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8/4/2019 Street Gang Prosecution Manual 2009 - DOJ
1/121
U.S.DepartmentofJustice
OfficeofJusticePrograms
OfficeofJuvenileJusticeandDelinquencyPrevention
GangProsecutionManual
July 2009
Copyright 2009 Institute for Intergovernmental Research. All Rights Reserved.
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Gang Prosecution Manual
U.S.DepartmentofJustice
OfficeofJusticePrograms
810SeventhStreetNW
WashingtonDC20531
EricH.Holder,Jr.
AttorneyGeneral
LaurieRobinsonActingAssistantAttorneyGeneral/PrincipalDeputyAssistantAttorneyGeneral
JeffSlowikowski
ActingAdministrator
OfficeofJuvenileJusticeandDelinquencyPrevention
ThisdocumentwaspreparedbytheNationalYouthGangCenterunderCooperative
AgreementNumber2007JVFX0008fromtheOfficeofJuvenileJusticeand
DelinquencyPrevention(OJJDP).
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of
the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of JusticeAssistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Community Capacity
Development Office; the National Institute of Justice; the Office for Victims of
Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending,Registering, and Tracking (SMART). Points of view or opinions in this
document are those of the authors and do not represent the official position or
policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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Gang Prosecution Manual
GangProsecutionManualJuly2009
ThisdocumentwasdevelopedbytheNationalYouthGangCenter. Thefollowing
individualsareauthorsofvariouschaptersofthisdocument.
Mr.JohnAnderson,AssistantDistrictAttorney,OrangeCountyDistrictAttorneysOffice,SupervisoroftheTARGETGangUnit,SantaAna,CA
SergeantMarkNye,WestminsterPoliceDepartment,Westminster,CAMr.RonFreitas,ChiefDeputyDistrictAttorneyoftheHomicideGangDivision,SanJoaquinCountyDistrictAttorneysOffice,Stockton,CA
Mr.JarrettWolf,President,theLawFirmofJarrettWolf,formerAssistantStateAttorneyandDEAAgentinMiami,FL.
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i Table of Contents
TableofContents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................1 Section1: InvestigatingtheGangCase: LawEnforcementsImpacton
SuccessfulProsecution...........................................................................................4 Introduction................................................................................................................... 5
GangMemberIdentificationandDocumentation................................................... 5
LegalConsiderationinObtainingGangRecords.................................................... 7
GangBooks,SchoolYearbooks,andOtherResources............................................ 9
FieldInterviewCards................................................................................................ 11
CrimeandIncidentReports...................................................................................... 13GangDatabases: StoringandRetrievingGangRecords...................................... 14
GangDatabaseLegalConsiderations...................................................................... 16
GangSearchWarrants............................................................................................... 18
UseofInformantsandtheNeedforanInformantPolicy.................................... 20
ConfidentialityIssues................................................................................................ 22
GangSearchWarrantandAffidavitLanguage...................................................... 22
Section2: GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiabilityandInvestigation
Considerations:WhytheLiabilityNetGetsThrownOverSoMany............27Introduction................................................................................................................. 27
GroupCrimeDangers................................................................................................ 29
TeenageGroupCrimeDangers................................................................................ 31
GangGroupCrimeDangers..................................................................................... 31
BasicConceptsofGroupCriminalLiability........................................................... 32
InvestigationConsiderations.................................................................................... 33
ExtendedLiabilityFromGroupCrimeParticipation............................................40
Conclusion................................................................................................................... 42
References.................................................................................................................... 42
Section3: FilingtheGangCase.............................................................................................43 Introduction................................................................................................................. 43
PreparingtoFiletheGangCase............................................................................... 44
DirectingFurtherInvestigations.............................................................................. 46
JuvenileorAdultProsecution.................................................................................. 48
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ii Table of Contents
Section3: FilingtheGangCase(Continued)
CriminalLiability....................................................................................................... 48
AidingandAbetting.................................................................................................. 49
Conspiracy................................................................................................................... 51
NaturalandProbableConsequencesLiability....................................................... 54
TheoriesSpecifictoMurder...................................................................................... 56
TheFelonyMurderRule........................................................................................... 56
ProvocativeActMurder............................................................................................ 57
ConcurrentCausation................................................................................................ 58
Conclusion................................................................................................................... 59
Section4: PresentationoftheCase......................................................................................60 Introduction................................................................................................................. 60
Witnesses..................................................................................................................... 61
Gang
Evidence
............................................................................................................
69
TheJurisprudenceofGangProsecution................................................................. 71
LitigatingtheAdmissibilityofGangEvidence...................................................... 76
AdmissibilityofGangExpertTestimony............................................................... 78
QualifyingtheGangExpert...................................................................................... 79
JurySelection............................................................................................................... 82
Conclusion................................................................................................................... 86
Section5: SentencingIssuesinGangCases........................................................................88Introduction................................................................................................................. 88
TypesofCrimes.......................................................................................................... 89AlternativestoCriminalFilingsandDiversionPrograms................................... 90
FilingDecision............................................................................................................ 91
MethodofConviction................................................................................................ 94
ProbationHearings.................................................................................................. 100
ParoleConsiderations.............................................................................................. 100
Conclusion................................................................................................................. 101
References.................................................................................................................. 102
Exhibit1: SuperiorCourtofCalifornia,CountyofOrange,Advisementand
WaiverofRightsforaFelonyGuiltyPlea,F026412.6(R10/04).................103
Exhibit2: DefendantsWaiverofConstitutionalRightsforGuiltyPlea
toMisdemeanor,F0232330.11(3/88)...............................................................109
Exhibit3: AttachmentNo.1,FactualBasisforPleaofGuilty......................................112
Exhibit4: Adult,OrangeCountyProbationDepartment,GangTermsand
ConditionsofProbation....................................................................................114
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Gang Prosecution Manual
1 Introduction
Introduction
The National Youth Gang Center estimates that there were approximately
778,000gangmembersand27,000gangsactiveinmorethan3,550jurisdictionsserved
bycityandcountylawenforcementagenciesin2007.
GangsremainaseriousproblemintheUnitedStates,andlocalprosecutorsand
districtattorneysplayanimportantroleinaddressinggangrelatedviolence. Thevast
majority of violent gangrelated crimes will be prosecuted at the local level by
prosecutors in agencieswherebudgets are tight and resources for training are often
minimal.
Gangrelated crimesare,by theirverynature,moredifficult toprosecute thanother sorts of crimesfull of interconnected relationships and complex dynamics
between rival gangs. Todays gangmember victimmaybe tomorrowsperpetrator.
Witnessesandjuriesmaybeintimidatedbytheinherentandimpliedthreatofviolence
fromaganginvolveddefendant. Theawarenessandsophisticationofcourtemployees
and judges in dealing with gangs vary from place to place. Further, successful
prosecutionofagangcasemay requireexpert testimony tohelp thejuryunderstand
the complicated cultural issues that are foundational to gangrelated crime. Trying
gangrelatedcasestakestime,preparation,andknowledge.
For those reasons, this publication has been prepared to bring together
information on the basics of gang crime prosecution at the local level. This is a
workbookdesigned tohelp localprosecutorsand investigatorsvisualizeandprepare
for every step of a gangrelated crime prosecution, from the initial crime scene
investigation to preparing and presenting the case and, finally, sentencing issues
specifictogangcases. Thisdocumenthasbeenpreparedbyworkingprosecutorsand
investigators from stateswithverydifferent legal requirements. Theyhaveyears of
experienceindealingwiththecomplexitiesofviolentgangrelatedcrime. Theintentof
this manual is to assist local prosecutors in holding ganginvolved offenders
accountablefortheiractionsand,ultimately,guardingthecommunityfromgangs.
Whenagangmemberhascommittedaviolentactthathascausedlossandpaintothe
entirecommunity,thegoalofeffectiveprosecutionshouldbeafindingbyajudgethat
protectsthecommunityanddemonstratesanunderstandingofthenegativetolltaken
onthevictimsbytheseacts:
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2 Introduction
EverythingIknowaboutgangstellsmethatgangsarededicatedtoviolenceand
crime. And, while there may be a certain brotherhood, it is done only to
perpetuatewhateverjoy theygetfromdrugabuse, the crimes theycommit, the
peopletheyhurt,andthepeopletheybully...IreallycannotfindanyreasonwhyI
shouldnotprotectthiscommunityandkeepMr.Cortesoffthestreet. Heisoneof
thelinksofthechainthatgoesfromthecriminalityandtheviolenceofgangs,to
ourschoolsandtoourcommunity. Thislink,Iintendtobreak. . .Mr.Cortes,
thisCourt hereby sentencesyou to 25years in the stateprison [for attempted
murder]. Thecourt isdepartingfrom theguidelines todoso. Ibelieve Ihave
validlegalreasonstodoso. Idonotthinkyouhaveaclue. Idonotknowhow
else,atthispoint,toteachyouthatyouhavedonewrong.
The Honorable Maxine Cohen Lando, Circuit Judge, MiamiDade
County,Florida,StateofFloridav.DavidCortes,March29,1999.
Section 1: Investigating the Gang Case: Law Enforcements Impact on Successful
Prosecution
Lawenforcementspreparationforgangrelatedcrimes isthecruxofsuccessful
prosecution. This section includes information on every aspect of law
enforcement/prosecution cooperation, including police documentation of gang
affiliation and activity, legal considerations inobtaininggang records, resources that
canassist
indocumenting
gang
affiliation
on
the
part
ofdefendants,
gang
databases,
searchwarrants,andtheuseofinformants. Itisdesignedforusebybothprosecutors
and lawenforcementagencies. A samplegang searchwarrantandaffidavitarealso
provided.
