Criminal Street Gangs In the MILITARY

Transcription

1 Security Threat Groups Overview Criminal Street Gangs In the MILITARY MAJ ACKLEN Division Provost Marshal 1 st Infantry Divison NOTE: No changes will be made to this briefing without the permission of the author.

2 CRIMINAL STREET GANGS Purpose The goal of this overview is to provide general knowledge of gang related activities and the military connection.

3 A gang is defined as a group of three or more people, male or female, who interact among themselves to the exclusion of others. They have a group name. The claim a territory or neighborhood. They may have recognizable symbols or graffiti. They engage in crime or anti-social behavior that supports the gang s existence.

4 Training The military has been labeled as a major contributor to gang, extremist and hate groups WHY Learn New Skills Stealing of Military Equipment

5 WHY GANG MEMBERS JOIN THE MILITARY Attempt to leave the Gang Life Seeking Legal Employment Recruitment of Dependents and Soldiers Weapons Acquisition/Trafficking Learn Tactics Drug Trafficking

6 Gangs and the Military There is ample evidence that members of the Armed Forces have had previous, or have current and active contact with criminal street gangs and extremist groups.

7 Gangs and the Military Military weapons in hands of gangs By John Kidman, Frank Walker and Eamonn Duff October 19, 2003 The Sun-Herald Grenades have been found at the scenes of two recent gang attacks, while police are investigating reports that one group has acquired an assault rifle fitted with a grenade launcher. Some believe the weapons to have been imported from the war zones of the Middle East. Unlimited access to handguns and in some cases, military-styled assault weapons. State of lawlessness as a form of "urban terrorism. Semi-automatic pistols and a military assault rifle were used to execute 34-year-old father-of-four.

8 Effects on the U.S. NAVY Several black males came to San Angelo from Houston, Texas, to establish a branch of the Lynch Mob. One active duty U.S. Navy E-5 was been identified associating with these gang members In Shreveport, Louisiana, a U. S. Navy active duty member and a civilian were shot while attending a cookout at a friend s residence. This was a known area for drugs and street gang presence. In Los Angeles a known gang member just back from Iraq firing on two California police officers -- he kills one quickly using tactics perfected on the battlefield. "Using strictly military tactics he learned in the Marine Corps, he applies suppressive fire power right into the corner," "He didn't learn those tactics as a gang member."

9 Effects on the U.S. AIR FORCE Two separate groups, the Black Hawks and the Rebels were comprised of dependent males between age 14 and 20. They committed vandalism and attempted auto theft. In the three months of existence, 28 cases were initiated. 10 to 15 off-post Philippino and Black males carrying bats, chains and numchucks came on base to assault a dependent Black male gang member. Pope AFB, North Carolina: a homicide was committed involving several active duty Army personnel and a civilian, all were members of local gangs. Alaska: Several Security Policemen were identified as recruiters for the Klux Ku Klan

10 Effects on the U.S. ARMY Fort Hood: An active duty service member (female) identified as a high ranking gang member in the State of Texas was convicted for 2 counts of Homicide (gang related). Fort Carson: An active duty service member (male) identified as the #2 gang leader for the Gangster Disciples in the State of Colorado was convicted for purchasing guns for other gang members in Chicago and Gary, Indiana. He also paid Soldiers to bring drug from Mexico by way of Fort Bliss. Germany: Death to a soldier in Kaiserslauten was gang related.

11 Effects on the U.S. ARMY Fort Polk: An active duty member who claimed to a member of the Zulu Warriors was involved in a drive-by shooting. Fort Polk: An active duty member entered the on-post club and flashed his Blood gang signs and two Black males pistol whipped the soldier. It was discovered later that the two males were members of a Crips gang located in Shreveport. Fort Bragg: Several Soldiers with extremist views were convicted for killing two Blacks in Fayetteville. Fort Lewis: Family Member/Husband and his three children were hacked to death by two members of the Cedar Block Piru Bloods of Los Angeles. They were accompanied by a United States Army Specialist.

12 INDICATORS OF GANG ACTIVITY Increase in graffiti Slang talk/sign flashing New clothing styles Increase in narcotics

13 Pages from a Gang Knowledge Book 031 = LOVE FOR BLOOD CODE MEANING 31 I M BLOOD 031 LOVE FOR BLOOD 404 SEND MONEY Courtesy Source: Kenneth of K. Ferguson Kelly, Kelly, STG-A MHR

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15 1 AD soldiers on Guard Duty 2002

16 Confiscated photos Health & Welfare Kitzingen 2003

17 Confiscated photos Kitzingen 2003

18 Subject in Drug Case 2003

19 Alliances Think of this as the American and National leagues of gangs Currently all documented gangs aligned under these two People Nation Folk Nation Latin Kings Vicelords Spanish Lords El Rukns Bishops Gaylords Latin Counts Kents Black Gangster Disciples Black Disciples Gangster Disciples Imperial Gangsters La Raza Spanish Cobras Latin Eagles Latin Disciples Gangs (30,000+) membership in US documented at over 1 million +

20 CLOTHING Wears primary or secondary colors Colored Handkerchiefs Flags Baseball caps worn to the side or slightly tilted Loose shoe strings, pushed up pant legs, and rolled up T-shirt sleeve Uses Designer logos

21 Folk Nation and People Nation Folk Nation: Dress to the Right Blue/Black Six Pointed Star Upside Down Crowns Bent Rabbit Ears Pitch Forks pointed Up People Nation: Dress To The Left Red/Black Five Pointed Star Right Side Up Crown Straight Rabbit Ears Pitch Forks Pointed Down

22 "Black Gangster Disciples and Folk Gangs" The Black Gangster Disciples are originally a Chicago gang. Founder was David "King David" Barksdale and they considered themselves a "Nation" (BGDN) not a gang. Came from two different organizations that combined forces, the Black Disciples and the Gangster Disciples. In an effort to improve their image they are also known as Better Growth and Development President was David Barksdale and Vice President was Larry Hoover.

