When? --- August 1st, August 2nd, August 3rd, 2022
Where is it being held? --- Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago Hotel
Why Attend? Read more inside this on-lineversion of the brochure.
Who Should Attend: Anyone who is impacted by the gang problem, whatever your role, rank, or status in life. If you can be potentially enlisted in the fight against gangs, you are welcome. From prosecutor to corrections professional, from gang specialist police officer to gang counselor at the local high school or a local prevention program; or maybe you are just someone who wants to learn a lot more about gangs and network with others nationwide.
How to Attend: A registration form is provided at the end of this file, you can fax it in or mail it in. You can print out just the Registration Form itself at www.ngcrc.com/register.html
NGCRC CONTACT INFO: (TEL: 708 258-9111; FAX 708 258-9546).
The 2022 NGCRC 25th Gang Specialist Training Conference
2022 Conference Information Site--- The Full Text On-Line Version
Last UPDATED: July 7, 2022
© Copyright 2022, NGCRC, Chicago, IL.. You are now in the "2022 Conference" section of the National Gang Crime Research Center, this is a lengthy fext file that explains everything you could possibly want to know about the exciting "in person", "face to face", classroom based, gang training conference being held in Chicago, August 1-3, 2022; the main website of the NGCRC is: www.ngcrc.com Click here if you want to visit the main page of the NGCRC: www.ngcrc.com.
What's New: We Have Created a Massive Training Curriculum --- See Below
We are now creating the 2022 NGCRC Gang Training Program. The 2022 curriculum will be listed at: https://ngcrc.com/courses.html
Additional courses or sessions will be added between now and the date of the conference. The NGCRC gang training conference is unique in providing so many different choices and always has over 100 session for trainees to pick from.
Advance information is now available about the 2022 curriculum and we have started to list the courses for the 2022 NGCRC Gang Training Conference. A total of N = 109 sessions are already listed at this website. And YES, we are still adding more sessions to the 2022 curriculum.
What's New: Schedule of Hour by Hour, Room by Room, Day by Day Now Ready
The "schedule of events" is now listed at: https://www.ngcrc.com/schedule.html
A copy is also provided below.
What's New: A Call for Presenters
The NGCRC has issued an official "Call for Presenters" for the NGCRC's 25th annual International Gang Specialist Training Conference to be held August 1-3, 2022 in Chicago, IL.
See more info below. Yes we are still looking for presentations especially in the areas of female gangs/female gang members, and outlaw biker clubs and motorcycle gangs.
What's New: The Criss Cross Study Guide" is Now Available
The "Criss Cross" is a study guide used by those who are registered for certification. It is updated on a regular basis as new courses or sessions are added to the 2022 curriculum.See below the "Criss Cross" Study Guide.
What's New: Get Your Free Ticket to a Baseball Game.
This IS A BASEBALL NETWORKING EVENT .These tickets are available free to those registered for Certification or Non-Certification, one per person on a first come, first served basis. One ticket per person. Only one baseball networking event ticket per person. We have purchased N = 50 tickets for the Monday August 1st (starts 7:10pm) White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals game. We also have purchased N = 50 tickets for the Tuesday August 2nd (starts 7:10pm) White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals game. Read below on how to get on the "first come, first served" list for the tickets.
The tickets are electronic tickets, no longer are they paper tickets. Your phone is your ticket, and you get the ticket image and info (box number, row, seat number) in an email from a national ticket company that works with the White Sox. We need your email to send you the electronic ticket. The actual email containing your electronic ticket will not come directly from the NGCRC, it will come from the Ticketmaster company. So when you get an email from "Ticketmaster.com" it is not spam, it is your ticket. We had a few people in 2021 that ended up basically throwing away their electronic tickets because their government email system treated the email from ticketmaster as spam, and just got deleted.
How do you get a ticket: Just check "yes" on the registration form for the question "I want to attend the baseball networking event". The NGCRC is giving away tickets to this game to those who are registered for the conference (one per person). You will be sitting in good company as you will be seated in a large group of other gang specialists: people attending the NGCRC Conference. So it is a remarkable way to network as well.
To get to the game, we suggest you take the CTA train; it is cheap and fast. Please note: transportation to and from the game from the hotel is not provided by the NGCRC. You simply need to call or visit the website (www.transitchicago.com) for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and you will find there is very cheap transportation by train or bus. Should you want to pool in a taxi with some others from the NGCRC, or your own group that is attending, hey, fine, just remember you are on your own: the NGCRC is not paying for the transportation. We paid a premium price for the tickets. Our advice: buy a round-trip CTA train ticket. We recommend using the CTA train, it is very cheap, and the fastest way to and from the ball park.
We suggest you take the train to "Guaranteed Rate Field" the ball park stadium where the White Sox are based. The CTA train is cheap, fast. Please note: transportation to and from the game from the hotel is not provided by the NGCRC. You simply need to call or visit the website (www.transitchicago.com) for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and you will find there is very cheap transportation by train or bus. Should you want to pool in a taxi with some others from the NGCRC, or your own group that is attending, hey, fine, just remember you are on your own: the NGCRC is not paying for the transportation. We paid a premium price for the tickets. Our advice: buy a round-trip CTA train ticket. Its very cheap, and the fastest way to and from the ball park. To get to Guaranteed Rate Field (its official address is 333 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL) from the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel, its easy, just take the Red Line train and get off at the Sox-35th Street stop.
You can submit the Baseball Networking Event Ticket Request Form. These tickets while paid for by the NGCRC are being distributed free of charge to officially registered trainees to enhance their social networking experience at the NGCRC training conference. As of this date there are a few tickets still available.
If you registered early, before we had the tickets, then you can submit the Ticket Request Form at any time after registering, during the time frame that we still have such tickets to give away. We cannot guarantee tickets to anyone. Again: first come, first served. When they are gone, they are gone. Make sure your request is mailed by means of the United States Postal Service and/or faxed to us. Please follow the procedure described here. YES, right now, We Still Have Tickets to the game. If that changes (i.e., if we are nearing depletion), we will give notice here in this section at this website location.
If you want a ticket to attend one of the games, and you are already registered for the Conference: then complete the form below. Or for redundancy, attach it to your registration form when you send in or fax in or email in your registration form.
As of April 1, 2022, we are now having the tickets emailed to those who request them. The email ticket will be from Ticketmaster.
Make note that as a policy no one can carry any bag into the baseball stadium.
BASEBALL NETWORKING EVENT
TICKET REQUEST FORM
Please mail me one free Baseball Networking Event ticket to:
Print Name: ________________________________________________________________
First Last
Street Address:______________________________________________________________
Agency (optional):___________________________________________________________
Telephone numbers to call you if there are any problems:_____________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:______________________________________________________________
My email address is:_________________________________________________________________________________
I am registered to attend the 2022 NGCRC Conference and I want to receive a ticket to one of the two Baseball Networking Events.
The ticket I want is to the (pick one only): ____Aug. 1 Monday night game ____Aug. 2 Tuesday night game
Mail this form to: NGCRC Conference Processing Center, P.O. Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468-0990
Or fax this form to: (708) 258-9546
HOW DO YOU USE THE CRISS-CROSS STUDY GUIDE?
This was designed to be a study aide. It saves you the step of actually reading all the session descriptions. If you read the session descriptions (https://ngcrc.com/courses.html), you will see each course being taught at the NGCRC Gang Training Conference (Aug 1-3, 2022) has consistent data elements such as: title, duration, session credits, abstract, bio. And in that order.
We recommend reading each and every course offering and having the registered trainee make the decision “do I want to attend this session?”. Because in reading all of the courses or sessions you will read the abstracts and the bios. We certainly recommend that if you want to increase your professional networking contacts, that you closely study also the bios also listed at the website: copy this url to your browser: https://ngcrc.com/presenters.html
You do not have enough time in three days to attend over 100 courses, so you need to make decisions.
The first decision you need to make if you are registered for Certification is what courses you want to take in your track area. In the file describing the courses at the website (copy this url to your browser: https://ngcrc.com/courses.html), you will find a data element called “Session Credits”, this is where you find out if the course gives credit for your track. If your track is listed under the session credits for a particular course or session, then that course or session gives credit for your track. You need to accumulate a minimum of N = 4 hours in your track specialty area. That is not hard to do. You have to pick and choose what you want to attend.
So if you did not want to study the courses, just use the “Criss-Cross Study Guide”. Look up your track on the Criss-Cross Study Guide, and it will reveal what session numbers give credit for your track, and the number of hours that specific course provides.
Here is an example: assume you signed up for Gang Crime Investigation Skills as your track. You will see all kinds of sessions listed for that track on the Criss-Cross Study Guide, starting from Session #1 which is two (2) hours in length, and goes on and on, there are nearly fifty courses that give session credits for this track. So when you see the digits “1 (2)”, and that these data elements are always separated by a semicolon “;”, so that means Session #1 in the course listings gives two (2) hours of credit for this track. Similarly, Session #2 gives 1.5 hours of credit for this course. And session #3 provides two (2) hours of credit for this track. So if you just completed the first three listings you would have completed your minimum requirement of accumulating at least four (4) hours in your track area. All of the courses are listed sequentially by session number in ascending order, from #1 to beyond #100, in the “courses” section we recommend you study at the website.
Once you get to the conference, you will find a book in your goody bag that is like a printed version of the “COURSES” listing at the NGCRC website. It is the grey book: specifically identified as Volume 29, Number 3, Spring 2022 issue of the Journal of Gang Research. It has the full course descriptions in print, those we knew about prior to going to press in the Spring, of course; newly added courses would not be printed in the Vol. 29, No. 3 issue, you would need to check at the website for updates.
The training program requires you accumulate a total of 24 hours of training. Within that 24 hours of training, 4 of them need to be in your track area. You can spend the other 20 hours as electives: concentrating in your track area, or any other area you are eligible to enroll in (only criminal justice personnel can enroll in the Motorcycle Gang track). If you are a Double Major, you need four hours in each of the two tracks, leaving 16 hours of “electives”: you can spend those 16 hours in any of the courses you are eligible to attend (note that a small number of the courses restrict attendance to police officers).
You do not need any of this information if you are registered for Non-Certification. This information is useful only if you are registered for Certification.
Example of use of the criss-cross study guide: Look at session #1 in the listing of sessions or courses scheduled for the Aug. 1-3, 2022 Conference. It is two hours in length so that information appears as “(2)” below, where it gives credit for the Gang Crime Investigation Skills track and other tracks as well. Session #2 is also a two hour long course or session that gives credit for Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
The Criss-Cross Study Guide:
The Listing of Sessions that give credit for specific training tracks.
This classifies sessions #1 thru #108 by Track (classroom courses that give credit for that track).
