Al ValdezMore from Al ValdezSpecial UnitsConducting Effective Witness InterviewsThe ultimate goal of a gang investigaÂtion is to find the truth. What happened? Who did it? How? As law enforcement officers, how do we arrive at the truth? What is our part in the game plan? Here are some suggestions that may be useful for patrol personnel, detectives and folÂlow-up investigators when dealing with witnesses and victims of gang crimes.November 30, 1996Special UnitsNations at War Within Windy City LimitsThese Chicago-Âbased gangs follow strict dress codes and use body language as a nonverbal form of communication. A gang member can simply cross his arms to "announce" his gang affiliation.October 31, 1996Special UnitsSkinhead Groups Gain Youhful FollowingSkinhead membership has traditionÂally drawn from dysfunctional workÂing-class families, and it appears that many skinheads come from broken homes. Members can be as young as 13 and as old as 25. They typically posÂsess average intelligence, but are often poorly educated.September 30, 1996Special UnitsTracing the Roots of Black Gang RivalryThe Crips and Bloods have now moved into their second generations, and traditions are being established within these gang families. The street gang lifestyle has become an acceptÂable way of living for some families.July 31, 1996Special UnitsA New Gang Threat Rears its Ugly HeadThe Southeast Asian street gang is a fairly new threat on the gang battlefield. Their presence was first noted by law enforcement officials in Southern California in the late 1970s.June 30, 1996Special UnitsCareful Planning is Key to a Sound InvestigationGetting the case to court and obtaining a favorable decision by the bench or jury is always the goal in a gang investigation. And one of the greatest assets to any case is, of course, the witnesses. How do you solicit cooperation and a commitment to testify in court from these unique witÂnesses?May 31, 1996Special UnitsA Back-to-Basics Approach to Gang InvestigatorsYou get dispatched to a possible gang shooting. When you arrive, the scene looks like it came straight out of' the movies. Family members are present and are hysterical. Several gang members are just milling around, and a lifeless body is on the sidewalk.April 30, 1996Special UnitsDecoding the Secret Messages on the WallObviously, not all graffiti is gang grafÂfiti. But once you are able to decipher their source and secret mesÂsages, graffiti becomes a useful source of information.March 31, 1996Special UnitsEasing Investigations on the Gang BattlefieldPhotos, jewelry, hairstyles and body piercing are among the obvious physical traits investigators look for when profilÂing gangs. But understanding how the members think, act and feel also can help police develop a rapport with members, and in turn, help expedite gang-related investigations.February 29, 1996Special UnitsIncriminating Signs of the Rat PacksWhen citizens hear the word "gang," they usually conjure up stereotypical images of Hispanic, Asian, black or white thugs roaming inner-city streets. But most cops working the gang detail understand that looks can be deceiving.January 31, 1996Previous PagePage 3 of 3