Section2: GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiabilityandInvestigationConsiderations:
WhytheLiabilityNetGetsThrownOverSoMany
Inmostinstancesofgangrelatedcrime,acomplexdynamicofconnectionsexists
between suspects and victims. The group dynamics of gangrelated crimes and
conspiracyliabilityarediscussedinthissection,alongwithwaysthatinvestigatorscan
respond to crime sceneswithmultipleparticipants,gang expert testimony related to
groupcrimes,anddealingwithaidersandabettorstogangrelatedcrimes.
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3 Introduction
Section3:FilingtheGangCase
Inmanyways, gang cases are likely tobe themost complex cases filedby a
prosecutor. Thissectiondescribespreparationforfilingthecase,further investigation
thatmayberequired,discussionastowhethercasesshouldbefiledinjuvenileoradult
court,decisionsabout filingagainstaccomplices/accessoriesusing theoriesof liability,
andfilingissuesspecifictomurdertrials.
Section4: PresentationoftheCase
Once thecaseactuallygets to trial,ahostofunforeseen issuescanarise. This
sectiondealswith anticipating the challengeswhenpresentinggang cases, including
witness issues, presentation of gang evidence, litigating the admissibility of gang
evidence, dealingwith gang expert testimony, andjury selection issues specifically
relatedtogangs.
Section5: SentencingIssuesinGangCases
From the time the case is filed, sentencing issues shouldbeparamount in the
mindoftheprosecutor. Thissectionaddressessentencingissuesduringfiling,suchas
misdemeanorsversusfelonies,alternativestocriminalfilings,howfilinginjuvenileor
adultcourtmayaffectsentencing,sentencingoptionsforgangoffenders,conditionsof
probation that are appropriate for criminal street gang members, and parole
considerations.
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4 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
Section1.InvestigatingtheGangCase:LawEnforcementsImpactonSuccessfulProsecution
ByJohn Anderson, Assistant District AttorneyOrange County District Attorneys OfficeSupervisor of the TARGET Gang Unit
Santa Ana, California
and
Mark Nye, SergeantWestminster Police Department
Westminster, California
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5 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
INTRODUCTIONSuccessfulgangprosecutionsarearesultof thecombinedeffortsof thedistrict
attorneysofficeand the localpolicegangunit investigatorsand/or robbery/homicide
investigatorshandlingtheinvestigation. Thestrengthofagangcaserestsalmostsolelyon the strengthof theavailablegangevidenceand thecredibilityof thegangexpert.
Experienced gang investigators who testify as courtrecognized experts base their
expertiseon theirknowledgeofareagangs (and theirenemycounterparts)andgang
methodology, information provided by numerous street contacts, and other gang
records that are properly documented and cataloged. Consistent and reliable
recordkeeping, therefore, isessentialfor thesuccessfuloperationof thegangunitand
itsfutureprosecutorialefforts.
GANGMEMBERIDENTIFICATIONANDDOCUMENTATION
Withoutproperdocumentationofgangcontacts,expertopinions lackabasisof
fact thatdefenseattorneysmayattack,making itdifficultforjuriestorenderverdicts.
Therefore,gangunit investigators (experts)musthavehandson streetknowledgeof
jurisdictional gangs andmust develop andmaintain uptodate gang records in the
form of field interview cards, police reports, probation and parole records, courtadjudications of prosecutorial efforts, and cataloged photographs of gangmembers,
tattoos,andgraffiti.
Ganginvestigatorsconductregularstreetpatrols;provideprobation,parole,and
searchwarrant services at gangmembers residences; andmake arrests for various
violationsoflaw. Allofthesecontactsneedtobedocumentedandcatalogedinanin
house database, and, when available, state or countywide databases, for other
departmentstoutilize.
Patrolofficers (first responders) spendagreatdealof timeon the street;more
thanmany gang, narcotic, or otherdetectiveunits. Thesepatrol officersneed tobe
tapped for theirknowledgeand trained in thepropercollectionanddisseminationof
gang information. Manypatrolofficershave regularcontactswithgangmembers in
theirlocalareas. Patrolofficers,iftrainedinpropercollectionofgangdocuments(field
interviewcardsorcrimeandincidentreports),canbeaninvaluablesourcetothegang
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6 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
unit. Themoreeyesandearsthegangunithasonthestreet,themoreinformationit
willbeabletocollect,maintain,andstoreinitsgang/intelligencefiles.
Gang investigatorsfirstandforemostmustbefamiliarwith thegangdynamics
in theircitiesandsurroundingjurisdictions. Theyneed toknow thenuancesofeach
gang;i.e., itsracialmakeup,territoryor lackthereof,affiliategangs,enemygangs,use
of tattoos, graffiti, clothing, and its criminal propensities or methods of operation.
Gang investigators need to know the history of the various gangs indigenous to or
otherwise active in theirjurisdictions. Theyneed to familiarize themselveswith the
dynamicsof thegangs, includingbutnot limited to theirmembership size, territory,
localhangouts, rivalries,and typesof crimes committed,aswellas the identification
andpersonalandcriminalbackgroundsofindividualmembers.
Beforegang investigatorscollect,document,andcataloggang information, it is
importantthatthey andtheir agencyhavepoliciesandproceduresinplaceregardingdocumentation, collection, storage,anduseof such records. Local, state,and federal
restrictionsorguidelinesonmaintaininggangandintelligencefilesmustbeupheldfor
thesuccessfuloperationoftheunitanditsprosecutorialefforts. Gangunitsupervisors
andtheirinvestigatorsmustbewellversedinthesepoliciesandprocedurestoensure
consistency in recordsandavoidclaimsofarbitraryenforcement. Gangunitsshould
includetheentiredepartmentintheefficientandethicalcollectionofgang(documents)
records. Therefore, gang investigators should take the time to conduct regular
briefings/trainings for patrol officers, detectives, and others in the department
responsiblefor
the
collection
ofgang
documents.
New
officer
orientation
with
gang
unit detectives is also a good measure to ensure the proper collection of gang
information.
Efficientanduptodatedocumentationofgangsandgangmembersiscriticalfor
gang cases and is the key to the successful prosecution of gangrelated cases.
Documentationlendscredencetotheallegationofgangmembership,status,andstreet
presence and providesmotivesbehind gangrelated attacks or other gangbehavior.
Manypatrolofficersandevenganginvestigatorssometimeshaveastrongknowledge
ofindividualgangmemberswithwhomtheyhavefrequentcontact,butbecauseofthe
frequencyofthesecontacts,thesepersonsareoftennotfieldinterviewedorthecontacts
arenototherwisedocumented. Becauseofthis lackofdocumentation, incourtacase
maylackcriticaldocumentaryevidenceofgangmembership. Allcontactswithgangs
organgmembersshould,therefore,bedocumentedormemorializedinsomefashion.
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7 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
Hispanic Gang Graffiti on a Residents Van
LEGALCONSIDERATIONINOBTAININGGANGRECORDS
Goodrecordsdetailinghowganginformationwasobtainedareimportant. The
usefulnessofgangrecordsdependsontheconstitutionallypermissibleprocurementof
theinformationintherecords. Informationfromsuspectedgangmembersorpictures
takenoftheminthefieldoratthepolicestationmaybeobtainedbyconsentormaybe
derivedfromanother legallypermissibleavenue,suchasaprobationsearch,a lawful
arrest,ora lawful investigatorydetention. It is important to thoroughlydocumenta
gang members consent in cases of consensual encounters. The documentation of
consent isusefultosurviveafuturechallengeof lackofconsentwhentherecordsare
used
in
court.
Absent
consent,
there
must
be
a
lawful
justification
for
detaining
a
gang
membertoobtaingangrelatedinformationfromtheindividual.
It isnot against the law tobe agangmember,nor can a lawoutlawinggang
membership (by itself)withstand a constitutional challenge. Lawsoutlawing certain
gangbehaviorusuallyfocusontheactiveparticipationofanindividualinthecriminal
objectivesofacriminal streetgang. Policemaynotstopgangmembersagainst their
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8 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
will to interrogate and/or photograph them merely for belonging to a gang. The
UnitedStatesSupremeCourthasstatedthattheguaranteesoftheFourthAmendment
do not allow stopping and demanding identification or information, or taking
photographsfromindividualswithoutanyspecificbasisforbelievingtheyareinvolved
in criminal activity, Terry v.Ohio, 392U.S. 1 (1968) and Brown v. Texas, 443U.S. 47
(1979).
To justify an investigative stop or detention, the circumstances known or
apparenttotheofficermustincludespecificandarticulablefactscausingtheofficerto
suspectthat(1)someactivityrelatingtoacrimehastakenplaceorisoccurringorabout
to occur and (2) the person the officer intends to stop or detain is involved in that
activity,Terryv.Ohio,392U.S.1,21,supra. Further,evidenceobtainedduringanillegal
detention or arrest and evidence that is derived from initially illegally obtained
evidencemaybesuppressed,WongSunv.UnitedStates,371U.S.471(1963). Derivative
evidence,suchasaphotoidentificationofasuspectobtainedfromtheuseofevidencethat was illegally obtained by the police explicitly for use in further criminal
investigations(e.g.,photosforgangbooksorfieldinterviewcardsforgangdatabases),
maybesuppressedincourt.