Last updated: July 1, 2022
(1) Gang Crime Investigation Skills Track: 1 (2); 2 (2); 3 (2); 4 (2); 5 (1); 6 (2); 7 (2); 7 (2); 14(2); 18 (2); 21 (1): 27 (1); 29 (2); 30 (2); 33 (1); 36 (1); 37 (1); 38 (1); 45 (1); 46 (1); 47 (1); 48 (1); 49 (1); 53 (1); 57 (1); 63 (1); 66 (2); 67 (3); 68 (1); 69 (2); 70 (2); 72 (2); 73(1.5); 74 (1); 81 (1); 83 (1); 85 (1); 94 (1); 95 (1); 98 (2); (99) 2; 102 (1); 107 (2); 108 (1); 109 (1.5);
(2) Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole Track: 5 (1); 8 (1); 9 (1); 10 (2); 13 (1); 18 (2); 19 (1); 20 (1); 22 (1); 27 (1); 37 (1); 45 (1); 47 (1); 53 (1); 55 (1); 58 (2); 62 (2); 63 (1); 86 (1); 88 (1); 93 (2); 96 (2); 97 (1.5); 103 (1); 104 (1);
(3) Gang Homicide Investigation Skills Track: 2 (2); 29 (2); 38 (1); 49 (1); 57 (1); 99 (2); 109 (1.5);
(4) Gangs and Drugs Track: 1 (2); 3 (2); 5 (1); 8 (1); 13 (1); 14 (2); 19 (1); 20 (1); 21 (1); 22 (1); 27 (1); 30 (2); 36 (1); 37 (1); 63 (1); 65 (2); 67 (3); 68 (1); 75 (1); 76 (1); 77 (1); 79 (1); 81 (1); 82 (1.5); 83 (1); 85 (1); 94 (1); 95 (1); 98 (2); 99 (2); 102 (1); 109 (1.5);
(5) Gang Problems in K-12 Schools Track: 1 (2); 14 (2); 18 (2); 24 (1); 28 (1); 30 (2); 49 (1); 64 (2); 87 (2); 88 (1); 89 (1); 90 (2); 96 (2); 97 (1.5); 103 (1)
(6) Gangs and Organized Crime Track: 9 (1); 43 (1); 61 (1); 63 (1); 66 (2); 83 (1); 98 (2); 102 (1); 107 (2); 108 (1); 109 (1.5);
(7) Gangs and Mental Health Track: 1 (2); 4 (2); 7 (2); 8 (1); 10 (2); 12 (1); 13 (1); 14 (2); 15 (1); 16 (2); 18 (2); 19 (1); 20 (1); 22 (1); 23 (1); 24 (1); 33 (1); 35 (1); 39 (1); 41 (1); 42 (2); 49 (1); 51 (1.5); 52 (1); 54 (1); 58 (2); 62 (2); 75 (1); 76 (1); 77 (1); 79 (1); 80 (1); 82 (1.5); 90 (2); 94 (1); 95 1); 103 (1); 107 (2);
(8) Gang Interview/Interrogation Skills Track: 1 (2); 7 (2); 14 (2); 30 (2); 63 (1)
(9) Gang Internet Investigation Track: 6 (2); 48 (1); 63 (1); 68 (1); 74 (1); 75 (1); 76 (1); 77 (1); 79 (1); 81 (1); 82 (1.5); 83 (1); 89 (1); 98 (2); 107 (2); 109 (1.5);
(10) Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services Track: 1 (2); 10 (2); 11 (1.5); 12 (1); 14 (2); 15 (1); 17 (1); 18 (2); 23 (1); 26 (1); 30 (2); 34 (1); 39 (1); 44 (2); 52 (1); 54 (1); 55 (1); 58 (2); 62 (2); 71 (1.5); 78 (1); 84 (1); 86 (1); 87 (2); 88 (1); 90 (2); 93 (2); 96 (2); 103 (1); 104 (1); 106 (1);
(11) Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills Track: 1 (2); 10 (2); 11 (1.5); 14 (2); 18 (2); 26 (1); 28 (1); 30 (2); 34 (1); 55 (1); 58 (2); 62 (2); 64 (2); 80 (1); 93 (2); 96 (2); 106 (1);
(12) Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists Track: 1 (2); 2 (2); 10 (2); 14 (2); 17 (1); 18 (2); 24 (1); 29 (2); 30 (2); 31 (2); 32 (1); 33 (1); 35 (1); 38 (1); 42 (2); 44 (2); 46 (1); 49 (1); 56 (1); 57 (1); 58 (2); 62 (2); 63 (1); 69 (1); 70 (2); 71 (1.5); 78 (1); 84 (1); 94 (1); 95 (1); 104 (1); 105 (1); 106 (1);
(13) Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence Track: 2 (2); 4 (2); 5 (1); 8 (1); 9 (1); 10 (2); 13 (1); 16 (2); 18 (2); 19 (1); 20 (1); 22 (1); 25 (1) 27 (1); 29 (2); 34 (1); 36 (1); 37 (1); 38 (1); 40 (1); 47 (1); 49 (1); 53 (1); 57 (1); 58 (2); 59 (1); 62 (2); 63 (1); 74 (1); 98 (2); 109 (1.5);
(14) Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills: 43 (1); 47 (1); 48 (1); 49 (1); 53 (1); 66 (2); 72 (2); 94 (1); 95 (1); 99 (2);
(15) Motorcycle Gangs (restricted: for Criminal Justice Personnel only) Track: 6 (2); 63 (1); 108 (1);
(16) Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities Track: 1 (2); 4 (2); 9 (1); 14 (2); 16 (2); 18 (2); 25 (1); 28 (1); 30 (2); 34 (1); 39 (1); 40 (1); 45 (1); 51 (1.5); 52 (1); 59 (1); 60 (2); 64 (2); 74 (1); 86 (1); 88 (1); 97 (1.5); 103 (1);
(17) Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators Track: 1 (2); 34 (1); 40 (1); 78 (1)
(18) Gang Counseling Skills Track: 7 (2); 10 (2); 12 (1); 15 (1); 23 (1); 24 (1); 26 (1); 28 (1); 29 (2); 31 (2); 52 (1); 54 (1); 64 (2); 80 (1); 87 (2); 90 (2); 96 (2)
(19) Advanced Gang Identification Track: 4 (2); 6 (2); 16 (2); 60 (2); 63 (1); 72 (2); 73 (1.5); 74 (1); 75 (1); 76 (1); 77 (1); 79 (1); 80 (1); 81 (1); 82 (1.5); 83 (1); 92 (2); 108 (1);
(20) Gang Profile Analysis Track: 1 (2); 2 (2); 8 (1); 9 (1); 13 (1); 14 (2); 18 (2); 19 (1); 20 (1); 22 (1); 25 (1); 30 (2); 38 (1); 47 (4); 48 (1); 53 (1); 57 (1); 59 (1); 63 (1); 65 (2); 66 (2); 72 (2); 73 (1.5); 74 (1); 75 (1); 76 (1); 77 (1); 79 (1); 81 (1); 82 (1.5); 94 (1); 95 (1); 108 (1);
(21) Gang Prosecution Track: 36 (1); 43 (1); 45 (1); 50 (2); 56 (1); 61 (1); 64 (2); 65 (2); 66 (2); 68 (1); 83 (1); 85 (1); 91 (3); 92 (2); 94 (1); 95 (1); 100 (1); 101 (1); 105 (1);
(22) Gang Prevention Skills Track: 1 (2); 4 (2); 9 (1); 10 (2); 11 (1.5); 12 (1); 14 (2); 15 (1); 16 (2); 18 (2); 23 (1); 24 (1); 26 (1); 28 (1); 30 (2); 34 (1); 35 (1); 50 (2); 51 (1.5); 54 (1); 58 (2); 60 (2); 64 (2); 80 (1); 86 (1); 87 (1); 88 (1); 90 (2); 93 (2); 96 (2); 97 (1.5); 103 (1); 106 (1);
(23) International and Transnational Gang Problems Track: 3 (2); 3 (2); 9 (1); 21 (1); 25 (1); 43 (1); 50 (2); 59 (1); 67 (3); 73 (1.5); 99 (2); 102 (1)
(24) Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs Track: 8 (1); 13 (1); 19 (1); 20 (1); 22 (1); 25 (1); 48 (1); 59 (1); 66 (2); 72 (2); 73 (1.5); 74 (1); 94 (1); 95 (1)
(25) Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs Track: 1 (2); 2 (2); 5 (1); 8 (1); 9 (1); 13 (1); 14 (2); 18 (2); 19 (1); 20 (1); 22 (1); 27 (1); 30 (2); 33 (1); 35 (1); 37 (1); 38 (1); 47 (1); 49 (1); 53 (1); 55 (1); 57 (1); 58 (2); 63 (1); 105 (1);
(26) Female Gangs/Female Gang Members Track: 12 (1); 15 (1); 54 (1); 107 (2);
(27) Gang Crime Analysis & Mapping Track: 69 (2); 70 (2)
(28) Gangs and the Mass Media Track: 32 (1); 44 (2); 75 (1); 76 (1); 77 (1); 78 (1); 79 (1) 81 (1); 82 (1.5); 83 (1)
(29) Graffiti Identification and Analysis Track: 1 (2); 14 (2); 30 (2); 63 (1); 72 (2); 75 (1); 76 (1); 77 (1); 79 (1); 80 (1); 82 (1.5)
(30) Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention Track: 1 (2); 18 (2); 30 (2); 96 (2)
Q & A about the “Study Guide”
Q: Do the digital video versions of sessions count towards the accumulation of my hours needed to collect certification?
A: Yes, the session numbers are indicated at the VIDEOPAGE so make sure you count them and rate them on your evaluation form. The link to the VIDEOPAGE is: https://ngcrc.com/videopage.html
Q: Are the courses listed at the VIDEOPAGE on the “schedule of events”?
A: No, you can access the videopage courses or sessions anytime you want prior to the conference. The VIDEOPAGE lists the digital training content. The schedule of events lists only live action face-to-face classroom based courses. All of the digital courses count if they are listed as a session in the 2022 curriculum. If the digital course is listed at the VIDEOPAGE but is not listed in the curriculum as an approved session, then it is a video that cannot be viewed.
Q: Is it a good idea to print off this “study guide” and use it for making my preliminary selections of what courses to attend?
A: Yes.
Q: Could I spend my entire 24 hours of training picking only courses that offer credit for Gang Crime Investigation Skills?
A: Yes, as seen in this Study Guide, at the 2022 Conference the curriculum is so large in terms of session material on the schedule to pick from, that a person could easily spend their entire 24 hours by attending only sessions that offer credit in Gang Crime Investigation Skills. But if you selected the training track for Gang Crime Investigation Skills, your 2nd certificate still only recognizes the minimum requirement that you spent at least four hours in your training track area.
