Police Magazine

Richard Valdemar

Sergeant (Ret.)

Sgt. Richard Valdemar retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after spending most of his 33 years on the job combating gangs. For the last 20 years, he was assigned to Major Crimes Bureau. He was also cross-designated as an FBI agent for 10 years of his career when he served on the Federal Metropolitan Gang Task Force. From 1995 until his retirement in 2004, Valdemar was a member of the California Prison Gang Task Force, helping prosecute members of the Mexican Mafia.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•May 14, 2008

A Day in the Life of a Gang Member

Suddenly, a night of fun became a night of terror as multiple muzzle flashes lit the night from the interior of the blue Impala. Bang! Bang! Bang! “Crip!” Followed by: Bang! Bang! “Palm ‘n Oak!” echoed in the crowded streets. Streaking sparks marked the bullet strikes as they ricocheted off the streets and sidewalks. The crowd ran in panic in all directions from the sounds of the gun fire. Some victims fell wounded. But inside the blue Impala the occupants were laughing. They got off a few mo

Articles•by Richard Valdemar•May 1, 2008

Never Underestimate a Gang Member

They may seem disorganized, they may act stupid, they may look really young, but they are deadly and cunning as sharks.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•April 24, 2008

Women and Criminal Gangs

The traditional gang culture is a “macho” lifestyle where women are only second-class members. Like the cheerleaders on the football team; they wear the colors, and support the team, but they are not allowed to play. When they are given a role, it is often to act as the intelligence unit or spies for the gang.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•April 18, 2008

Dangerous Defectors and the Pesetas Prison Gang

The prison gang defector, even after cooperating with law enforcement, is still a formidable and dangerous predator. His mental and criminal cunning, his tactical combat experience, and even his drug addiction remain dangerous to you.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•April 11, 2008

Testifying in Court as a Gang Expert

The gang investigator's years of experience, knowledge, and training in the field of gangs is of no value if he is unable to communicate this knowledge in such a way as to convince a judge or jury that this knowledge is truth.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•March 28, 2008

Criminal Gangs and the Occult

No traditional Hispanic gang member I ever knew would have dug up Grandma from her tomb, or desecrated a church altar or a statue of the Madonna.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•March 14, 2008

How Good Kids are Seduced into Gangs – PART 2 – The Schoolyard Story

The bully "Giant" preyed on more than just your skinny crew. Often he picked on the girls. But now they know that you can protect them from the Giant. Are you a gang? Not yet, but if you continue in this "solution" without some intervention, you are on your way.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•March 14, 2008

Gangs on Meth

The drug is dangerous to law enforcement in several ways. The chemicals utilized are highly toxic and volatile. Clandestine labs are often booby trapped against the police.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•March 7, 2008

How Good Kids are Seduced into Gangs—PART 1

Winning potential gang members' minds and hearts occurs early, often as early as grammar school. It is founded in the common experiences almost all children must endure. These negative experiences include social exclusion, feelings of fear, bullying, and victimization.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•February 29, 2008

Los Angeles Gangs and Hate Crimes

Soon the prison race war spilled into the streets. The first battles were in the Santa Monica and Venice areas at apartment complexes like the Oakwood and Mar Vista Apartments.

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