A Gathering of White-Supremacist Skinhead Gang Members
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9 Section I. Investigating the Gang Case
GANGBOOKS,SCHOOLYEARBOOKS,ANDOTHERRESOURCES
Gang filesorbooks shouldbegangspecificand includeevidenceshowing the
existence, territory, and dynamics of the gangs in the jurisdiction. They should,
therefore, includephotosofganggraffitiand its location;examplesofvariousnames
and symbolsused to identify thegang;photosofvarious tattooswornby individual
membersaffiliatedwith thegang;andgroupphotosand/orphotosofgangmembers
throwinghandsigns,holding firearmsorotherweapons,ordressed inobviousgang
attireorhavingotherindicationsofgangaffiliation,includingspecificstylesandcolors
ofclothesandnumberedorletteredjerseysassociatedwithaparticulargang(e.g.,AB
or 12 forAsianBoyz or 22 [22nd letterof the alphabet] forVBoysbothAsian
streetgangsinOrangeCounty,California).
This documentation should also include examples of personal items, such as
letters to and fromvariousmembers in correctional facilities;other letterswithgang
reference;schoolwork;andphonebookswithreferencetoindividualmembersnames,
monikers,andphonenumbers. It isalso important todocumentandcataloganyand
allexamplesofdisrespecttorivalgangs,newspaperarticlesofganghomicidesorother
felonious assaults,photos of crossedoutgraffiti inpublicplaces, andpersonal items
withnegativereferencestorivalswithnamescrossedout. Alloftheseaforementioned
itemsshouldbeproperlycatalogedbygangname,with thedateand time theywere
discovered,the
locations
where
collected,
and
the
names
ofthe
individuals,
officers,
deputies,oragentswhocollectedthecatalogeditems.
Asian Boyz (Asian Gang) Hand Sign The V-Boys (Asian Gang) Tattoo
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10 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
Gang books serve as a way to collect and maintain gang records and/or
photographsof individualmembers. Theyshould includephotographsofallknown
gangmembers from a particular gang identifiedby selfadmission or through other
reliable sources. The books are used for possible suspect identification when the
circumstancesofanoffense indicate itwascommittedbyamemberormembersofa
particulargang. Gangbookstendtochangeorevolveovertimeasnewmembersjoin
thegang,gangmembersarekilledoffbyrivals,orothermembersleavethejurisdiction
oraresentencedtoprisonforlongtermcommitments. Thegangbooksneedtoreflect
these changes if they are to be used effectively in identifying, apprehending, and
prosecuting gang members. Without continual updating, gang books become less
effective for investigative,enforcement,andprosecutorial efforts. It isalso critical to
keeparecordofwhatagangbooklookedlikeatthetimeitwasshowntoawitnessor
victim (whether therewas an identification or not) for use in court. Investigators
shouldphotocopyanyandallphotosshowntowitnessesorvictimsandincludethem
inthecasefilealongwithanyadmonitionsgiven.
Anothermethodusedfor identification isthearrangementofgangphotos(ina
gangbook) inamultiplesixpackorganizational scheme. If identification ismade
fromasixpack,notallphotosfromthegangbookneedtobecopiedandenteredinto
thecasefile,onlythoseshowninthelineuporseriesoflineups. Thisalsoprotectsthe
integrityandconfidentialityofthegangbookinitsentirety.
Schoolyearbooksfromelementaryschools,middleschools,andhighschools in
thejurisdiction
are
also
agreat
tool
toutilize
inthe
identification
ofgang
offenders.
Giventheyouthfulnatureofmostgangoffenders,theyearbooksareaninvaluableaid
in the identificationprocesswhen theperpetrator isknown to thevictim orwitness
from school and, particularly, if no other photos exist. Gang investigators should,
therefore, regularlyobtainuptodateyearbooks tohaveat theirdisposaland should
alsomaintain a closeworking relationshipwith school officials or resource officers
regardingspecificgangactivityand/ormembershiponcampus.
Photos showing gangmembers either alone or posingwith other known or
suspected gang members that are seized during the service of search warrants or
probationandparolesearchesorthatareotherwise lawfullyobtainedduringcriminal
investigationsshouldalsobemaintainedandcatalogedbyganganddate.
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11 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
V-Boys (Asian Gang) Dressed Up for Party Flashing Hand Signs
FIELDINTERVIEWCARDSGang records and/or databases should also be gangmemberspecific. They
should evidencean individuals specificaffiliationandallegiance tohisgang. These
recordsshouldincludeoriginalfieldinterview(FI)cardsthatwerecompletedbypatrol
officers,detectives,andganginvestigators.
Information from theFI cards should thenbe entered into a localdatabase to
include the members name, physical description, address, phone numbers (home,
work,andcellular),scars,marksortattoos,vehicles,andassociatememberswithwhom
theindividualhasbeenincontact. Frequently,afingerprintofagangmemberisplaced
onthebackofanFIcardtoensurethatthereisnoquestionlaterregardingtheidentity
oftheindividualcontacted. Thedocumentationshouldalsoincludethereasonforthe
contact,suchasreasonablesuspicion,probablecause,orconsensualencounter. Abrief
recitation of the facts surrounding the contact can be used later to refresh officer
recollections and for suppression motions and impeaching inconsistent defendant
testimony. Also includedon theFI card shouldbe thegangmembers status in the
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12 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
gangandhow it isknownnotjust that thememberbelongs toagangbuthow that
factwasestablished (selfadmission, tattoos,clothing,or involvementwithother self
admitted members in gangrelated activity). Whatever the basis, it needs to be
documented. Anyselfadmissionshouldbeinquotes:IclaimWestTrece,orIwas
jumpedintotheOrphans,orIkickitwithAsianBoyz.
Female Racist Skinheads
All gangrelated FI cards should be sent to the gang unit or other unit
responsible forkeeping recordsongangmembersorgangcrime. SomedepartmentssendallFIcards to therecordsbureauandmayeventuallyforward themto thegang
unit. To be most effective, FI cards need to be promptly sent to the gang unit
investigators. Therefore, anNCR (ticket format) FI card is an effectivemethod of
disseminating the FI cards in a timelymanner. A threepart form canbe utilized,
wherein one copy is disseminated to andmaintainedby the gang unit, one copy is
given to the recordsbureau fordepartmentwide recordkeeping, and the last copy is
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13 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
providedtotheregulardetectivebureauandreviewedbyallmembersofthedivision.
Allmembersof thedepartment(patrol,detectives,gangunit,etc.)shouldbe involved
in the process of completing FI cards and ensuring that they are disseminated
accordinglytoensureeffectivelawenforcementandinvestigativeefforts.
There should also be a policy or procedure in place that outlines the
circumstances in which FI cards may or should be completed. Law enforcement
generatedgangmemberphotographs frequentlyaccompanyFI cardsorotherofficial
documentsof thepolicedepartment (gangnotificationsCaliforniaSTEPActnotices
explainedbelow). Informationon thebackof anFI cardorotherdocument should,
therefore, includeaphotoconsent signature line. Thephoto shouldalso include the
date and time itwas taken and underwhat circumstances (e.g.,during adetention,
followinganarrest,byconsent). Photostakenwithoutlegaljustificationaresubjectto
exclusionfromevidenceincourt,andidentificationsfromillegallyobtainedphotosare
subjecttosuppression. Incourt,identificationsmustthenbeprovenbytheprosecutionto be the independent product of the witnesss recollection and not tainted by a
suppressedphotousedintheoutofcourtidentificationprocess.
CRIMEANDINCIDENTREPORTSAnyreportdocumentingagangmemberscriminalactivityorinwhichheorshe
isidentifiedasthevictimofagangrelatedcrimeshouldbemaintainedandcatalogedbyindividualmember,gang,anddate.
In addition to police and incident reports, police and probation and parole
officers serve notices on gangmembers of the penalties for activeparticipation in a
criminalstreetgangundertheCaliforniaStreetTerrorismEnforcementandPrevention
(STEP)Act. Thenotice informs agangmember that thepolice,probation orparole
officers,orthecourtshavedeterminedthattherecipientisanactiveparticipantinthe
street gang and that continued participation may result in criminal prosecution,
includingenhanced
penalties
(sentences)
for
gang
related
criminal
violations.
Acopy
ofthisnotice,orproofofservice,iskeptasproofthatthegangmemberreceivedthe
notice. Ajuvenileoffendersparentsarealsogivenacopyoftheformandarenotified
oftheirchildsgangmembershiporparticipation. Theproofofserviceusuallyincludes
the same informationas theFIcard,withanemphasisongangactivity,and isoften
accompaniedbyaphotoofthegangmemberwhowasservedwiththenotice. TheFI
cardcan include theSTEP informationon thereverseside. TheSTEPnotice includes
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14 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
thegangmembersname,thenameofhisgang,andthefactthathisgangisacriminal
streetgangpursuant toSection186.22 etal.of theCaliforniaPenalCode. Thisnotice
alsooutlinestherelated33criminaloffensesthatdefinecriminalgangactivity. Thereis
asignature linefor thegangmember tosignanddate indicating thathe/shehasread
andunderstandsthenatureoftheinformation intheact. Thesedocumentsshouldbe
maintained and cataloged in the samemanner as the other gang recordspreviously
mentioned.
