gangs Definition Of A Gang Being an organized
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’s Irish immigrant gangs identified • 1865 First Ku Klux Klan founded in Tennessee • 1873 Industrial Revolution brought more immigrants to US • 1900 Thousands of gangs existed in US • 1912 Irish gangs decline-Italians, Jews, Chinese form gangs
Evolution Continued • 1915 Second Klan group charted in Georgia • 1914 -18 World War I - Gang activity diminishes • 1919 Prohibition - Golden age of Gangs • 1920 Immigration from Asia and Europe Stopped, First signs of Black gangs
Evolution Continued • 1924 • 1943 • 1945 Klan reaches record 5 million members World War II - Heavy migration of Blacks and Puerto Ricans to North for wartime jobs Zoot Suit Riots White servicemen return from war and reclaim jobs displacing minority workers
Evolution Continued • 1954 Desegregation triggers white supremacists activities • 1958 First Neo-Nazi movement in US • 1960’s National KKK committee meets in North Carolina – Texas prison gangs develop – Vietnam War – Black Militant movement (Black Panthers)
Evolution Continued • • 1970 1975 1976 1981 Gang called Crips forms in LA Vietnamese immigrate to US Fall of Saigon KKK 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. . . "
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