Q: Could I spend my entire 24 hours of training picking only courses in any other tracks that are loaded like that found in Gang Crime Investigation Skills?
A: Yes, some tracks have more than 24 hours to pick from. If you add up the hours of credit, you can see from above, that these tracks offer more than 24 hours to pick from: Gangs and Mental Health; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prevention Skills; and Gang Profile Analysis.
The Preliminary Schedule of Session Day, Time, and Room Locations for the 2022 NGCRC 25th International Gang Specialist Training Conference (August 1-3, 2022):
Version 1.0
Includes all schedule information for all courses. Video Courses not listed here (video courses are completed anytime you finish viewing them on or before Aug. 3, 2022).
Last updated: 7 July 2022
LEGEND of Symbols: “Ts” = Tracks = the session credits = the training tracks that particular session gives credit for attending (the training track number is provided after the “Ts” symbol appears). Room location names are in all caps.
Schedule Entry Example: Mon. 8am-9am: (2) “A Brief Introduction to Some of the Basicsof Graffiti Identification and Analysis: An Instructional Workshop (Part 1 of a 3 Part Series)”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 1; 4; 5; 7; 8; 10; 11; 12; 16; 17; 20; 22; 25; 29; 30. The course being taught on Monday from 8:00am-9:00am (when), it is session #2 (what), session title is “(3) “A Brief Introduction to Some of the Basicsof Graffiti Identification and Analysis: An Instructional Workshop (Part 1 of a 3 Part Series)”, and (who) by Robert Mulvaney, and it is taught in the CHICAGO BALLROOM (where), and it gives session credit for the following different training tracks “Ts: (why)” Track #1 is “Gang Crime Investigation Skills”. There are 30 different tracks.
You need to know your track name and your track number. The full “criss-cross” studyguide is located at https://ngcrc.crisscross.html
Session #’s 1 thru #108 are included in the schedule below.
Sunday, July 31, 2022:
12:00pm Noon Exactly: NGCRC staff and volunteers assemble in the Operations Center (GARFIELD PARK ROOM), on the third floor, to unload the truck and prepare the Goody Bags.
3pm-8pm: Registration - pick up your ID, your registration file folder, and your goody bag at the Operations Center (GARFIELD PARK ROOM), on the third floor.
Sunday afternoon “early bird” Sessions:
3:00pm - 5:00pm:
(18)“Understanding and Preparation for the Interview of a Suspected Gang/Threat Group Member: A Workshop on Asking, Listening and Assessing Information”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 2; 5; 7; 10; 12; 13; 16; 17; 20; 22; 25; 30.
5:00pm - 7:00pm:
(4) “Introduction to Gangs and Deviant Groups”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 7; 13; 16; 19; 22.
Monday, August 1, 2022:
6:00am:
Registration - pick up your ID, your registration file folder, and your goody bag at the Operations Center (GARFIELD PARK ROOM), on the third floor.
7:00am - 7:45am
Opening Ceremony: CHICAGO BALLROOM. Welcoming and Opening Ceremony; Awards Ceremony; General Announcements. You need to use the West Bank of elevators to get to the Chicago Ballroom on the 16th floor.
8:00am - 9:00am:
(38) “The NCIC Violent Person File”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, CTAP/NCIC, Clarksburg, WV. ERIE. Ts: 1; 3; 12; 13; 20; 25.
(75) “The Graffiti Identity 1 - Understanding the Game", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 1; 4; 7; 9; 19; 20; 28; 29.
8:00am - 10:00am:
(1) “A Brief Introduction to Some of the Basicsof Graffiti Identification and Analysis: An Instructional Workshop (Part 1 of a 3 Part Series)”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff.CHICAGO BALLROOM.. Ts: 1; 4; 5; 7; 8; 10; 11; 12; 16; 17; 20; 22; 25; 29; 30.
(4) “Introduction to Gangs and Deviant Groups”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 7; 13; 16; 19; 22.
(69) “Gang Mapping 101: An Introduction ”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Professor, Criminal Justice Studies, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN. ONTARIO. Ts: 1; 12; 27.
(92) “Hybrid Gangs: How to Identify Local Gang Culture”, by Jim Bailey, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI; and Det. Tyler Sutherland, Gang Suppression Unit, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI. GRANT PARK. Ts: 1; 3; 19; 21.
9:00am - 10:00am:
(21) “Gangs, Guns and Drugs in Canada”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. ERIE. Ts: 1; 4; 23.
9:00am - 11:00am:
(58) “The Impact of Historical/Generational Trauma on Gang and Law Enforcement Interactions”, by Philip J. Swift, Ph.D., Municipal Courts, City Marshall Division, Fort Worth, TX. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 2; 7; 10; 11; 12; 13; 22; 25.
10:00am - 11:00am:
(12) “Leaving the Gang: Recognizing the Psychological and Social Risks for Juvenile and Young Adult Former Gang Members”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England. ONTARIO. Ts: 2; 7; 10; 18; 22; 26.
(86) “The Role of Primary Prevention and a Public Health Approach in an Anti-Gang Strategy”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research CAB; Los Angeles, CA. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 2; 5; 10; 16; 17; 22.
10:00am - 12:00pm:
(6) “Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Why Bother?”, by Lt. Vincent Perillo, Will County Sheriffs Office, Joliet, IL. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 15; 19.
(96) “Working With Gang Involved Youth: A Family and Community Perspective”, by Tom Schneider, M.S., Director, Project Lifeline, Chicago, IL; and Kevin Kreuser, Cook County Juvenile Court, Chicago, IL. ERIE. Ts: 2; 5; 10; 11; 16; 18; 22; 30.
(107) “Gang Involvement Within Child Sex Trafficking Cases: The NCMEC Perspective and Analytical Resources for Law Enforcement”, by Sara Palmer, Senior Analyst, Child Sex Trafficking Team, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Alexandria, VA. Restricted Attendance CJS agency staff. GRANT PARK. Ts: 1; 6; 7; 9; 26.
11:00am - 12:00pm:
(34) “Stopping the Preschool to Prison Pipeline: The Importance of Gang Prevention”, by Elvis Slaughter, MSCJ, Retired Sheriff’s Superintendent, former fire and police commissioner, criminologist, and author of ten books, including Preschool to Prison: Is It Determined by the School, Environment, or Parent? ONTARIO. Ts: 10; 11; 13; 16; 17; 22.
(100) “Writing a Warrant for Participation in a Criminal Gang”, by Maggie Koch, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Toledo, OH. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 1; 21.
(89) “Cyberbullying and Gang Provocation”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy©, Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research Center CAB; Los Angeles, CA. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 5; 9; 17.
12:00pm - 1:00pm:
(41) “The Veterans Reception: For Vets Only”, by Dr. Todd Negola, NGCRC Staff; and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN. GRANT PARK. Ts: 1; 7.
1:00pm - 2:00pm:
(33) “Stress and Gang Investigators: Transitioning from Work to Home”, by Christopher M. Felton, MS, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 7; 12; 25.
(48) “A Gentle Introduction to Alt-Right Gangs: Reconceptualizing White Power Groups”, by Matthew Valasik, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. ONTARIO. Ts: 3; 9; 14; 20; 24.
1:00pm - 3:00pm:
(2) “The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Gang File”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, CTAP/NCIC, Clarksburg, WV. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 3; 12; 13; 20; 25.
(62) “Gang Culture and Social Norms”, by Captain Philip J. Swift, Ph.D., Municipal Courts, City Marshall Division, Fort Worth, TX. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 2; 7; 10; 11; 12; 13.
(98) “Money Laundering 101", by Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D., Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO; and Pricila Avila, Graduate Student, Dept. Of Criminal Justice University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO. ERIE. Ts: 1; l4; 6; 9; 13.
2:00pm - 3:00pm:
(40) “Reducing Gang-Related Violence in Correctional Institutions”, by Elvis Slaughter, MSCJ, Retired Sheriff’s Superintendent, former fire and police commissioner, criminologist, and author of ten books, including Safer Jail and Prison Matters: Effective Ways to Manage and Reduce Violence in Correctional Facilities. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 13; 16; 17.
1:00pm - 4:00pm:
(91) “Gang Expert Testimony: Bringing Your Gang Investigation into Court”, by Tyler Sutherland, Gang Suppression Unit, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI; and Jim Bailey, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI. GRANT PARK. Ts: 1; 3; 21.
2:00pm - 4:00pm:
(29) “The Criminal Mind and the Gangster”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. ONTARIO. Ts: 1; 3; 7; 12; 13; 16; 18.
3:00pm - 4:00pm:
(84) “How to Develop a POST Class on Gang Training 2022", by Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D., Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO. ERIE. Ts: 10; 12.
(25) “Comparison of Prison Gangs in the U.S. with Other Prison Gangs Around the Globe”, by Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D., Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, Houston, TX. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 13; 16; 20; 23; 24.
3:00pm - 5:00pm:
(3) “Cultivating Confidential Informants (CI’s) Without the Proffer”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; Raj Jaswal, Constable, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver, CANADA; Christopher M. Felton, MS, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 1; 4; 23.
(60) “Gang Crisis Prevention in Juvenile Facilities”, by William A. Campbell, Kentucky Juvenile Justice Training, Richmond, KY. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 16; 19; 22.
4:00pm - 5:00pm:
(74) “Gang/STG Cryptanalysis: How to Break Gang Codes”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 9; 13; 16; 19; 20; 24.
(79) “Street Gangs Well Defined - For Criminal or Research Intelligence", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY. ONTARIO. Ts: 1; 4; 7; 9; 19; 20; 28; 29.
(17) “Getting Published: How to Publish Your Gang Related Research 2022", by Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D., Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO. ERIE. Ts: 10; 12.
5:00pm - 6:00pm:
(24) “Gang Prevention - Intervention - Counseling Networking Reception”. Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., is the host; assisted by Robert Mulvaney, NGCRC Staff. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 5; 7; 12; 18; 22.
Tuesday, August 2, 2022:
6:00am - 8:00am:
(2) “The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Gang File”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, CTAP/NCIC, Clarksburg, WV. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 3; 12; 13; 20; 25.
7:00am - 8:00am:
(108) “A Brief Look at Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: An Introduction With Some Insight on the Outlaws and Other Major OMG’s in Michigan and the USA”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff. GRANT PARK. Ts: 1; 15.
8:00am - 9:00am:
(35) “Protecting Health Care Facilities From Gang Violence”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 7; 12; 22; 25.
8:00am - 10:00am:
(16) “An Introduction to Understanding Prison Gangs”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 7; 13; 16; 19; 22.