White Power Tattoos
GANGDATABASES: STORINGANDRETRIEVINGGANGRECORDS
Thebackboneofanysuccessfulgangunitisthestrengthofitsintelligencefilesor
gang records. Gang unit investigators should not only contribute their gang
intelligence information to regional gang databases, to be shared with other law
enforcement agencies, but should also develop and maintain their own inhouserecords, in case regional databases crash or are otherwise unavailablebecause of
updatesorrepair. Regionaldatabasestypicallyofferthousandsofrecordsofgangsand
gangmembers frommanyjurisdictional areaswhere authorized users can read and
update files, download and retrieve photos, and utilize the system to further their
investigations. Many of these databases contain gangmembers names, addresses,
vehicles,andprobationandparolestatusandhaveawiderangeofsearchcapabilities.
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An inhousedatabaseshouldbedesignedasasystemforcollecting,analyzing,
and storing information thatqualifies as criminal intelligence and should allowonly
limiteddisseminationanduseof the intelligence toenhancepublicsafety. Gangunit
investigators need topreserve the integrity of the systemby keeping it secure from
otherswho have notbeen authorized or lack responsibility formaintenance of such
files. The constitutional protection of privacy of individuals (whose information is
listedinthesystem)mustbefollowedandapurgingsystemmustbeadheredtoforthe
credibility and integrity of the files. There should alsobe a policy and procedure
governingaccess to thesystemandfordeterminingwhat informationmaybeentered
andmaintained. Thisproceduremustfollowapplicablefederalandstatelaws.
The inhousedatabase should allow the authorizeduser to enter and retrieve
information on the gangs history, individualmembers,monikers, addresses, phone
numbers, vehicle information, tattoos,marks or scars, and specific incident or crime
reports. Theinhousedatabaseisaninvaluabletoolthatcanprovideinstantaccesstouptodate information ongangmembership, expedite the investigationprocess, and
leadtosuccessfulprosecutionofgangcases.
White-Supremacist Tattoos
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16 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
GANGDATABASELEGALCONSIDERATIONSAs noted above, the United States Constitution prohibits criminalizing mere
membershipinanorganization(evenoneswithanapparentcriminalnature),Scalesv.
United States, 367 U.S. 203, 223 (1961). However, associating withmembers of anorganization and performing acts that carry out criminal objects of the organization
maybecriminalized. Moststateconstitutionshavesimilarassociationalprotections. It
is important tonote thatwhile statesmaynotallow for lessconstitutionalprotection
than isguaranteedby the federalconstitution, thestatesmayafford individualsmore
protection. The usual attack on intelligence files is that the databases are targeting
groups not engaged in criminalbehavior or associating an individualwith a group
whosemembersengageincriminalacts.
Citizens
have
a
right
to
be
free
from
governmental
intrusion,
Griswold
v.
Connecticut,381U.S.479(1965);Bergerv.NewYork,388U.S.41(1967);andKatzv.United
States,389U.S.347(1967). Ontheotherhand,lawenforcementhasalegitimateinterest
inmonitoring individuals and groups that engage in criminal groupbehavior. The
process of collecting evidence on these individuals and groups, however, creates a
tensionbetweentheneedofsocietytobeprotectedbylawenforcementandtheprivacy
expectationsofindividuals.
As a result of these competing interests, in 1968, theUnited StatesCongress
passedtheOmnibusCrimeControlandSafeStreetsAct,whichattemptedtorecognize
theneed for intelligencedatabases and the right toprivacy. The act resulted in thepassageof theCodeofFederalRegulations,Title28,Part23 (28CFRPart23),which
outlinestherequirementsforenteringinformationaboutanindividualoragroupinto
anintelligencesystemandpurgingthedatafromsuchasystem. Whiletheregulation
wasdesignedformultiplejurisdictional intelligencedatabases, it isanexcellentguide
for individual police departments as well because the regulation balances law
enforcementsintelligenceneedsandindividualprivacyrequirements.
Criminalintelligenceinformationisdefinedin28CFRPart23,Section23.3(b)(3),
asdata
which
has
been
evaluated
todetermine
that
it:
(i) Isrelevant to the identificationofand thecriminalactivityengaged
inby an individual who or an organization which is reasonably
suspectedofinvolvementincriminalactivity.
(ii) Meetscriminalintelligencesystemsubmissioncriteria.
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The submission criteria (the basis for entry into an intelligence database) are
delineatedin28CFRPart23,Section23.20(a),(b),(c),and(d),andincludethefollowing:
(1) Areasonablesuspicion(anabstracttermthatdependsonthefactsof
particular situations) thatan individualororganization is involved
incriminalactivity.
(2) Prospective information to be entered is relevant to the criminal
activity.
(3) Informationdoesnot include information aboutpolitical, religious,
or social views, associations, or activities except where such
information relatesdirectly to the criminalactivity that is thebasis
forfocusingontheindividualorgroup.
(4) Informationwas not obtained in violation of any federal, state, or
locallaworordinance.
(5) Information establishes sufficient facts to give a trained law
enforcementorcriminalinvestigativeagencyofficer,investigator,or
employee abasis tobelieve that an individual or organization is
involvedinadefinablecriminalactivityorenterprise.
Under the guidelines in 28 CFR Part 23, Section (b)(6), information in an
intelligencedatabasemustbeevaluatedforitsrelevanceandimportanceatleasteveryfiveyears. Informationnotincompliancewiththesubmissionrequirementsshouldbe
purged,even if it isdiscovered tobenoncompliantbeforefiveyears. No information
fromthedatabaseshouldbedisseminatedwithoutalegitimatelawenforcementreason,
suchasacriminalcasebeingfiledagainstasuspectwithinformationinthedatabase.
Juvenile Hispanic Gang Members
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GANGSEARCHWARRANTSInvestigations in serious gang offenses frequently include obtaining a search
warrant seeking, among other things, evidence of the suspects gang membership.
Gangevidenceisinvaluableinhelpingtoexplainthemotivationforthecommissionofsome gang crimes and is helpful in identifying the suspects by establishing, for
example,membershipinagangrivaltothevictimsgang. Thereisnosuchthingastoo
muchgangevidence,evenincasesofclearlygangmotivatedcrime.
Gangdynamicsfrequentlyallowforsearchwarrantspermittingthesearchingof
multiplelocations. Themostbasicelementofagangisthatitisagroupthatperceives
itselfasagroupandactsasagroupduringtheperpetrationofdelinquentorcriminal
offenses, hiding the instrumentalities or fruits of such offenses. Given the group
dynamics
and
group
criminal
liability
involved
in
many
gang
related
offenses,
criminal
investigations focusonmanysuspects ingangcases. Themereexistenceofmultiple
suspectsnormallyallowsforasearchwarrantformultiplelocations. Gangpracticesof
hiding evidence or instrumentalities of crimes for fellow gangmembers also afford
morepossiblelocationstobesearchedingangcases.
Anaffidavit inagang searchwarrant requiresallof the careand contentofa
nongang searchwarrant andmuchmore. The affidavit in a gang searchwarrant
includesthefollowingnecessarycomponents:
(1) The affiants identity and training, education, experience, andexpertiserelatingtotheexistenceandactivitiesofstreetgangs.
(2) The affiants personal observations and information from other
personsandsourcesrelevanttoestablishingprobablecause.
(3) A statement of the facts justifying the affiants belief that the
information included in theaffidavit fromothersources isaccurate
andreliable.
(4) Aconclusionwiththeopinionthatbasedontheaffiantstrainingand
experience and the facts in the affidavit, the items soughtwillbe
foundattherequestedlocationstobesearched.
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(5) Specificopinionstoestablishthat:
(a) Thewarrant affidavits probable cause tobelieve the
suspectgangexists,
(b) Thesuspectsaremembersofthatgang,and
(c) Thecrimewasdoneforagangrelatedpurpose.
(6) Facts regarding the suspects membership in the gang as
documented inFI cards,police reports,oranyotherdocumentsor
photographsneedtobespelledoutindetailintheaffidavit.
(7) An expert opinion explaining gang dynamicssuch as passing
evidence, instrumentalities,or fruitsof a crimeamong fellowgangmembersthatallowsforthesearchofmultiplelocationsorisuseful
in overcoming staleness, if much time has passed since the
commissionofthecrime.
Inatypicalgangrelatedsearchwarrant,aganginvestigatorshouldseekitemsof
evidence toprove that theunderlyingcrimeoccurred,aswellas instrumentalitiesor
fruitsofthecommittedcrime. Additionalitemswouldincludeevidenceofstreetgang
membership,suchasdocuments,photos,drawings,writings,objects,graffitidepicting
thenamed
suspects
inthe
case
or
gang
or
gang
member
names,
initials,
logos,
monikers, or any newspaper clippings referencing the crime under investigation.
(Examplesof languagefortheaffidavit inagangsearchwarrantandthe languagefor
thewarrant itself are found in the Gang SearchWarrant andAffidavit Language
sectionofthisdocument.) Ofcourse,theinvestigatoralsomustrequestpermissionto
searchforanyarticlesofpersonalproperty tending toestablishdominionandcontrol
overthepremisesand/orautomobile(s)tobesearched.