23 "Latin Kings" The Latin Kings grew out of the 1940 and 50 s Chicago gang wars. One of their slogans, Amor De Rey, means "King Love". They developed a philosophy of "Kingism" and became a part of the "People Nation" under the 5-point star during the 1960 s polarization of Chicago gangs. They will also use a 5-point crown or 3-pointed crown. They have an established "Charter" and have well documented rules which members must strictly adhere to.

24 "Bloods and Pirus" In 1972, some Centennial High School youth in the City of Compton from Piru Street fought Crip gang members who were expanding throughout South Central Los Angeles. The Pirus beat the feared Crips that day. In their honor ever since, Black gang members from Compton who were not Crips referred to themselves as Pirus. Other Black gangs (many of whom were already in existence for years) who did not become aligned with the Crips, became known as Bloods. Bloods will usually wear red, but not always, for instance Limehood Pirus are known to wear green.

25 "Crips" This gang was founded about 1968 by Raymond Washington and his crime partners from the East Side (of Interstate-110) in South Central Los Angeles. Washington originally started up a gang called the "Baby Avenues", but after he got into a beef with another member, he decided to start his own gang called the "Crips". By 1971, Stanley "Tookie" Williams from the West Side joined Washington and the "Crips".

26 Soldiers who were members of the Gangster Disciples had this made at a German/American FEST

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28 GANGSTER DISCIPLE GRAFFITI ALLIGNED WITH FOLK NATION FOUND NEAR THE HELI-PAD LEIGHTON BARRACKS 2001 DISRESPECT TO PEOPLE NATION RESPECT TO FOLK NATION

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31 Gang Identification The extent to which gangs have infiltrated the military community is difficult to assess for a number of reasons: The majority of gang activities take place outside the confines of the military bases and during hours of darkness. Military personnel participating in these activities may not be identified by local law enforcement as being in the armed forces or dependents Activities that do take place on the installations, such as thefts, assaults or drug trafficking, are often viewed as singular incidents and not recognized as gang related. Gang members are not easily identifiable.

32 MOTIVATORS FOR JOINING CRIMINAL STREET GANGS Protection Money & Drugs Control of the Environment Racial Similarities Cultural Similarities Acceptance by Peers Loyalty and Reward Recruitment Intimidation Control of Turf Common Enemies ** FINALLY A SENSE OF BELONGING**

33 UCMJ Action Art Conspiracy Art Failure to Obey a Lawful Order Art Rioting and Breach of Peace Art Provoking Speeches and Gestures Art General Article (Discredit to Armed Forces) Art Soliciting Another to Commit an Offense

34 PROACTIVE RESPONSES Avoid denial of gang dynamics Develop standard procedures Know/enforce Policies and regulations Educate leaders and organization members of the consequences for participation Consider involuntary separation of violators ** SHARE-SHARE-SHARE!!!!!!!!** Initiate UCMJ actions for

35 Online Resources California Gang Investigator's Association Provides a forum for all law enforcement officers (including corrections, prosecutors, parole and probation) to exchange ideas. Florida Gang Investigators Association An association of law enforcement and criminal justice professionals who are dedicated to the prevention of gangs and suppression of gang-related activity within the state of Florida. Gangs in Los Angeles County Gang Graffiti, brief history, homicides, and more. Gang Prevention Incorporated Street gang identification awareness and activity training for Law Enforcement, Military, Prosecution, Corrections, and Probation and Parole. Training is offered to educational institutions and selectively provided to the private sector as well. A 400-page street gang identification manual is available to Law Enforcement only. A 3-day gang specialist course is offered at various times throughout the year. IAACI Web The International Association of Asian Crime Investigators, in association with the International Asian Organized Crime Conferences, provide focus on the criminal justice system's response to organized crime in Asia. Massachusetts Department of Corrections STG Massachusetts DOC has a similar program documented on the web. Midwest Gang Investigators Association A non-profit organization comprised of law enforcement officers and members of the criminal justice community from Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa and Missouri. National Gang Crime Research Center Provides research on gangs and gang members, disseminate information through publications and reports, and provide training and consulting services. National Major Gang Task Force A consortium of criminal justice professionals from Federal, state and local government agencies who specialize in gang interdiction and suppression. National Youth Gang Center A comprehensive, coordinated response to America's gang problem by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Southeastern Connecticut Gang Activities Group Non-profit law enforcement association focused on disseminating information to combat the rise in violent youth and gang activities. Tennessee Gang Investigators Association Provides an online outlet for information relating to TNGIA, links to other associations, online resources, and a public forum relating to gangs. Texas Gang Investigators Association The TGIA was formed to promote a closer working relationship among gang investigators with a view towards the rapid dissemination and exchange of information concerning gang related incidents, suspects and investigations

36 Courtesy of K. Ferguson Kelly, STG-A