(72) “Introduction to Separatist, Racist and Extremist Groups (SREG’s)”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research. ONTARIO. Ts: 1; 14; 19; 20; 29.
(87) “Causes, Effects, and Treatments: Impact of Gang Culture and Violence on Elementary, Middle, and High School Aged Children”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research Center CAB; Los Angeles, CA. ERIE. Ts: 5; 10; 17; 18; 22.
(10) “Operant Conditioning: A Path to Gang Violence”, by Philip J. Swift, Ph.D., Municipal Courts, City Marshall Division, Fort Worth, TX. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 2; 7; 10; 11; 12; 13; 18; 22.
9:00am - 10:00am:
(78) “Gang Ethics 101 - Don’t Shoot the Messenger", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 10; 12; 17; 28.
10:00am - 11:00am:
(57) “National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Off Line Search”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, TSEU/NCIC, Clarksburg, WV. GRANT PARK. Ts: 1; 3; 12; 13; 20; 25.
(56) “History of Gang Research: Ivory Tower Meets Street Corner Cop”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. ONTARIO. Ts: 1; 12; 21.
(15) “Exploring the Relationship Between Psychopathy and Gang Membership: Implications for Offender Management and Interventions”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 2; 7; 10; 18; 22; 26.
(68) “Time to Face the Music: The Use of Rap Lyrics and Videos in the Prosecution of Gang Crimes”, by Grant J. Shostak, EdD, JD, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO; and Myah I. Grimm, student, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO. ERIE. Ts: 1; 4; 9; 21.
10:00am - 12:00pm:
(14) “A Brief Introduction toSome of the Basics of Midwest Graffiti Identification and Analysis: An Instructional Workshop (Part 2 of a 3 Part Series)”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 4; 5; 7; 8; 10; 11; 12; 16; 17; 20; 22; 25; 29.
(65) “Historical RICO Investigations — The Lake Boyz: A Unique Solution to a Historical Problem”, by James D. Miller, Assistant State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Fort Myers, FL; and Leena Marcos, Assistant State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Fort Myers, FL. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 1; 4; 20; 21.
11:00am - 12:00pm:
(32) “Modern Policing - Under Fire: The Fall of Rome: The end of law enforcement as we know it?”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. ONTARIO. Ts: 7; 12; 28.
(43) “Prosecuting MS-13 Leaders for Transnational Terrorism Offenses? The Ranfla Nacional and ‘Blue’ Federal Prosecutions as a Paradigm Shift in the Federal Government”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 6; 14; 2; 23.
(104) “Supervising Gang Members in the Community”, by Frederick Gray, Instructor, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and U.S. Courts, Summerville, SC. ERIE. Ts: 2; 10; 12.
12:00pm - 1:00pm:
(26) “The Christian Gang Specialist Reception”, by Robert Mulvaney, NGCRC Staff. GRANT PARK. Ts: 10; 11; 18; 22; 30.
1:00pm - 2:00pm:
(9) “The MS-13: A Workshop to Discuss the Impact and Response to the Violence by Foreign National Gangs in U.S. Communities", by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 2; 6; 13; 15; 20; 22; 23; 25.
(61) “Federal Gang Prosecution in a Post-First Step Act World: Discussing the Impact of Federal Criminal Justice Reform as it Relates to Gang Members”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 6; 21.
(104) “Supervising Gang Members in the Community”, by Frederick Gray, Instructor, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and U.S. Courts, Summerville, SC. GRANT PARK. Ts: 2; 10; 12.
1:00pm - 2:30pm:
(109) “From Zip Guns to Ghost Guns”, by Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D., Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO; and Pricila Avila, Graduate Student, Dept. Of Criminal Justice University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO. Ts: 1; 3; 4; 6; 9; 13.
1:00pm - 3:00pm:
(42) “Veterans Issues for Law Enforcement”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 7; 12.
(70) “Gang Mapping 201: Theory and Praxis ”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Associate Professor, Criminal Justice Studies, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN. ONTARIO. Ts: 1; 12; 27.
2:00pm - 3:00pm:
(76) “The Graffiti Identity 2 - Prolific Writers & Crews", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 4; 19; 7; 9; 20; 28. 29;
(101) “Prosecution of a Participation in a Criminal Gang Case From Inception to Conviction”, by Maggie Koch, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Toledo, OH. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 1; 21.
2:00pm - 5:00pm:
(67) “Transnational Street Gangs and Ties to Narco and Human Trafficking (MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs)”, by Leandro Quintero, San Antonio, TX. GRANT PARK. Ts: 1; 4; 6; 23.
3:00pm - 4:00pm:
(59) “Prison Gangs: A Global Overview”, by Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D., Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, Houston, TX. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 13; 16; 20; 23; 24.
3:00pm - 4:30pm:
(97) “Project Lifeline: A Panel Discussion With Former Gang Members”, by Tom Schneider, Director, Project Lifeline, Chicago, IL. ONTARIO. Ts: 2; 5; 16; 18; 22.
3:00pm - 5:00pm:
(44) “Training for Trainers: The Development of Your Own Gang Presentation”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 10; 12; 28.
(90) “Victimology: Coping with Gang Homicide”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research CAB; Los Angeles, CA. ERIE. Ts: 5; 7; 10; 17; 18; 22.
(64) “How to Start a Gang Court in Your County”, by Cobb County Georgia’s Presiding Juvenile Court Judge, Wayne Grannis, Marietta, GA. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 5; 11; 16; 18; 21; 22.
4:00pm - 5:00pm:
(28) “Gang Threat Awareness: An Attempt to Assist with the Overall Violence Proofing of a Learning Environment”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 5; 11; 16; 17; 18; 22.
5:00pm - 6:00pm:
(45) “The Law Enforcement, Prosecution, and Corrections Networking Reception”, by, Kenneth Davis, Gregg W. Etter Sr., and Robert Mulvaney, NGCRC Staff. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 2; 13, 16; 21..
Wednesday, August 3, 2022:
7:00am - 8:00am:
(38) “The NCIC Violent Person File”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, CTAP/NCIC, Clarksburg, WV. MILLENIUM. Ts: 1; 3; 12; 13; 20; 25.
8:00am - 9:00am:
(49) “Critical Incident Management and the First Responder”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 1; 5; 7; 12; 13; 14; 25.
(81) “Online Resources - Communication & Search Tools”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY. ONTARIO. Ts: 1; 4; 9; 19; 20; 28.
(88) “The Cost of Dropping Out and Gang Joining in Los Angeles”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research CAB; Los Angeles, CA. ERIE. Ts: 2; 5; 10; 16; 17; 22.
(46) “The Need for Insider Research: The Opportunities and Challenges of Doing Research Within Your Own Agency”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 1; 12.
8:00am - 9:30am:
(11) “Bigger than Black and Blue: Candid Conversations About Race, Equity, and Community Collaboration”, by Robert T. David Sr., Youth Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator, Danville, VA and Scott C. Booth, Chief of Police, Danville Police Department, Danville, VA. ERIE. Ts: 10; 11; 22.
8:00am - 10:00am:
(18)“Understanding and Preparation for the Interview of a Suspected Gang/Threat Group Member: A Workshop on Asking, Listening and Assessing Information”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 2; 5; 7; 10; 12; 13; 16; 17; 20; 22; 25; 30.
9:00am - 10:00am:
(103) “Nonclinical Trauma-Informed Care in Gang Prevention”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research CAB; Los Angeles, CA. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 2; 5; 7; 10; 16; 17; 22.
(23) “Understanding the Narrative Offending Roles and Emotions of Juvenile Gang Members: Implications for Gang Programs”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England. ONTARIO. Ts:2; 7; 10; 18; 22.
(102) “South Asian Gangs: Evolution of South Asian Gangsters and Their Impact Globally”, by Sgt. Raj Jaswal, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver, Canada. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 1; 4; 6; 23.
9:30am - 11:00am:
(73) “The Global Growth of Nationalism”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research. ERIE. Ts: 1; 19; 20; 23; 24.
10:00am - 12:00pm:
(30) “A Brief Introduction to Some of the Basics of West Coast Graffiti Identification and Analysis: An Instructional Workshop (Part 3 of a 3 Part Series)”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 4; 5; 7; 8; 10; 11; 12; 16; 17; 20; 22; 25; 29; 30.
(31) “Burnout in Blue: Exploring Burnout in Law Enforcement and Related Careers”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. ONTARIO. Ts: 7; 12; 18.
(50) “Better Intel and Prevention: Monitoring Gang Problems in Bars and Nightclubs”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 1; 21; 22; 23.
(99) “The Targeted Killing of Police Officers by Gangs in El Salvador: A Current Trend in Criminal Tactics”, by Aaron Cunningham, Police Officer/OSIG, CPIC Fusion Center, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL; Luis Alonso Montalvo Flores, Policia Nacional Civil, El Salvador; and Lt. Lawrence Lujan, El Paso Police Department, El Paso, TX. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 1; 3; 4; 14; 23.
11:00am - 12:00pm:
(94) “What Police Gang Specialists Need to Know to Target Harden From Aggressive Defense Cross-Examinations”, by Michael P. Coghlan, Gang Specialist, DeKalb, IL. ERIE. Ts: 1; 4; 7; 12; 14; 20; 21; 24.
12:00pm - 1:00pm: On your own for lunch — remember to check over your evaluation form to make sure you have marked off all your session attendance hours.
1:00pm - 2:00pm:
(77) “A Basic Street Gangs Investigation", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 4; 7; 9; 19; 20; 28; 29.
(83) “Glenmob, Salty Gangsters and Northern Exposure”: A Discussion of State/Federal Cooperation in the Context of Investigating and Prosecuting a Hybrid Gang”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 1; 4; 6; 9; 19; 21; 28.
(106) “Effective Gang and Gang Violence Prevention Strategies: A Template for Success”, by Shanduke McPhatter, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes, Inc, Brooklyn, NY. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 10; 11; 12; 22.
1:00pm - 3:00pm:
(7) “Tactical Interviewing: Interviewing the Criminal Mind”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC. ONTARIO. Ts: 1; 7; 8; 18.
(66) “Sovereign Citizen Investigation and Prosecution”, by James D. Miller, Assistant State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Fort Myers, FL. ERIE. Ts: 1; 14; 20; 21; 24.
2:00pm - 3:00pm:
(85) “Using RICO to Attack Hybrid Gangs”, by Michael Tabarrok, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney, Albany, GA. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 4; 21.
(105) “Coordinating Your Response: A Discussion of State/Federal Cooperation in the Context of Officer-Involved Critical Incidents Involving Violent Gang Members”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 12; 21; 25.