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Hispanic Gang Tattoos
Foranumberofreasons,itisimportanttoanalyzeandcatalogtheitemsseized
inagangwarrantfollowingtheserviceofthewarrant. First,itallowsthemagistrate
whoapprovedthewarranttodeterminethatonlyitemsauthorizedinthewarrantwere
seized. Second,although it isa tedious task,allof theseized lettersneed toberead,
seized filmdeveloped, and seized tapes listened to,because their valuedepends on
theircontent. Finally,adetailed inventory itemizingtheevidenceshouldbeprepared
for use in the instant case and for future use. Such an inventory allows for easy
retrievalandshouldalsobeincludedinthegangintelligencefiles.
USEOFINFORMANTSANDTHENEEDFORANINFORMANTPOLICY
It takes one to know one is the ageold premise of usingCIs (cooperating
individuals or confidential informants) in criminal investigations. Cooperating
individuals is the preferred reference to individuals who cooperatewith the police,
becausethedefinition ismoreexpansiveandrecognizesthatgreatcaremustbetakenwhen one is using the information from a cooperating individual. A cooperating
individual is any person who knowingly provides information to law enforcement
relatedtoanotherscriminalactivity,whosemotivationfordoingsoisotherthanthatof
anuninvolvedwitnesswho is avictim orprivate citizenprimarily acting through a
sense of civic responsibility, andwho, as a general rulebut not necessarily, expects
some sort of personalbenefit or advantage or the same for another individual. A
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21 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
benefit isusually financialor reducedpunishmentor someother favorable treatment
giveninexchangefortheinformation.
TypicalCIsingangcasesincludemercenaries(paidinformants),gangmembers
cooperatingtoobtainleniencyinanothercase,codefendants,orfriendsnotinvolvedin
thepresentcrime. Cooperationcoversarangeofpossibilities,including(amongother
things) making taperecorded telephone calls, supplying information regarding the
suspects of a crime or their presentwhereabouts,wearing a recording devicewhile
attending a meeting of gang members, recapturing stolen property for the police,
and/ortestifying.
While thebenefitsofCIsupplied informationcanbeenormous,CIs shouldbe
usedwithgreatcaution. Juriesdonot likesnitches. Policeandprosecutorsshould
carefully log allbenefits conferred on aCI during an investigation and disclose the
benefitsbeforetrialtothedefense. SuchbenefitsareviewedlegallyasmotivationforaCI to favor law enforcement while testifying. Great care must also be given to
disclosingtothedefenseanyexculpatoryBradymaterialthatmightbediscoveredasa
resultoftheCIscooperation,Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963).
CIsshouldonlybeusedafterawrittenagreement issigned thatfullydiscloses
the agreementbetween theCI and the police (in conjunctionwith the prosecution).
Policeshouldalsomaintaina logofallsupervisionofanddirectiongiventoaCIand
documenttheperformanceoftheCI,bothgoodandbad. ItiscriticaltopresenttheCI
inthe
most
accurate
light
possible
toavoid
the
appearance
that
the
police
and
prosecutionarehidingthings.
JuvenilesshouldnotbeusedasCIsabsentextraordinary(usually lifeordeath)
circumstances. Useofjuvenilesisnormallyhighlyrestrictedbylaw. InCalifornia,for
example,nojuvenilecanbeusedasaCIwithoutauthorizationfromthejuvenilecourt
following a hearing on thematter. As a practicalmatter,juveniles are never used
because of the showingnecessary for thejuvenile courts authorization. Restrictions
alsofrequentlyexistregardingtheuseofprobationersandparolees. ActingasaCIand
being around criminalbehavior and characters are viewed as inconsistentwith the
reformativenatureofprobationorparole.
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22 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
CONFIDENTIALITYISSUESJuvenileCourtRecords
It isbecoming increasinglyeasier toobtainjuvenilecourtrecords. Throughout
the1990s,effortsweremadetodistinguishlessseriousjuvenileoffendersfromserious
andviolent recidivistjuvenileoffenders. Morejuvenilesarenow remanded toadult
courtfortrial,whichmeansthecourtproceedingsandrecordsareopento thepublic.
Inaddition,manystatesnowallowforopenjuvenilehearingsonallegedoffenderswho
areoveracertainageorareaccusedofcommittingaseriousorviolentfelonyoffense.
Since 2000 in California, juvenile records evidencing adjudication for a serious or
violentfelonyoffensemayneverbesealedandareopentopublicinspection.
Typically,juvenilerecordsareavailabletotheprosecutioninnewcasesagainstaspecificjuvenileoffender. Juvenile records,however,arealsouseful incasesbesides
thespecificoffenderscaseinjurisdictionsthatrequiretheprosecutiontoestablishthat
aganghascommittedacertainnumberofpredicateoffenses. Giventheyoungageof
manygangmemberoffenders,juvenile recordsare frequentlyhelpful inshowing the
required predicate offenses committedbyjuvenilemembers of the gang. At times,
therearenoadultconvictionsavailable,necessitating theuseofjuvenileadjudication
records. Occasionally,acourtorderisnecessarytoinspectorcopyrecordsofajuvenile
gangmemberforacaseotherthanhisown.
GANGSEARCHWARRANTANDAFFIDAVITLANGUAGEGangParaphernaliaLanguage
SearchWarrant
Description
Anyevidenceofstreetgangmembershiporaffiliationwithanystreetgang,said
paraphernaliatoinclude,butnotlimitedto,anyreferencetoXXXXX;saiditems
toincludeany(colorusedbyspecificgang)bandanas,drawingsormiscellaneous
writings, or objects, orgraffiti depictinggangmembersnames, initials, logos,
monikers,slogans,orcontainingmentionofstreetgangmembershipaffiliation,
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23 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
activity,oridentity;anypaintings,drawings,photographsorphotographalbums
depicting persons, vehicles, weapons, or locations which may appear upon
observationtoberelevantonthequestionofgangmembershiporassociation,or
whichmaydepict itemssoughtand/orbelieved tobeevidence in thecasebeing
investigatedwith thiswarrant, orwhichmay depict evidence of any criminal
activity; any newspaper clippings tending to relate details or reference to any
crimeorcrimesofviolence;andanyaddressbooks,listsof,orsinglereferencesto,
addressesortelephonenumbersofpersonswhomaylaterbedeterminedtobelong
toorbeaffiliatedwithanystreetgangs.
AffidavitLanguagetoJustifySeizureofGangParaphernalia
Irequestpermissiontoseizeanyevidenceofstreetgangmembershiporaffiliation
with any streetgang, saidparaphernalia to include, but not limited to, any
reference to XXXXX; said items to include any drawings or miscellaneous
writings, or objects, orgraffiti depictinggangmembersnames, initials, logos,
monikers,slogans,orcontainingmentionofstreetgangmembershipaffiliation,
activity, or identity, as it ismy experience thatmost streetgangmembers are
knownbystreetnamesormonikerstotheirfellowgangmembers,andthatthey
frequentlywrite theirnamesormonikersof theirassociatesonwalls,furniture,
miscellaneous items,orpapers,bothwithinandon theirresidences,andwithin
and on their vehicles; any paintings, drawings, photographs or photograph
albumsdepictingpersons,vehicles,weapons,orlocationswhichmayappearupon
observationtoberelevantonthequestionofgangmembershiporassociation,orwhichmaydepict itemssoughtand/orbelieved tobeevidence in thecasebeing
investigatedwith thiswarrant, orwhichmay depict evidence of any criminal
activity, as it ismy experience thatmostgangmembers keepphotographs and
photograph albums, in which are depicted (1)fellowgang members who are
posingandgivinghandgangsignsthatindicategangidentityoraffiliation,(2)
gangmembersorassociatesposingwithweapons,particularlyfirearmsthatare
oftenusedfor criminalactivities, (3)gangmembersorassociatesposingbeside
vehiclesthatareoccasionallyusedduringthecommissionofcrimes,and(4)gang
members or associatesposing at locations that are known to be specificgang
hangouts;anynewspaperclippings tending torelatedetailsorreference toany
crimeorcrimesofviolence,asitismyexperiencethatgangmembersoccasionally
maintainscrapbooksornewspaperarticlesthatdescribecrimescommittedbyor
againsttheirgang;andanyaddressbooks,listsof,orsinglereferenceto,address
ortelephonenumbersofpersonswhomaylaterbedeterminedtobelongtoorbe
affiliatedwith any streetgangs, since it ismy experience thatgangmembers
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24 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
frequently maintain the current phone numbers or addresses of fellow gang
memberswhomtheyassociatewith.
Itismyopinionthatevidenceofgangmembershiporaffiliationwithanystreet
gangisimportant,asitmaysuggestmotiveforthecommissionofthecrimes,in
the instant case, and it mayprovide evidence which tends to identify other
personswhomay have knowledge of or be involved in the commission of the
crimes in the instant case, or itmay tend to corroborate informationgiven by
otherwitnesses.
I believe that these are not the types of items normally disposed of after the
commissionofa crime and that theywill, therefore, likely stillbefound in the
locationsoronthepersonstobesearched.
DominionandControlLanguage
SearchWarrantDescription
Anyarticlesorpersonalpropertytendingtoestablishtheidentityofpersonswho
havedominionandcontroloverthepremises,automobiles,oritemstobeseized,
consisting of rent receipts, utility company receipts, miscellaneous addressed
mail,personal letters,personal identification, keys,photographs, vehicle titles,
andvehicleregistrationslips.
AffidavitLanguagetoJustify
SeizureofDominionandControlEvidence
Irequestpermissiontoseizeanyarticlesofpersonalpropertytendingtoestablish
the identity of persons who have dominion and control over the premises,
automobiles, or items to be seized, consisting of rent receipts,utility company
receipts,miscellaneous addressedmail,personal letters,personal identification,
keys,photographs,vehicletitles,andvehicleregistrationslips.
