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•June 5, 2013

Why We Should Hire Returning Veterans

Like war, police work can be an ugly job. Like military service, it can be dangerous physically and psychologically. But who's better prepared to endure that crucible than our returning combat veterans?

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•May 23, 2013

How One Gang Corrupted 13 Baltimore COs

Anyone who has worked in the jail or prison for any length of time is probably aware of the psychological manipulation practiced by many sophisticated inmates and gangs. They commonly employ tactics designed as corruption ensnarement traps.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•May 7, 2013

A Gang Prevention Documentary Worth Watching

"Operation Detour 2" tells the story about how easily young people, even good kids, can get seduced into the drug-trafficking world. How doing or receiving a favor from someone can hook you into the game. How drug use can subtly ensnare you and ruin your life.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•April 29, 2013

Mexican Cartels Have Infiltrated Your City

Mexican drug cartels are now operating deep in the U.S., according to the recent Associated Press report. They're operating not just in border areas. They're making beach heads in suburban communities.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•April 8, 2013

Police Officers on Wanted Posters

Two New York officers threatened in a gang wanted poster should consider the threats from the bad guys a true compliment. It means they are making a real difference.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•March 25, 2013

'Evil Evan' Ebel and the 211 Crew

The 211 Crew is a white-supremacist prison gang. The loosely structured group had its early formation in the Denver County Jail, and its members included a wanna-be rapper and white inmate whose crime partner was black.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•March 14, 2013

Gang Task Forces Take Down Mexican Mafia 'Carnals'

Two recent investigations show us the value of gang task forces that combine resources from law enforcement, prosecutors, and corrections to take down Mexican Mafia "carnals" in Southern California.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•February 27, 2013

Compton's 155th Street Gang

The worst of these 155th Street members were usually high on "red devils" (Seconal) and drunk on wine. They were dangerous to everyone and lethal to rivals. They were as bad as any Willowbrook gang such as the Compton Varrio Tres, Tortilla Flats, Willowbrook Winos, or any black gang.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•February 11, 2013

Will 'End of Watch' Shift the Perception of Cops?

"End of Watch" provides a refreshing avoidance of the Hollywood formula. This production has captured the most realistic depiction of everyday police officers working a gang-infested, economically-depressed, crime-ridden area.

Inside the Badge •by Richard Valdemar•January 17, 2013

Are Some Gang Members Serial Killers?

Even in the murderous world of gangs, the most wicked killings are perpetrated by individuals who seem motivated by some other dark, twisted presence within their troubled souls.

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