2:00pm - 3:30pm:
(82) “The Graffiti Identity 3: Meeting of the Minds”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 1; 4; 7; 9; 19; 20; 28; 29.
3:00pm - 4:00pm:
(63) “How to Develop, Select and Train a Diverse STG Intelligence Team in a Jail/Prison Environment”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang/Specialist, NGCRC Staff. MILLENIUM PARK. Ts: 1; 2; 6; 8; 9; 12; 13; 15; 16; 19; 20; 21; 25; 29.
(57) “National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Off Line Search”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, TSEU/NCIC, Clarksburg, WV. ERIE. Ts: 1; 3; 12; 13; 20; 25.
(55) “Exploring the Role of Military Veterans in the Policing of Gangs: Preliminary Research Results”, by Sally-Ann Ashton, Senior Lecturer, Edge Hill University, England, and Wilmer Moran, Corporal, Military Liaison, Office of Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Constables Office Precinct 1, Houston, TX. ONTARIO. Ts: 2; 10; 11; 25.
3:00pm - 5:00pm:
(93) “Project Imagine: Community Violence Intervention and the Impact of Outreach Workers as Credible Messengers”, by Robert T. David Sr., Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator, Danville, VA; with panelists Curtis Avery, Shakeva Frazier, and Reginald Jeffries, Outreach Workers, City of Danville, VA. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 2; 10; 11; 22.
3:30pm - 5:00pm:
(71) “Share What You’ve Learned with Other Professionals”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research. LINCOLN PARK. Ts: 10; 12.
4:00pm - 5:00pm:
(36) “Correctional Intelligence and Street Crime Investigations”, by Captain Philip J. Swift, Ph.D., Municipal Courts, City Marshall Division, Fort Worth, TX. ERIE. Ts: 1; 4; 13; 21.
(80) “Off the Wall — A Graffiti Art Program”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY. CHICAGO BALLROOM. Ts: 7; 11; 18; 19; 22; 29.
(95) “Street Gangs to Terrorism Affiliation”, by Michael P. Coghlan, Gang Specialist, DeKalb, IL. ONTARIO. Ts: 1; 4; 7; 12; 14; 21; 23; 24.
5:00pm: ALL TRAINING IS OVER WITH. TRAINING ROOMS NOW BEING EVACUATED.
5:00pm-6:00pm:
PROCEED DIRECTLY TO THE NGCRC OPERATIONS CENTER TO SUBMIT YOUR EVALUATION FORM TO THE NGCRC STAFF.
PICK UP YOUR CERTIFICATES IN THE OPERATIONS CENTER NOTE: HAVE YOUR EVALUATION FORM READY TO BE EXAMINED (hours counted) BY OPERATIONS CENTER SUPERVISORS (Maria & Irene) TO SEE IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE MINIMUM HOURS REQUIRED (24 overall, at least 4 of which are in your Training Track).
After 6:00pm: NGCRC staff have gone. Your Evaluation Form is still important. If you forgot, can you please mail your Evaluation Form to the NGCRC?
WE WISH YOU SAFE TRAVEL ON YOUR RETURN HOME. WE HOPE WE SEE YOU NEXT YEAR.
# # #
What's New: Statistical Evaluation Results from the 2021 Conference Shows a High Level of Effectiveness
Every year the NGCRC carries out a statistical analysis of the training conference participant evaluation forms. The results are now in from the analysis of data from those who attended the 2021 NGCRC training conference. The results show high levels of training effectiveness. For example, 94.4% wanted to network at the conference, and 94.4% achieved networking results at the conference.
Basically those who attended reported that the NGCRC offers more training choice than anyone else. Some 82.1% report that the 2021 NGCRC conference was the "best gang training ever". Not surprisingly, some 92.7% want to come back in 2022. Over half (57.9%) won something in one of the raffles. The evaluation results show very high levels of satisfaction (A-level) with the NGCRC staff.
See complete report below. And there is more: we have also just added the qualitative evaluation results --- the transcription of comments from the evaluation forms for those who attended the 2021 conference. See the info below.
What's New: Quotes from those Who Attended the 2021 NGCRC Training Conference
The qualitative evaluation results are now in from the 2021 NGCRC Training Conference held on Aug. 2-4, 2021 in Chicago, IL. These are the comments quoted directly from those who attended the 2021 NGCRC Training Conference. See more details below.
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The 2022 NGCRC 25th International Gang Specialist
Training Conference (August 1-3, 2022):
A Look at the Presenters
Last Updated July 1, 2022
Curtis Artis
Curtis Artis is a Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Outreach Worker for the City of Danville. He has an Associate of Arts Science Degree from Danville Community Colleg (Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society), Bachelor of Science (Sociology) Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Socciety, DBHDS Peer Recovery Specialist Training, NGCRC Certified Gang Outreach and Intervention Specialist, Virginia Gang Specialist Certification.
Sally-Ann Ashton, Ph.D.
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
Pricila Avila
Ms. Pricila Avila, B.S., is a graduate student in the Criminal Justice & Criminology program at the University of Central Missouri. She earned her Bachelor of Science - BS in Criminal Justice and Spanish from the University of Central Missouri. She is currently working towards a M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. She is a member of the UCM’s Lambda Alpha Epsilon competitive criminal justice team.
Corporal Jim Bailey
Corporal Jim Bailey has been with the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years, and has been assigned to the Battle Creek Police Department Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. Corporal Bailey has been directly involved in many of the same gang investigations as Detective Sutherland, and has assisted as one of the lead investigators with Detective Sutherland, on many of the same violence crime investigations. Corporal Bailey has also been involved in cell phone investigations, writing and executing search warrants, surveillance techniques, undercover drug buys, and managing confidential informants. Corporal Bailey has been recognized in Michigan State District Court and Circuit Court as an expert in drug trafficking and drug investigations, identifying armed subjects, and cell phone site analyses. Corporal Bailey is currently a K-9 handler for the Battle Creek Police Department and is a member of the department’s Emergency Response Team. He is a Defensive Tactics Instructor and a Patrol Training Officer for the Battle Creek Police Department. He has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
Chief Scott C. Booth
Chief Scott C. Booth has been in law enforcement for over twenty-eight years and is currently the Chief of Police in Danville, Virginia. Chief Booth first joined the Richmond Police Department, where he served for 19 years, rising to the rank of major. In August of 2015, he joined the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority in Washington, DC, where he served as the Chief of Police. In February 2018, he became the chief in Danville, Virginia, where he has focused on community engagement and reducing violent crime, specifically gang crime in the community. Since his tenure started, Danville has reduced overall violent crime by 64 percent. Chief Booth has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond in Human Resource Management and Leadership Studies and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a graduate of the 268th session of the FBI National Academy and the 48th session of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police.
William A. Campbell
William A. Campbell is employed with the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice as the Division Director of Professional Development-Training Branch. With 28 years of working with at-risk teens in numerous child care settings ranging from acute care care psychiatric, pediatric child care, private child care & juvenile justice. Originally, a Chicago native, William attended Western Illinois University (WIU) where he received his Bachelors in Communications. After leaving W.I.U. in 1985, he enlisted in U.S. Army and served 8 years and trained soldiers as a Field Artillery Specialist Weapons crew chief. After serving a tour of duty in “Desert Storm” he was stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division until he was honorably discharged in 1993. William joined the KY Department of Juvenile Justice’s Training Branch in 2007. He has assisted and trained new direct care employees during academy training. In early 2009, certified as an expert gang specialist. In 2010, he received the DJJ Professional Development Employee of the Year award. In 2011, became a trainer/presenter for the National Gang Crime Research Center and received his professional level certification as a gang specialist.
Michael P. Coghlan, Esq.
Michael Coghlan was a certified gang specialist accredited through the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Springfield Police Department. He served as a trainer for gang crime specialist certification. He is a recipient of the Thrasher Award and has provided training throughout the United States for the National Law Enforcement Institute. He coordinated the investigation and prosecution of 24 gang members in a series of conspiracies, solicitation, and offenses including drive-by shootings and gang-related murder. He also served 8 years as an elected prosecutor.
Aaron Cunningham
Aaron Cunningham is a decorated 24 year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, currently assigned to the CPIC Fusion Center. Aaron is a highly decorated officer with extensive gang experience and past assignments to PSN Task Force, Area Gun Team, Intelligence Officer, and Tactical Team member. Aaron has past dedication to National level Counterterrorism and C4ISR training events in South Korea. He has collborated since 2015 with El Salvador’s Policia National Civil (PNC) and International Tactical Training Association (ITTA) officer survival training project ‘Uso Tactica de la Fuerza y Sobrevivencia Policial’.
Robert T. David, Sr.
Robert T. David Sr., Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator. 2020 recipient of th Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Excellence in Gang Intervention. M.A. in addiction and professional counseling. Creator of Project Imagine the Virginia Municipal League President award winner of most innovative program. Robert has over 25 years of strategic planning & community development experience, a motivated professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, designing collaborative strategies, and coaching individuals to success.
Kenneth Davis
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr. Ed.D.
Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D. is a Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office after serving from 1977 to 2006. He is rated as a gang expert by the National Gang Crime Research Center. He has written extensively and presented classes on gangs, white supremacist groups and police management topics in the United States and Canada. Dr. Etter earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wichita State University and his Doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Etter is the author of numerous books, book chapters, edited and refereed articles. His latest book is: Gangs and Organized Crime which he authored with Dr. George W. Knox and Dr. Carter F. Smith.
Det. Sgt. Christopher M. Felton, MS
Christopher M. Felton, MS is a detective sergeant from the Fort Wayne (IN) Police Department’s Gang and Violent Crimes Unit. Additionally, Det. Sgt. Felton is the team coordinator for the department’s Peer Support/Critical Incident Stress Management Team, represents the department on the Indiana Statewide CISM Team Network, and is a member of the Northeast Indiana Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Det. Sgt. Felton holds two master’s degrees (A Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration on Forensic Psychology and a Master of Philosophy) and is a Ph.D. candidate currently writing his dissertation for his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice - Law and Public Policy. Det. Sgt. Felton is also an adjunct professor at two local universities where he teaches courses revolving around forensic psychology, and teaches police mental health to police officers.
Frederick Gray
Frederick Gray is a nationally recognize instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He has over 20 years of law enforcement experience and has been a previous presenter at NGCRC training conferences.
Luis Flores-Montalvo
Luis Flores-Montalvo is a decorated 28 year veteran of El Salvador’s Policia National Civil including ten years with the Grupo Maritimo Policial (GMP) where he conducted interagency work with DEA. Luis is an accomplished in-service training instructor with long term roles in specialized training. He is currently involved in an Officer Survival training project with El Salvador’s Policia Nacional Civil (PNC). He is also a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award from the NGCRC.