I believe that all of these items will tend to connect the premises, persons,
locations, and vehicles to be searchedwith the items to be seized and the case
being investigated. It ismy experience that these types of items are usually
present at the types of locations sought to be searched in thiswarrant, and I
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25 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
believethattheseitemsarenotthetypenormallydisposedofandcan,therefore,be
foundatthelocationstobesearched.
AffidavitLanguagetoEstablishRelevanceofGangEvidence
(overcomingstalenesswiththedynamicofgunsandevidencebeingpassedamongfellowgangmembers)
Baseduponalloftheabove,theattachedexhibits,andmyexpertiseongangs,I
havethefollowingopinionsregardingthiscase:
(1) That there is a longstanding and ongoing war between
membersof theXXXXXand theXXXXX and that thiswar
hasinvolvedmanyactsofviolenceonbothsides.
(2) ThatIpersonallyknowthattheXXXXXareacloseknitgroup
and that it isnotuncommonformany of themembers tobe
involvedinrelatedactsofviolence.
(3) Thatwhenanongoingwarsituationinvolvingmanyseparate
membersof thesamegangexists, it isnotuncommonfor the
violentmembers at the central core of thegang to associate
with each other, and toplan together aggressive acts and/or
actsofviolentretaliationtobeperpetratedbyafewmembersof
thisviolentcentralcadre.
(4) That thepatternofviolentactsbetween theXXXXXandthe
XXXXXand the largenumberofseparatepeople involved in
theseactsmakesitmorelikelythannotthatthereisageneral
commonplan existingamong theXXXXX to commitactsof
violencewiththeXXXXX.
(5) That in a longstanding,gangshootingwar,members of the
victim
gang
in
one
shooting
frequently
know
or
suspect
that
theyknowwhotheperpetratorsarebecauseofthewordonthe
street, which is informationpassedfromperson toperson,
often based on sources within the perpetrators gang, on
eyewitnessesreluctanttocooperatewiththepolice,orongang
graffitithatiscomposedofwritingsonbuildingsorwallsand
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26 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase
is ameans used by somegangmembers to take creditfor a
violentincident.
(6) Thatbecauseoftheabove,aperson involvedasashooterina
gangrelatedwarincidentwillgenerallyassumehisidentityis
known on the streets and that, while he must temporarily
disposeoftheweaponusedintheunderlyingoffense,hemust
atthesametimehaveaccessibletohimselfaweaponwhichcan
beusedforselfdefenseuponshortnotice.
(7) Thatgangmemberswho are involved in an ongoingwar of
shooting incidentsfrequently do notpermanently dispose of
theirweapons,preferringtoretainaccesstothemforprotection
fromretaliationorforfurtheruse inactsofaggressionwhile
thewariscontinuing.
(8) Thatgangmemberswhouseafirearmingangwarsituations
frequently borrow the weapon used from a fellow gang
member, and after the commission of a violent actwith the
weapon, they return it to thegangmember they borrowed it
from, to prevent it from being seized by law enforcement
officers pursuant to a search conducted shortly after the
commissionofthecrime.
(9) Thatgangmemberswhodousetheirownfirearmsingangwar
situationsfrequentlypass the weapons used tofellowgang
membersforsafekeeping,inordertopreventtheweaponsfrom
beingseizedbylawenforcementofficerspursuanttoasearchof
theirresidences,vehicles,orpersons.
(10) Thatwhenagangmemberintheabovesituationbelievesthat
heisnolongerliabletobesearchedasasuspectintheshooting
incident,hewillfrequentlyretrievetheweaponusedandstore
itwhere itwould be readily accessiblefor defense or offense,
suchasinhisresidence,onhisperson,orinavehicletowhich
hehasaccess.
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27 Section2. GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiability
andInvestigationConsiderations
Section2.GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiability
andInvestigationConsiderations:WhytheLiabilityNetGetsThrownOverSoMany
By
John Anderson, Assistant District AttorneyOrange County District Attorneys OfficeSupervisor of the TARGET Gang Unit
Santa Ana, California
INTRODUCTION
Gangs represent perhaps the greatest violent crime threat facing society.
Successful gang crime investigations and prosecutions usually require an intimatefamiliaritywith typical gang dynamics and the legal theories associatedwith group
criminalbehavior. Before agang canbe anything else, itmust firstbe agroup and
almostalwaysagroup that involves itself,asagroup, inseriousandviolentcriminal
conduct.
Unfortunately,oneof the fewconsistent findings ingang research is thatgang
members commit a disproportionately high number of delinquent and criminal acts
comparedwith other nonganginvolved youth. Frequently, gangmembers commit
crime
as
a
group,
and
such
group
criminal
behavior
poses
unique
dangers
to
society
far
more serious than the risk typically related to individual criminal behavior.
Understanding the legal theoriesofgroupcriminal liabilityassists in the investigation
of most gangrelated crimesespecially in crime scene considerations, victim and
witnessinterviews,andtheinterrogationofsuspects.
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28 Section2. GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiability
andInvestigationConsiderations
Considerthefollowinghypotheticalyettypicalgangactivityscenario:
Three documentedmembers of theCrazy Punkz (CP) street gang notice that
someonefromtheNotSoSmartBoyz(NSSB)hascomeintoCPterritoryandplaqued
up(spraypainted)awallintheCPterritorywithNSSBgraffiti. Theplaquedupwall
isthemainwallusedbyCPtospraypaintCPgraffitiandisintheheartofCPterritory.
TheNSSBculpritalsocrossedouttheCPgraffiti. Naturally,thethreeCPmembersfeel
disrespectedandagreetocollectivelyretaliateagainstNSSBbylikewisespraypainting
wallsintheNSSBturf.
TheCPmembersdecide thatbecause they aregoing intoNSSB territory, they
shouldbringalongafirearmincasetheyareconfrontedwhilespraypaintingandthat
twoofthethreewillpaintwhilethethirdwatchesforrivalsandthepolice. Thethree
agreethatthegunwillONLYbeused,ifatall,toscarearival,assumingthegroupis
confrontedwhileinNSSBterritory.
The threeenter theNSSBneighborhoodand leave theirCPgraffitieverywhere
theycan. Sureenough,severalNSSBgangstersseetheCPmembersandconfrontthem.
TheCPmemberkeepinglookout(andpossessingthehandgun)immediatelytakesout
thehandgunandfiresseveralshotsat theNSSBmemberswhilescreaming,Die,you
cheeseeatingrats! TwoNSSBgangstersarekilledandtwoothersseverelywounded.
Whoisliableforwhatcrimes? Hint: considergroupcrimedynamics,conspiracy
andaiding
and
abetting
laws,
and
extended
or
derivative
liability
principles.
Sequentially,theCPmembersconspiredtocommitamisdemeanor(vandalism),which
makesthetargetcrimeafelonyinmanystates;theyjointlypossessedthehandgun(one
actually,theothersconstructively);theyareeachliablefortheactsofvandalism(twoas
directperpetrators,theotherasanaiderandabettor);andtheshooterCPgangmember
directly perpetrated themurder of the two deadNSSBmembers and the attempted
murderoftheothertwowhosurvived. TheremainingtwoCPmembersarealsoliable
forthemurdersandtheattemptedmurdersasthenaturalandprobableconsequences
of conspiring to vandalize theNSSB territorywhile possessing a firearm. To fully
appreciate the application of these concepts, it is necessary to review group crime
dynamics, the basic principles of aiding and abetting and conspiracy laws, and
extendedderivativeliability.
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29 Section2. GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiability
andInvestigationConsiderations
GROUPCRIMEDANGERSTheold adage twoheads arebetter thanone exemplifies thedynamics and
dangers associatedwith group participation in criminal acts. Often, group actions
synergisticallyaffecttheoutcomeofanintendedgoal. Whilegroupworkandsynergyare normally considered positive attributes, these principles work dangerous
consequences when applied to criminal enterprises. Criminal law has historically
respondedwithseveresanctionsagainstparticipantsingroupcrime. Specializedlegal
theoriesandcrimesandcriminalpunishmentshavebeendevelopedinresponsetothe
dangersofgroupcriminality.
Unquestionably,thepurposeofthelawinmakingitanoffenseto[agree
tocommitacrimeasagroup]istoreacheveryonewhohasparticipatedin
forming
the
evil
plan
irrespective
of
who
or
how
many
carry
out
the
design,andwellmay thisbeaprotection to society, foragroupofevil
mindsplanningandgiving support to thecommissionofcrime ismore
likelytobeamenacetosocietythanwhereoneindividualalonesetsout
toviolatethelaw.
Peoplev.Luparello,187Cal.App.3d410,437(1986)
Theaboveistruebecausegroupbehaviorincrimerepresentsauniquedangerto
society. The potential for harm to society increaseswhenmultiple participants are
involvedintheplanningandexecutionofcriminalschemes. Asonecourthassaid,
Thepunishmentofconspiracyasafelony...isexplainedonthetheory
that concerted criminal activities are amuchmore serious danger than
individualcriminalacts,andthereforejustifydrasticsanctionsagainstthe
criminalagreementitself.
