsements Political control over law enforcement
18. Recruitment Why people join gangs Identity or recognition Generational family influence Pseudo-family Protection intimidation
19. Recruitment Initiations Beat-in Sex-in (females only) Leads to female rivalry Females initiated this way seen as “ho’s” Test of heart Criminal act Can be violent crime or property crime Goal is to increase the reputation of the gang
20. Recruitment Recruiting locations Schools Public and private Churches Youth outreach groups Teen night clubs Athletic events Hang outs
21. Recruitment Getting Out “Membership is for Life” Beat Out More severe than beat in Led to believe death will occur “Death is the only way out” Dissociation Successful Member must make decision
22. Gang Membership Age Range Recruiting targets 12-16 years old Becoming younger Lenient juvenile justice system Adults usually recruited through detention setting
23. Gang Membership Age Range As the gang evolves, the median age of membership increases The older the average age the more serious the gang problem As age increases, the violence and criminality also increases
24. Gang Membership Hard core and active members Participate in violent and aggressive a gang related criminal acts Encourage others to act violently Respected by other gang members and tolerated by outsiders Includes recruiters and leaders of the gang
25. Gang Membership Associates Associate for status and recognition Wear the clothing and identifiers of gang Attend gang functions Association fulfills the need to belong Gang association gives respect on non gang persons Fear
26. Gang Membership Peripheral (At risk) Move in and out based upon interest of activities of gang Referred to as wanna bes Can be most dangerous Have most to prove Will seek membership
27. Gang Movement Influenced by parents moving juvenile away from gang Allows gang to start up and recruit in a new area See gang migration articles
28. Types of Gangs Tagging crews Interest revolves around graffiti Began in inner cities and have spread out Philosophy is “art is not a crime” Hip hop culture Eventually mimic gang behavior Crews have a common name
29. Types of Gangs Stoners Heavy metal music influence Mimic artist appearance Gothic/vampire influence Drug usage hallucinogens Satanic or occult worship
30. Types of Gangs Satanic or occult Members are anti-social with varying degrees of personality disorders Membership is reinforced by participating in socially unacceptable acts Illegal drugs are used to enhance activities
31. Types of Gangs Subversive Domestic terrorists Membership is predicate upon hate of another because of: Race Religion Sexual orientation Government
32. Types of Gangs Traditional gangs Have historical existence which leads to traditions which are adhered to and taught to new members These gangs may be referred to as a “turf gang”
33. Types of Gangs Non-traditional gangs Referred to as transitional gangs Hybrid in nature This type of gang will slowly transition into a traditional gang This gang is in a constant state of flux as tradition and ideology are sorted out
34. Gang Activities Murder Theft Drugs, #1 source of income for gangs Intimidation Extortion Numerous other criminal activities
35. Major Street Gang Sets People Nation (Chicago Based) Includes Vice Lords, Latin Kings, Bishops, El Rukns, Latin Lovers, P. R. Stones, Pachucos and Vice Lords
40. Major Street Gang Sets Folk Nation (Chicago Based) Includes Black Gangster Disciples,, Maniac Latin Disciples, Deuces, Imperial Gangsters, Latin Eagles, Simon City Royals and Two Two Boys Black Gangster Disciples Three Leaders (Kings) David Barksdale aka King David Jerome Freeman aka King Shorty Larry Hoover aka King Hoover
46. Major Street Gang Sets Crips (Los Angeles Based) Will fight other Crips Allied with Folk Nation if the Eight ball (graffiti) is intact Prison gang alliance with the Consolidated Crip Organization Subsets include Durock, 76 East Coast Crips, Eight Tray Gangster Crips, Grape Street Watts, 52 Hoover Crips, Rolling 60’s, Shotgun Crips
48. Major Street Gang Sets Bloods (Los Angeles Based) Formally known as Piru Prison Gang alliance with United Blood Nation Subsets include Bounty Hunters, 59 Brims, Lime Hood Pirus, Main Street Swans, Denver Lane Bloods, Bloodstone Villains, Black P-Stone
50. Identification Monikers Street name or nickname Often the only name a witness/victim has to identify the gang member Colors Colors represent gang affiliation Can be worn through sports teams jerseys Individual meanings for individual gangs
51. Identification Representing Hand signs Wearing clothing to a particular side I.e. pant leg rolled up, hat worn to a side, shoes laces untied on one side Tattoos Best way to identify gang members Gang identifiers may be hidden in artwork
57. Gang Prevention Gangs should be treated as a criminal element Media Need to be trained not to publicize gang activity This will only bolster the gang’s image Can lead to retaliation from other gangs seeking recognition Can not show the gang member as a victim of society Should not display graffiti on TV
58. Gang Prevention- Intelligence Make liaison with school personnel, including security staff, resource officers, administrators, teachers and students Citizen watch groups Business owners located near teen hang out areas Gang Members from rival gangs, members in justice system Graffiti
59. Gang Prevention/Education Develop community based anti-gang initiative DARE, GREAT, after hours sports Teach parents and school administrators of warning signs Information that the youth has not been home for several nights, drug use, new found wealth, increased conflicts/fights, discovery of weapons, tattoos, etc
60. Gang Suppression Gang Documentation Field interviews of members and associates Include tattoos, clothing, associates, reason for contact, monikers, and any other identifiers Reasons to stop can include the LA statutes in the accompanying folder See also Terry Stop-need cause Gang events Media reports Graffiti and paraphernalia
61. Gang Suppression Gang Sweeps Zero tolerance policing Multi-agency effort, both intelligence and prosecution Probation/Parole officers can authorize warrantless searches Target specific high risk areas for intensive patrols
62. Gang Suppression Juvenile curfews Traffic Enforcement Speed Window tint Loud music Unsafe equipment Moving violations Fictitious license Underage drivers
63. Gang Suppression Investigative stops Terry Stops See Sidebar Criminal activity About to be committed Being committed Just committed Pat down for weapons Be able to articulate suspicion Reasonable suspicion
64. Gang Suppression “Citizen contacts” Consensual contact Consensual search “Ask” for identification Non-threatening Covert interview
65. Officer Safety Gangs will hide all kinds of weapons in all kinds of places Females may be used to hold weapons Felony stop for known gang members Always be vigilant, as gang members can be very creative
66. Acknowledgements Unless otherwise noted, all written information was derived from Criminal Street Gangs I class given by SEPSI and Robert Mateo. Photos on slides 52 and the upper left photo on slide 53 were obtained from http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/index.html Others photos were derived from www.gangland.com or its links to the actual gangs themselves.