Shakeva Frazier
Shakeva Frazier is a Youth and Gang Prevention Outreach Worker for the City of Danville. She holds as Bachelor of Science Degree from Averett University, Certified Suicide Intervention coach. Awarded the Community Partnership Award in 2022 from the Danville Police Department, Member of the Review Board for use of force. University of Virginia certificate in Frank Batton School of Leadership and Public Policy, in Reimagining Policing: Procedural Policing to Procedural Justice. NGCRC certified Gang Outreach and Intervention Specialist. She has ben featured in the Virginia Town and City magazine for her role in Project Imagine.
D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D.
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
The Honorable Judge Wayne Grannis
Judge Wayne Grannis is currently the Presiding Juvenile Judge at Cobb County Juvenile Court, which is a suburban county jurisdiction located northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to being appointed to the Judiciary, he served as the lead Assistant District Attorney over the Juvenile Division of Cobb County’s Office of the District Attorney. Prior to that, he served as the lead Assistant District Attorney over the Juvenile Division of Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, (City of Atlanta, GA), where he led the office in successfully prosecuting numerous high-profile gang related cases. In 2019, Judge Grannis implemented a multi-disciplinary gang prevention specialty court, called RISING. This program has shown great early success in deterring low level and potential juvenile gang members from engaging in gang activity and desisting from further gang participation.
Myah I. Grimm
Myah I. Grimm is an undergradute student pursuing a dual major in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Political Science at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2022. Upon graduation, she intends to further her studies and attend law school. Myah serves as th Vice President of Lindenwood University’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Myah’s research interest include social injustice, women’s rights, and the overrepresentation of certain groups in the justice system.
Dr. Laura Hammond
And Dr. Laura Hammond, Senior Lecturer and Assistant Course Director for the M.S.c. at Huddersfield and who has worked with academic groups, and law enforcement agencies around the world on a range of consultancy and criminal legal cases.
Dr. Maria Ioannou
The presentation is co-authored with Dr. Maria Ioannou, a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and Reader in Investigative Psychology and Course Director for the Msc in Investigative Psychology at the University of Huddersfield. Maria has been involved in the assessment of intervention programmes for reducing/preventing a range of different forms of criminality.
Constable Raj Jaswal
Sergeant Raj Jaswal has worked within the criminal justice system for the last 13.5 years in a frontline and investigative capacity as a member of the Vancouver Police. Raj has extensive experience in gang enforcement, intervention and suppression. Raj has focused considerable time on intelligence gathering within the South Asian community across the Lower Mainland; in 2014, he was recognized for his work with a VPD Deputy Chief Constable commendation for developing strategies to curb gang violence in South Vancouver. In 2021, he was recognized for his superior accomplishments in gang investigations by the National Gang Crime Research Center in Chicago, Illinois with the Frederick Milton Thrasher Award.
Sergeant Jaswal is part of a select group of Police Officers across Canada who is a certified instructor in criminal justice interdiction training that targets the “travelling criminal”. Raj has been a leader in the creation of a multi-agency working group between the RCMP, CBSA and VPD that educates and trains Canadian law enforcement officers in criminal vehicle interdiction. Raj is also a recognized instructor for the U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance Program that trains and educates law enforcement officers across the United States.
Sergeant Jaswal has a genuine passion for combining practical experiences with educational training. Raj serves as a guest lecturer for post-secondary criminology departments. Raj’s dedication to his community has resulted in him being the recipient of community service awards from within the City of Vancouver for his commitment to the communities he has worked in.
Reginald Jeffries
Reginald Jeffries is a Youth and Gang Prevention Outreach Worker for the City of Danville where he facilitates the Sports-Based Youth Diversion and developmental program. He is the CEO and Head Coach of the Virginia Dream, a Professional Men’s Basketball Team based out of Martinsville, Virginia. He was a fall 2018 charter member of the Phi Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated at Radford University.
George W. Knox, Ph.D.
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
Maggie E. Koch, J.D.
Maggie E. Koch JD is an assistant prosecutor with the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, in Toledo, OH. She is responsible for the prosecution of all levels of felony offenses in the adult criminal division, both as first and second chair.
Kevin Kreuser
Kevin Kreuser, B.S., Psychology, Loyola University of Chicago; 19 years as a Probation Officer — Cook County, ILL. Juvenile Court.
Lawrence Lujan
Lawrence Lujan has led a distinguished (32) year career with the El Paso Police Department (EPD) since 1990. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 274), and a past Chief Judge, Pueblo at National American Indian Court Judges Association. Lawrence served as Gang Unit Lieutenant, Gang Unit field officer, and tactical team experience with EPD SWAT, Mountain Rescue, and Anti-Burglary. Lawrence has worked alongside the Policia National Civil with ITTA’s ongoing Officer Survival Project ‘Uso Tactica de la Fuerza y Sobrevivencia Policial’.
Leena Marcos
Leena Marcos is a an Assistant State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida based out of Fort Myers. The 20th Judicial Circuit is comprised of five counties in Southwest Florida with over 1.2 million in population. Ms. Marcos is a senior firearms attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit, who specializes in the prosecution of violent crimes. Ms. Marcos has tried well over 50 jury trials.
Keiron McConnell
Keiron holds a Doctorate Degree in Policing, Security and Community Safety from Metropolitan London University, a Masters of Science Degree in Policing and Public Order Studies from the University of Leicester, a Bachelor of General Studies Degree from the Open University of British Columbia, a Diploma in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University and a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Royal Roads University. This academic achievement come with 29 years of operational experience with the last 15 years exclusively in gang suppression with a variety of police gang units. Keiron has provided consulting services that included the Royal Saudi Arabian Police and the Peoples Republic of China Police. He has instructed at the JIBC-Police Academy for three years in Professional Patrol Tactics and continues as a guest lecturer. In addition, he is a faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where he teaches Organized Crime. He is a regular guest instructor for the policing program at Simon Fraser University and is the author of the textbook “Legal and Regulatory Influences for Public Safety Communications”.
Shanduke McPhatter
Shanduke McPhatter is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes Inc (G.-M.A.C.C. Inc). This change agent has gained world wide recognition for his work as a gun violence intervention advocate, gang awareness specialist, and community leader/organizer. Recognized as a contributor to safer communities in New York City by People Magazine, McPhatter’s organization has been credited with creating significant declines in shootings in Brooklyn North and South. He is a well-respected community leader and holds many titles including author, motivational speaker, board game creator, mentor, and trainer. Mr. McPhatter continues to inspire, uplift and empower others to overcome adversity and become their greater self!
James D. Miller
James D. Miller is an Assistant State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida based out of Fort Myers. The 20th Judicial Circuit is comprised of five counties in Southwest Florida with over 1.2 million in population. I am the Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit and have prosecuted RICO and Complex cases to include the Death Penalty as well.
CPL Wilmer Moran
CPL Wilmer Moran is the Military Liaison for the Office of Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Constables Office Precinct 1. CPL Moran is a prior service U.S. Army veteran with multiple tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom with both the regular and National Guard components of the Army. After achieving Non-Commissioned Officer status, CPL Moran attended Army Basic Instructor and Small Group Instructor training. As a police officer, CPL Moran is a TCOLE Mental Health Officer who has been assigned to the Mental Health Special Operations and Patrol Crisis Intervention Team. CPL Moral is a Field Training Officer and an instructor with his agency for the Mental Health Officer, 40 Hour Crisis Intervention, Cultural Diversity, De-Escalation, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Trauma Affected Veterans courses.
Robert Mulvaney, M.A.
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, parole officer and STG specialist. In addition he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted Gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
Todd D. Negola, Psy.D.
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
Steve Nelson, J.D., Ph.D.
Steve Nelson is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as the Anti-Gang Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. He earned his J.D. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utah and serves as an Associate Instructor of Political Science at the University of Utah, and has taught over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students in his teaching career.
Sara Palmer, M.A.
Sara Palmer is a Senior Analyst with the Child Sex Trafficking Team (CSTT) and has worked for NCMEC’s Analytical Services Division since 2011. With a passion for gang-related cases, Sara has attempted to bring additional analysis and resources to all divisions at NCMEC with an emphasis on gang-affiliation as an endangerment for missing and exploited children. She has presented on various gang-related topics to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as various task force meetings. Sara holds a Master’s Degree (M.A.) In Forensic Psychology from Marymount University, and a Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) In Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland.
Lt. Vincent Perillo
Lt. Vincent Perillo has worked for the Will County Sheriff’s Office since 2004. Started gang documentation in 2006, and became the Will County Adult Detention Facility’s first intelligence Unit Supervisor in 2011. Member of the Midwest Cycle Intelligence Organization (MCIO) since 2012. Member of the International Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association (IOMGIA) in 2017. Conducted street gang training since 2012 and motorcycle club training since 2017. Presented at Midwest Gang Investigator’s Association (MGIA), Police Training Institute (PTI), National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC), several schools in Will County, St. Joseph’s Hospital staff in Joliet, and all new Will County Patrol Deputies since 2015.
Stacia Pottorff
Stacia Pottorff, B.S. earned her Bachelors of Science degree with honors in Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. She is currently a graduate student working on her Master’s Degree is Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. She is employed as a criminal intelligence analyst supervisor at the Missouri State Highway Patrol. She was a recipient of several UCM Undergraduate Research Grants.
Leandro Quintero
Mr. Leo Quintero has worked in the area of security within the US Government as military and civilian for over 30 years in over 30 countries. Served as a military and civilian diplomat at US Embassies in countries like Peru, Columbia, El Salvador, Mexico and many others on creating strategic anti-crime programs for security issues ranging from street gangs like MS-13, 18th Street, paramilitary groups like the FARC, ELN, AUC, and the Mexican and Columbian Drug Cartels. Mr. Quintero continues to serve as Intelligence Security Specialist and Antiterrorism Officer for DoD where he works hand and hand with US interagency (DHS, DEA, FBI, CBP, ICE, Fusion Centers, States’ Anti-Gang Centers, etc) and some foreign countries on countering criminal threats to the homeland. Mr. Quintero earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Bachelor’s Degree from Excelsior College in Business Management and Administration.
Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D.
Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D. is Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Sam Houston State University. His areas of interest include global organized crime and gangs, history of crime and punishment, mass murder and serial homicide. His many books include, Power on the Inside: A Global History of Prison Gangs (2020), Fire in the Big House: The Worst Prison Disaster in American History (2019), The Illicit Economy in Turkey (with Mahmut Cengiz)(2019), An Eye for An Eye: A Global History of Crime and Punishment (2015) and Convict Cowboys: The Untold History of the Texas Prison Rodeo (2016). His books have been translated into Chinese, Persian, Croatian and Turkish. He has been an instructor at the Zhejiang Police College from 2009 to 2019 and at the International Law Enforcement Academy (Roswell) from 2001-2009. In 2020, Dr. Roth was awarded the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Excellence in Gang Research.