Williamsv.SuperiorCourt,30Cal.App.3d8,11(1973)
The United States Supreme Court has stated the following concerning the
dangerousdynamicsassociatedwithgroupcriminalbehavior:
Collectivecriminalagreementpartnershipincrimepresentsagreater
potential threat to the public than individualdelicts. Concerted action
both increases the likelihood that the criminal objective will be
successfully attained and decreases the probability that the individuals
involvedwilldepartfromtheirpathofcriminality. Groupassociationfor
criminalpurposesoften,ifnotnormally,makespossibletheattainmentof
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30 Section2. GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiability
andInvestigationConsiderations
endsmorecomplexthanthosewhichonecriminalcouldaccomplish. Nor
is thedangerofa [criminal]group limited to theparticularend toward
which it embarked. Combination in crime makes more likely the
commission of crimes unrelated to the original purpose forwhich the
groupwasformed. Insum, thedangerwhich[groupcriminalbehavior]
generatesisnotconfinedtothesubstantiveoffensethatistheimmediate
aimoftheenterprise.
Callananv.UnitedStates,364U.S.587,595(1961)
Groupcrimerepresentsnotonlythedangerofacrimebeingcommittedbutalso
auniquelyelevateddangerpotential. AsstatedbytheCaliforniaCourtofAppeal:
Thebasic[groupcrimeprohibition]principlehassomeplaceinmodern
law, because to unite, back of a criminal purpose, the strength,
opportunities and resources ofmany is obviouslymoredangerous andmore difficult to police than the efforts of a lone wrongdoer.
Collaboration magnifies the risk to society both by increasing the
likelihood that agivenquantum ofharmwillbe successfullyproduced
andbyincreasingtheamountofharmthatcanbeinflicted.
Peoplev.Williams,101Cal.App.3d711,721(1980)
Thespecificdangersofgroupcrimeincludeanincreasedchanceoftheplanned
crime actually occurring, a greater possibility of criminal success, a higher risk of
violence,and
an
increased
likelihood
ofescape
or
not
being
detected.
Group
behavior
increasescourageandlowersinhibitionsamonggroupmembers.
Groupcriminalparticipationhistoricallyhas received severe sanctionsbecause
oftheuniquedangersassociatedwithgroupcriminaldynamics. Whenagroup isset
uponcommittingacrime,thereareaccompanyingdangers. Forexample,thechanceof
thecrimeactuallyoccurring increasesbecause thegroupdynamicsresult in increased
courage, perceived strength from numbers, lowered inhibition among the group
members, higher degrees of negative peer influence, and a reluctance for group
participantstobackoutofthecriminaldesignbecausetheothersarerelyingonthem.
Simplystated,peopledothingsinagroupenvironmentthattheywouldnotdoalone.
Manyhandsmake lightwork,andmanymindscan formulatebetterplansandmore
thoroughly prepare for contingencies. Comparedwith a single individual, a group
increases the chances of a crimebeing better planned. Groups also possess more
physicalstrength(helpfulincarryingawaystolenproperty,subduingvictims,passing
orconcealingweapons,breakingdowndoors,etc.) than individualsandcanexpedite
thecommissionofanoffensebydividingthetasksnecessaryforthecompletionofthe
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crime. Finally, the enhanced physical and mental attributes of a group criminal
enterprisebetterallowagroup toescape followingacrime. This isaccomplishedby
quickerexecutionofthecrime,giventheenhancedphysicalandmentalattributesofa
group.
TEENAGEGROUPCRIMEDANGERSThe group crimedangersdescribed above are exacerbatedwhen the group is
composed of teenagers and young adults and even more so with gang members.
Teenagers andyoung adults, on apercentagebasis, aremore frequently involved in
criminal acts than adults. Youthful offenders have limited or immature levels of
judgment
and
social
development.
Peer
influence
is
at
its
highest
among
younger
people,and thisagecohort frequently involves itself ingroupactivities (criminaland
noncriminal). A startling reality is thatmore than 90percent ofdelinquent acts are
committedingroupsoftwoormore(Bursik,1993,p.142).
GANGGROUPCRIMEDANGERSGang
group
criminal
involvement
represents
the
zenith
ofgroup
crime
dangers.
Whilethereisnouniversaldefinitionofagang,everyavailabledefinitionrecognizesa
gangasagroup (Klein,1995,p.94). In fact,agangdraws its identity,strength,and
reputationfrom itsstrengthasagroupandthecrimesitcommits,usuallyasagroup.
Researchhasconsistentlyshownthatgangmembershaveextraordinarilyhighlevelsof
delinquencyandcriminalinvolvement(Esbensen,1993,p.110). Gangsnotonlycommit
crimeasagroupbutalsodosomorefrequentlythanotheryouthfuloffenderswho,in
turn,commitagreaterpercentageofcrimethanolderagecohorts. Compoundingthe
problem is that gang members possess an antisocial, oppositional mindset; reject
middleclass values;more frequently drop out of school (which increases free time,
leadingtomorecriminalopportunity);havehighlevelsofsubstanceabuse;andidentify
more closelywith negative peers. Thebottom line is that gangs represent one of
societysgreatestgroupcriminalthreats.
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BASICCONCEPTSOFGROUPCRIMINALLIABILITYDirectCriminalLiability
Most states consider personswho directly and actively commit or attempt to
commit acts constituting a crime as principals in the commission or attempted
commission of the crime. All such perpetrators are equally guilty of the crime, no
matter if the involvementof all isnot equal. So longas each isaperpetratorof the
offense,eachislegallyculpableand,therefore,legallyblameworthy.
AidingandAbetting
Principalsinacrimealsoincludethosewhoaidandabetthecommissionofthe
offense. Aidersandabettorsare liable for thesamecrimeas thedirectperpetrator(s)
andarepunishedthesame. Apersonaidsandabetsthecommissionofacrimewhen
heorshe(1)aids,promotes,encourages,orinstigatesanotherpersonorpersonsinthe
commissionofacrime;(2)hasknowledgeoftheunlawfulpurposeoftheperpetrator(s);
and(3)has thespecific intentorpurposeofcommittingorencouragingor facilitating
thecommissionofthecrime.*
(*Manystates requireonlywillfulassistanceofanother in thecommissionofa
crimewithknowledgeoftheperpetratorsintent. Thereisnorequirementofintentin
themindoftheaiderandabettorforthecrimetoactuallyoccur.)
Simply stated, an aider and abettor is a person who helps someone in the
commission of a crimewhile having at least knowledge of the direct perpetrators
criminalorunlawfulpurpose. Theaiderandabettoreitherhastoactknowingthatthe
actwillhelpfacilitateacrimeor,inaminorityofthestates,mustsharewiththedirect
perpetratorthespecificintentforthecrimetoactuallyoccur. Theaiderandabettorby
act or advice (words) aids, promotes, encourages, facilitates, or instigates the
commissionofthedirectperpetratorscrime.
There isno requirement thatanaiderandabettorbepresentat the sceneofa
crime,merely that he or she knowingly helped the perpetrator commit the offense.
Drawing a diagram of the interior of a robbery location, giving the alarm codes, or
loaningtheinstrumentalitiesofacrime(getawaycar,guns,rope,orducttape)aregood
examples of assisting the commission of a crime while not being present for its
execution. On the other hand,merelybeing present during the commission of an
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offenseisnotacrime. Likewise,knowingthatacrime isabouttooccurandfailingto
reportorpreventitisnotacrime.
ConspiracyLiability
Collective gang criminal action frequently also constitutes a conspiracy. A
conspiracyistwoormorepersonsagreeingtocommitacrime.Manystatesalsorequire
thatoneoftheconspiringpartiescommitsomeact,knownasanovertact,towardthe
completionoftheagreeduponcrimebeforecriminalliabilityattachesagainstallofthe
conspirators. Thereisnorequirementthattheovertactbeacrime,justthatitbedone
tofurtherthecriminalgoaloftheconspiracy.
Regardingtherequiredmindsetoftheconspirators,eachmusthavethespecific
intenttoagreeandtocommitacrime. Thereisnorequirementthattheplannedoffenseactually occur or that all of the conspiratorsbepresent if the crime is attempted or
completed. Because of the recognized dangers of group criminal activity, the law
usuallypunishesaconspiracythesameasifthetargetcrimeactuallyoccurred. Finally,
ifthetargetcrimeisattemptedoractuallyoccurs,thereisseparatecriminalliabilityfor
attemptedorcompletedcrime.
INVESTIGATIONCONSIDERATIONS
Frequently,inagangcontext,agroupratherthananindividualcommitscrime.
Anytimemultipleparticipantscommitacrime, it is important to investigatethecrime
with group criminal liability concepts in mind. When there aremultiple possible
criminalperpetrators,itisimportanttofocusontheactionsofeachsuspect,notjustthe
obviousones.
CrimeScene
Evidence found at a crime scene may indicate the involvement of multiple
suspects. Physical evidence is powerful corroboration of victim, witness, and/or
suspectstatements. Everyreasonableeffortshouldbemade tocollectandanalyzeall
availablecrimesceneevidence. Issuestoconsiderinclude:
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(1) Weremultipleweaponsused?
Were different caliber expended bullet casings or
projectilesfoundatashooting?
Weredifferenttypesofweaponsleftatthecrimescene?
Dothevictimswoundsindicatemorethanoneweapon
wasused?
(2) Is the available fingerprint,blood, orDNA evidence indicative of
severalperpetrators?
(3) Were any other instrumentalities of the crime left behind
demonstratinggroupcriminalbehavior?
Itemsofclothing,notes,multiplevehicles,etc.
(4) Is there any security video available from the scene or nearbylocationswhere thesuspectsmayhavebeenjustbeforeorafter the
crime?
(5) Is there any other physical evidence that has a tendency to show
therewasagroupofperpetrators involved in the crimewhowere
assistingeachotherinthecommissionoftheoffenseorfacilitatingor
encouragingthecommissionoftheoffense?
(6)Was
there
any
fresh
graffiti
sprayed
inthe
area
immediately
before
orafter thecrime thatcouldbeagangsclaimof responsibility for
thecrime?
(7) Were the victims or intended victims documented gangmembers
basedonpolicerecords?
WitnessStatements
Obviously,
witnesses
are
a
valuable
source
of
information
in
multiple
perpetratorcrimes. Sometimes,however,witnessesareallowedtogiveconclusionary
statements (e.g., They all attacked thevictim! or The skinnyguywas acting as a
lookout.) insteadofdetailedaccountsofeachsuspects involvement. It is important
for witnesses to fully describe the actions of each perpetrator, whenever possible.
Witnessesshouldalsobeseparatedfromeachotherassoonaspossibleandinterviewed
individually. Finally,wheneverpossible,witnessesshouldbetaperecordedtoensure
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that the witnesses stories are unquestionably memorialized should the witnesses
becomeuncooperativeduringcourttestimony.
Witnessestoacrimecanprovideimportantinformationinthefollowingareas:
(1) Numberofsuspects.
(2) Specificactionsofeachsuspect.
(3) Whetherthesuspectsarrivedand/orlefttogether.
(4) How thesuspects talkedand interactedwitheachother. (Did they
speak to one another as if they were associated, and were they
directingeachotherduringthecommissionofthecrime?)
(5) Were theremultipledirectperpetratorsof thecrime (e.g., shooters,
stabbers,spraypainters,orbeergrabbersinabeerrun)?
(6) Werethesuspectsdressedsimilarlyorinthesamecolorofclothes?
(7) Was a gang name announced or were hand signs used before,
during,orimmediatelyafterthecommissionofthecrime?
(8)Were
the
suspects
known
tothe
victim(s)
and
witness(es)
and
known
asgangmembers?
(9) Was someone acting as a lookout (have thewitnessbe specific in
describingthesuspectsactions)orasadistractionwhileotherswere
stealing property or running out of the convenience store with
alcoholorotherstolenproperty?
(10) Any other suspect actions that indicate prior planning and
agreement.
Itisimportanttorememberthataconspiracyisacompletedcrimeeitheratthe
timeoftheagreementtocommitacrimeor,inthosestatesrequiringit,atthetimeofan
overtactbyoneoftheconspiratorsinfurtheranceoftheagreementtocommitacrime.
There may be no traditional crime scene with a conspiracy because the wouldbe
perpetrators did not complete the agreedupon crimebefore something caused the
cessationofthemovementtowardthecrimescompletion. Likewise,inanaidingand
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abetting situation, if the crime is attempted but not completed, then the direct
perpetratorsandtheaidersandabettorsarestillliablefortheattempt.
Consider thefollowingscenario todemonstratewhencriminal liabilityattaches
despitetheperpetrator(s)notcompletingtheintendedcrime.
Whiledriving inacar,agroupof fourgangmembersarestoppedbyapatrol
officerforaroutinevehiclecodeviolation. Thecarturnsouttobestolen. Asearchof
thecarrevealsfourskimasks,twohandguns,arollofducttape,astungun,andamap
tothehomeofajewelrymerchant,whoisneitherrelatedtoanyofthegangmembers
norknowsanyofthem. Totheexperiencedganginvestigatororprosecutor,thesefacts
arepowerfulevidenceofaconspiracytocommitaresidentialrobbery.
GangExpertTestimony
Agangexperts testimony iscritical ingangaidingandabetting situations. A
gang expert is someone who, through training, experience, and/or education, is
thoroughlyconversantwithgangdynamics. Theexpertcanhelpexplaintypicalgang
behaviorsthatarepatheticallypredictablebutbeyondthecommonexperienceofmost
jurors. Followingisalisting(althoughinnowayanexhaustivelist)ofseveralcommon
gang dynamic concepts and gangbehavior examples of aidingandabetting and/or
conspiracysituations:
(1) Backingup. Gangmembersareexpectedtostandbywhileafellowgangmember confronts or is confrontedby a rival or commits a
crime incasethefellowgangmemberneedshelp. Thefellowgang
members are not merely present but rather standing ready and
willingtostepinwithassistanceshouldthefellowperpetratinggang
memberneedhelp. Thegangmembersbackinguptheperpetrating
gang member lend confidence to the perpetrator(s) and help
encouragethecommissionoftheoffense.
(2)
Driving
the
car.
The
driver
in
a
number
of
crimes
is
a
necessary
facilitatorinthecommissionoftheoffenses. Drivebyshootingsand
commercial robberies are good examples of crimes frequently
involvingdriverswhoarenotthedirectperpetratorsoftheoffenses.
(3) Yellingthegangname. Fellowgangmembersoftenclaim(speakor
yell) theirgangsnamewhileoneoftheirgangmemberscommitsa
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crime. Thisaffordsnotorietytothegangforthecriminalactivityofa
member. It also lends encouragement for thedirectperpetrator to
completetheoffense.
(4) Throwing hand signs. Gang members enjoy their notoriety.
Frequently, immediately preceding a crime or during the
commission of a crime, gang members who are not direct
perpetrators of the offense throw their gang hand signs as
encouragement to their fellow,directperpetratorgangmembersor
asasigntothevictimsoftheperpetratorsstatusasgangmembers.
(5) Preventing others from interfering. Gang members occasionally
prevent others from interfering in a fightbetween a fellow gang
memberandanotherpersonorinthecommissionofsomeothersort
ofcrime. Thisconductpromotesandassists in thecompletionofacrimebyensuringunfetteredaccesstothevictim.
(6) Keeping lookout orwatching for thepolice. Gangmembers often
keep guardwhile fellow gangmembers commit criminal offenses.
Theknowledgethatothersarewatchingoutforyouencouragesthe
continuedcommissionofacrime. Italsoallows theperpetrator to
focussolelyonthecrimeinsteadoflookingaroundtoseewhetherhe
orshehasbeendetected. A lookout iscommonlyutilized instreet
narcoticstransactions
or
spray
painting
expeditions.
(7) Calling the homies when rivals are seen. This behavior alerts
fellowgangmemberstothepresenceofrivals,which,inturn,allows
forassaultiveconductagainsttherivals.
(8) Stealing a car (Gride) for some other crimeusually a driveby
shootingor robbery. Whenagangmemberknowinglystealsacar
for use in some other crime, the gangmember is facilitating the
commission of the other offense. The gangmember is therefore
equallyliableforthecommissionofthecrimedoneinthecarafterit
wasstolen.
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(9) Getting or holding a weaponthe gang gun. Gang experts
usuallyopine thatwhen agangmemberhas agun, anyone in the
gangcanusethegun. Further,followingacrime,itiscommonfora
noninvolvedgangmembertoholdthegununtiltheheatdiesdown.
Eithersituationhelpsthegangobtain,use,andconcealitscollective
cacheoffirearms.
In order for an expert to render such opinions, however, it is critical to have
plentifulevidenceofasuspectsgangaffiliation. Allpriorfieldinterviewcards;crime
reports; pictures; correspondence; documented admissions of gang membership to
teachers,probationorparoleofficers,ortojailers; interviewstatements;andanyother
pieceofgangmembershipevidenceshouldbegatheredforusebytheexpertincourt.
SuspectInterviewStatements
Someofthemostdamagingevidenceinacriminalcaseisadmissionsmadebya
suspect. Inagangcrimesituation,gangdynamicsareimportantareasofinquiryforan
investigatingofficerduringasuspectinterview. Itishelpfulinagroupcrimescenario
tokeep thedynamicsofgroupcrime inmind;e.g.,allegianceto thegroup,asenseof
invincibilitywhileinthegroup,relianceofthegrouponthosewhohavecommittedto
theplannedbehavior,thedivisionof taskspossiblewithmultiplecrimepartners,and
alcoholornarcoticuse.
Often,gangmembersdiscusstheirgangmembershipwiththepoliceevenwhenreluctant to admit participation in a crime. Under such circumstances, valuable
informationisobtainablefromgangmembersuspects. Interviewtopicsshouldmirror
theeventualtestimonyofthegangexpert. Itisusefultohavethegangsuspectlayout
theganggroupdynamicsthatareexplainedabove.
Interviewtopicswithagangmembersuspectshouldinclude:
(1) Attachmenttoandidentificationwiththegang.
(2) Thegangbeing theprimary focus andmost important aspectof a
gangmemberslife.
(3) Allegiancetothegangandtofellowgangmembers.
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(4) Putting inworkforthegangwhencalleduponandknowingwhen
joining agang that someday thegangmemberwillbe expected to
commitcrimeonbehalfofthegang.
(5) Representingorbeingdownforthegangbyneverbackingaway
fromachallengeandalwaysbackingupafellowgangmember.
(6) Thecodeofnevercooperatingwiththepoliceandtheimportanceof
neverbeinglabeledasnitchorarat.
(7) History of the suspectsgang, thenumber ofmembers, the gangs
territory(ifterritorial),andthetypesofcrimesthegangisknownfor
(evenifthesuspectdeniesanyinvolvementinthosecrimes).
(8) Initiation rituals ofwal