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; works with various agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding, including Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles and the UCLA/Rand Prevention Research Center. He is currently the Director of the Gangfree Life Academy®.
Grant J. Shostak, EdD, JD
Grant Shostak, EdD, JD is an associate professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. Grant’s extensive experience defending persons accused of criminal offenses and as a law clerk to the late Judge Paul J. Simon at the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, provides a unique viewpoint on criminal justice issues. His research interests are varied and reflect his interdisciplinary educational background.
Elvis Slaughter, M.S.
Criminologist Elvis Slaughter served as a fire and police commissioner, and is a retired Cook County Sheriff’s Superintendent with more than thirty years’ experience in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement. Slaughter holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Corrections. He has authored several articles and ten books, which include Safer Jail and Prison Matters, Mentally Ill Inmates and Corrections, and Preschool to Prison. Elvis is a speaker, security consultant, and correctional auditor. He is also a member of the American Jail Association, American Correctional Association, Hammond Police Citizen Advisory Commission, National Sheriff’s Association, Illinois Sheriff’s Association, and former president of he Illinois Academy of Criminology. Elvis taught criminal justice at the college level.
Grant Smith
Mr. Grant Smith is a member of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) external training staff. Mr. Smith is a retired police officer with twenty-two years of law enforcement experience. For twelve of the twenty-two years, he was assigned to a multi-jurisdiction and multi-agency narcotics and violence crime task force as a task force agent and supervisor. Other law enforcement experience includes time in the Patrol Division, Investigations Division, and as a Special Response Team as a team leader. He also served as an investigator on the county’s Child Sexual Abuse Task Force. Additionally, he was a member of the department’s Counter Drug Reaction Team, and the department’s Police Honor Guard. Immediately upon retirement from the police department, Mr. Smith served as a member of a forensic team with the Combined Explosive Exploitation Cell (CEXC) in Baghdad, Iraq. As an FBI training instructor, Mr. Smith conducts training for municipal, county, state and federal agencies. He is also part of the FBI’s New Agent Training Team in Quantico, VA and participates in CJIS internal training. In 2015, Mr. Smith was the recipient of the Frederic Thrasher Award for Superior Service in Law Enforcement Training. Mr. Smith is a United States Navy Veteran.
Tom Schneider, M.S.
Tom Schneider retired from the Cook County Illinois Juvenile Probation Department in January of 2013 after forty years on the street as a juvenile probation officer. He holds a BA degree from the University of Illinois Chicago in the Administration of Criminal Justice and a M.S. degree from Chicago State University in Correction and Criminal Justice. He is currently conducting Anger Management/Violence Prevention groups for juvenile probationers and is the Director of Project Lifeline, the Cook County Juvenile Court scholarship program.
Detective Tyler Sutherland
Detective Tyler Sutherland has been a police officer for the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years. He is currently assigned to the Battle Creek Police Detective Bureau, and was previously assigned to the Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. As a member of the Gang Unit, Detective Sutherland was directly involved as the lead investigator in a number of gang, and violent crime, cases that resulted in courtroom trials and jury convictions. While participating in all aspects of gang investigations and court room prosecution, Detective Sutherland has been qualified as, and testified as, a gang expert in the U.S. District court and Michigan State Circuit and District Court, more than 15 times in the last five years. One of these gang cases, was the first criminal gang enhancement jury conviction in the State of Michigan since the state statute was created. He is also recognized in circuit and district court as an expert in Drug Trafficking and Drug Investigations. A Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Patrol Training Officer, he has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
Captain Philip J. Swift, Ph.D.
Mr. Swift, Ph.D. is a husband, father, and a 22-year law enforcement veteran. Since April of 2018, Mr. Swift has served as the Fort Worth City Marshal. Prior to becoming the City Marshal, Mr. Swift rose to the rank of Captain in the Denver Sheriff Department. During his law enforcement career he served as a City Marshal, Director of Security, Watch Commander, FTO Commander, Gang/Intelligence Unit Commander, K-9 Unit Commander, Internal Affairs Bureau Investigator, Conduct Review Office Sergeant, Emergency Response Unit member and Sergeant, Court Services Sergeant, and as Adjunct Training Academy Instructor. Mr. Swift holds a MS and Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology from Walden University and has also received dual MBA’s and a BS in Criminal Justice from American International University. Mr. Swift is a published author (Gangs, Outlaw Bikers, Organized Crime & Extremists; Looseleaf Law Publishing), a contributor to Inside Police Psychology: policepsychologyblog.com, and is frequently asked to speak locally and nationally on topics related to gang, criminal, inmate, and law enforcement culture, forensic psychology, and jail gang investigations.
Michael Tabarrok, J.D.
Michael Tabarrok is the Deputy Chief Asst. D.A. in Dougherty County, Georgia. Having been a prosecutor for 23 years around the State of Georgia and Guam, (with a brief stint as a criminal defense attorney in the middle of his career for 3 years), he specializes in the prosecution of gangs, murders, and drugs, as well as asset forfeitures and special prosecutions. Using RICO, gang statutes, forfeitures, and Federal referrals, he brings novel approaches to attacking gang problems.
Matthew Valasik, Ph.D.
Matthew Valasik, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. His research interests include the socio-spatial dynamics of gang behavior (i.e., territoriality, group cohesion, and violence), including comparing the attributes of conventional street gangs with other deviant groups (i.e., ISIS, Skinheads, Alt-Right, White Power Groups), and problem-oriented policing strategies (e.g., gang units, civil gang injunctions) used by law enforcement. His work has been published in Journal of Criminal Justice, Social Science Research, Homicide Studies, Journal of Youth Studies, Criminal Justice Review, Crime & Delinquency, Crime Science, Critical Criminology, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Social Sciences, and Deviant Behavior. He is a recipient of the LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award, LSU Rainmaker Award, and LSU Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Award. His recent book Alt-Right Gangs: A Hazy Shade of White is co-authored with Shannon E. Reid, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at UNC, Charlotte.
Stewart M. Young, J.D.
Stewart M. Young is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. He previously served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. He earned his J.D. from Stanford University, clerked for judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the District of Utah, and was a full-time faculty member at the University of Wyoming College of Law.
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Statistical Evaluation Results from the
2021 NGCRC Training Conference:
INTRODUCTION
The 2021 Twenty Fourth NGCRC Gang Specialist Training Conference was held during August 2-4, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The statistical evaluation results are reported here from the large number of persons attending the conference who provided such evaluation surveys. What this documents is an amazing level of “success” as measured in terms of the satisfaction of those who attended.
The bottom line finding here is that the NGCRC offers training that is consistently rated over time as exceptional in value and quality.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS THOSE WITH AND WITHOUT PRIOR TRAINING ON GANGS
One statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2021 NGCRC training conference reveals the NGCRC attracts those with and without prior training in gangs. The question on the evaluation form was “Have you received training at other gang seminars?“ In fact, for 2021 some 57.7 percent indicated that they had not previously received any training about gangs. Thus, some 42.3 percent of those attending the NGCRC training conference indicated that they had in fact been previously trained on gangs.
So a little over half of the attendees in 2021 had no prior training on gangs.
FEW ARGUE WITH THE FACTS: THE NGCRC OFFERS MORE CHOICES THAN ANYONE ELSE
One very powerful statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2021 NGCRC conference relates to the number of choices a person does or does not have in terms of different options for classes to attend. In some training programs there is no choice at all, or few or very limited choices. Some 95.3 percent of those attending the NGCRC 2021 conference reported that “compared to other gang conferences I have attended, the NGCRC had more choices for sessions”. We even offered more choices during the challenging conditions of a pandemic.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS NEW AND REPEAT TRAINEES
The NGCRC 2021 Evaluation Form asked the trainees whether this was the first time they had attended an NGCRC conference. The question on the evaluation form was, “This is the first time I have ever attended one of the Gang Training Conferences by the NGCRC.” The results indicated that 75.9 percent of those attending the 2021 conference did so for the first time. In other words, just under a fourth (some 24.1 percent) of those who attended the 2021 conference did in fact have previous training at an official NGCRC training conference.
OVERWHELMING MAJORITY REPORT “BEST GANG TRAINING EVER”
As a testament to the high quality of the training experience at the 2021 NGCRC training conference, another significant statistical result from the evaluation indicated an exceptionally high level of satisfaction with the training. Some 82.1 percent of those attending the conference reported that it was, “in my opinion, the best gang training event I have ever attended.” Such high levels of praise from people all over the USA and abroad are indeed hard to achieve.
ALMOST EVERYONE WANTS TO COME BACK NEXT YEAR
Another measure of the validity of high levels of satisfaction among those attending the NGCRC’’s 2021 conference is found in the results to the question measuring intention to “come back next year”.
The evaluation instrument included the following question: “I would like to attend the 2022 NGCRC 25th International Gang Specialist Training Conference that the National Gang Crime Research Center is currently planning. ___True ___False”.
Some 92.7 percent of those who attended the 2021 conference indicated that they want to attend the 2022 conference as well.
ACHIEVING NETWORKING: A GUARANTEED RESULT AT THE NGCRC CONFERENCE
Three separate evaluation questions addressed the issue of “networking” because this is always an important “added benefit” of any training, and it becomes particularly valuable as a resource when dealing with gang problems.
The first question asked, “Did you meet any new gang specialists that you may be able to network with in the future while you were at this conference”. The results of the evaluation question about whether the participants at the 2021 NGCRC training conference were able to achieve networking showed an astounding 94.4 percent reported that they were able to achieve such networking while at the conference.
The second question sought to establish a baseline for how important the factor of “networking” was to those attending the 2021 NGCRC conference. The second question therefore asked the participants “Was the opportunity to network with other gang specialists something that you wanted to achieve while at this conference?” Here we find that 94.4 percent indicated that networking was an important goal for them at the conference. Based on this, it is safe to say that everyone achieved their goal of networking at the 2021 NGCRC Training Conference.
A number of specialized “networking receptions” were available to anyone who wanted to participate in these events during after hours. These are well planned and well managed events designed to enhance networking among professionals. Thus, a third and final question about networking in the evaluation survey asked, “Did you attend any of the special networking receptions?” Here we find that over two-thirds, some 62.6 percent, attended one or more of these specialized reception events. There were five (5) different social networking receptions available free to attendees at the 2021 NGCRC training conference.
VERY HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF TAKE HOME TRAINING MATERIALS
The rating system used by the NGCRC to evaluate the performance of the trainers and presenters, as well as its own operations, utilizes a “scale” of values from an absolute low value of “zero” to indicate the low extreme of “not satisfied” to an absolute high value of ten (10) to indicate the high extreme of “very satisfied”. Thus, the “score” in such cases is easy to interpret: the higher the score, the higher the level of satisfaction.
The “mean score” is what is used to calculate an overall score for performance. The mean is the arithmetic mean, a measure of central tendency in the data, and it is calculated by means of an SPSS analysis. SPSS is a statistical software package widely used in the social sciences and criminology.
The evaluation form included the following question measuring the quality of materials: “How satisfied were you with the quality of the take home training materials provided to you?”. Each participant is provided with a “take home goody bag” that contains various printed training materials for future use. The results indicated a mean score of 7.81 on a zero to 10 point scale.
A second question asked, “How satisfied were you with the quantity of take home training materials provided to you?” And here again a very high score emerges, a mean value of 8.04 was found for this factor.
MANY WON SOMETHING IN ONE OF THE RAFFLES
There are various raffles at the NGCRC conference, some occur at the networking receptions and some are scheduled through the Operations Center.
The evaluation form asked the conference participants, “Did you win anything in any of the raffles?” The results indicated that almost half of those who attended, or 57.9 percent of those attending the conference, reported winning something in one of the raffles.
MANY ATTENDED AN EVENING WHITE SOX BASEBALL GAME
The exit survey question in the evaluation form ask the attendees “did you attend the White Sox Baseball Networking Event on Tuesday night”? The results from the Evaluation Form data analysis show that 40.4 percent indicated participating in this popular event.
HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH NGCRC STAFF
The evaluation form included the question “How satisfied were you with the staff and volunteers of the National Gang Crime Research Center in terms of making your experience at the training conference a quality time?”. The results indicated a mean score of 9.02 on a scale between zero and ten, again a very high level of satisfaction with the NGCRC staff. The staff provide a number of useful functions to the conference participants, from security to equipment technician support. Scoring a 9.01 on a zero to 10 scale is an “A” in anyones book.
HOURS OF TRAINING COMPLETED USING THE NGCRC’S “VIDEO-PAGE” TRAINING OPTION
The evaluation form asked “how many training hours did you complete on the VideoPage.html video training program”? The range of scores varied between a low of zero hours for about half of the participants (48.4%), to a high of 36 hours. The mean score was 4.42 hours completed using the video-page option.
MOST STAYED AT THE OFFICIAL CONFERENCE HOTEL
The evaluation form also included the question “Did you stay at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel”? The results show that most (82.1%) did in fact stay at the Westin. And they gave it high satisfaction ratings (8.55 mean score on a zero to ten rating system).
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS GAVE “HIGH GRADES” TO THE NGCRC AS AN OVERALL EVALUATION RESULT
Finally, another question on the evaluation form asked the 2021 NGCRC conference participants to “Give us your grade for how we did overall in trying to make this conference experience a good one for you. For a final grade, I give this conference an ___A ___B ___C ___D ___F.”
The results indicated that most (63.2%) gave the NGCRC an “A”. An additional 30 percent gave the NGCRC a grade of “B”. Thus, 93.2 percent of the trainees rated the NGCRC training experience as an “A” or “B”, the highest possible grades. Again, from a different way of measuring the same thing (overall training experience), we find additional strong evidence of a high level of satisfaction among persons who attended the conference. A GPA of 3.53 (where 4=A, 3=B, 2=C,1=D,0=F) was the mean score from this analysis. Thus, conference attendees gave the NGCRC an overall grade of “A minus/B Plus” it would appear from the 2021 evaluation results: again, a remarkable achievement.
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What's New: Quotes from those Who Attended the 2021 NGCRC Training Conference
The qualitative evaluation results are now in from the 2021 NGCRC Training Conference held on Aug. 2-4, 2021 in Chicago, IL. These are the comments quoted directly from those who attended the 2021 NGCRC Training Conference. If we had to summarize it all, it would be this: "Liked the networking and variety of topics and class options, the diversity of different perspectives from knowledgeable presenters, and the help from amicable staff, who thoroughly organize an upbeat training venue where sworn and non-sworn personnel can work towards gang violence reduction."
“The number of training sessions offered has to be one of the best things about the training! Every time selection had at least one session relevant and enjoyable. The fact this conference is held in Chicago is the reason I keep coming back. Wonderful city with excitement on every corner ”, Jerred Adkins, Franklin County Juvenile Intervention Center, Columbus, OH.
“The presentations were awesome”, Captain Darryl Michelli, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge, LA.
“It was planned and organized very well”, Laura Frizzo, Criminal Analyst, Indiana HIDTA, Crown Point, IN.
“The ability to network with others from all over the country. I learned things in classes and while speaking with others that I can use in my department”, Christopher Thompson, York City Police Department, York, PA.
“The location of the conference, central location within a large city/various tourist area, was greatly appreciated. The variety of after conference activities makes this conference so unique”, Det. Matthew Rose, Spokane Police Dept., Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force,
Spokane, WA
“Networking and diversity of classes”, Michael A. Garner, DPS Criminal Investigator
Louisiana State Police, Houma, LA.
“Variety of courses both in person and on video”, Leena M. Marcos, Office of the State Attorney, 20th Circuit Florida, Fort Myers, FL.
“Great content. I love being able to prep online and video classes in the evening to get hours completed”, Aaron J. Watkins, Peoria Police Department, Peoria, IL.
“The best thing is I had the opportunity to meet with some wonderful people who all are trying to make changes in their communities”, Omar Martin, Violence Interrupter, Life Camp, Inc, Jamaica, NY.
“Networking. Great topics and many track to choose from”, Det. Dustin Clem, Louisville Metro Police, Louisville, KY.
“Very organized, useful information I intend on passing a lot of this information on in my office to better our approach referencing gangs/narcotics prosecutions”, Amy Ohtani, Assistant State’s Attorney, Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, Rockford, IL.
“There were a lot of good instructors in many areas, who are knowledgeable in their areas of study”, Det. Callie D. Basinger, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Lima, OH.
“I loved learning new information from staff, but also participants. It was eye opening to see what other agencies are doing to help with prevention as well intervention”, Christal Hudgins
Training Sergeant, Hualapai Juvenile Detention & Rehabilitation Center, Kingman, AZ.
“The conference location is amazing; the variety of sessions and access to online sessions is inspiring and abundant. The networking and ability to share your knowledge as well as gain so much new information as so much value to the implementation of my work”, Kyrsten Sprewell, , ACE Community Support Services, LLC, Marietta, GA.
“Variety of topics covered by instructors with diverse backgrounds”, Mike Merritt, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar Rapids, IA.
“The information shared by presenters were exceptionally rich, detailed and technical. Presenters came with much knowledge of their particular areas of specialization”, Julian Brooks, University of the West Indies (UWI), Institute of Criminal Justice and Security, Kingston, Jamaica.
“Hospitality and knowledge gained. Networking with different professionals”, Jaskirat Jessy Johaz, Gang Reduction Lead, Safer Schools Together, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
“Presenters are very knowledgeable”, Matt Boss, Lima Police Dept., Lima, OH.
“The presenters had a wealth of knowledge via experience to share. We were given some take-a-ways that could be implemented in out communities to improve public safety”, Anita Howard, District Attorney’s Office, Macon, GA.
“The numerous options in topics presented at the training allows every attendee to tailor the experience to their specific area of practice or interests”, Kadin Brown, Deputy District Attorney, Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, Harrisburg, PA
”I really appreciated the ability to watch video presentations”, Nelson G. Barao, U.S. Pretrial Services, Northern District of California, San Francisco, CA.
“Very and relaxed atmosphere, friendly and helpful volunteers, and knowledgeable staff”, Daniel James Hisco*ck, Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office, Adrian, MI.
“Knowing the difference between gang signs”, Ikim Brown, G.M.A.C.C., Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
“The best part about the conference in the wide-range of seminars to attend with diverse content that you are able to select on your own. The entire conference kept me entertained and I am returning home filled with knowledge to make me a better professional! Thank you”, Deven Freihofer, NFI MA Inc / DYS, North Andover, MA.
“The NGCRC continues to bring talented skilled speakers to the conference. The training tracks allow you to grow your knowledge in different areas of law enforcement and community based services”, Sharon Mashburn, Cobb County Juvenile Court, Marietta, GA.
“There were a lot of great classes and presenters, more than any other gang conference I’d been to, and I especially enjoyed the classes on police/community collaboration and state/federal collaboration”, Jeffrey Corley, City of Mobile Police Department, Mobile, AL.
“The opportunity to understand, share and learn different perspectives both nationally and internationally” Wayne Grannis, Judge of the Juvenile Court of Cobb County, Marietta, GA.
“Very free flowing allowed to take whatever class you want to and leave and come as you want”, Thomas French Jr., Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Bel Air, MD.
“I really enjoyed the variety of information as well as video options, I also enjoyed the mix of academia and first hand officer speakers (allowed for multiple perspectives)”, Angela Wirsching, Office of the States Attorney for Harford County, Bel Air, MD.
“This is my first conference and I enjoyed it . I learned a lot and made some contacts, even assisting with a gang case while here because of it. I had a lot of classes to choose from and I enjoyed getting to learn it all”, Dillon Lipinski, Franklin Police Department, Franklin, TN.
“The best experience was definitely connecting with members from other law enforcement agencies. Having the opportunity to connect with law enforcement from other states is a huge benefit offered by attending a gang conference. It offers insight on trends and gives way to real time present day interactions that current gang detectives have”, Det. Jeremy Tanner, Greensboro Police Dept., Greensboro, NC.
“The variety of speakers and viewpoints. The location was fantastic and I learned a lot”, Sara Anne Miller, Office of the State Attorney, Fort Myers, FL.
“I enjoyed choosing what classes I wanted to attend instead of just going to assigned classes”, Sgt. Justin Hendrickson, Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls, ID.
“Good people, well organized, reliable resources, networking, love around the building”, Avery Carter, Violence Interrupter, reNOUNce deNOUNce Gang Intervention Program, East Cleveland, OH.
“The number and variety of presenters at this conference is outstanding along with the ability to move easily from course to course allows you to customize your learning experiences”, Philip J. Swift, Forth Worth City Marshal, Fort Worth, TX.
“The presenters were very knowledgeable, an issue that we face daily willing to talk after”, Kalique Woodbury, ACE Community Support Services, LLC, Marietta, GA.
“Networking and knowledge”, Thomas Richard Rieder, Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office, Adrian, MI.
“Great training and content. Presenters were very knowledgeable and efficient”, James Zolnai, Lansing Police Department, Lansing, MI.
“The networking opportunity and the opportunity to learn from professionals”, David M. Gaskin, G.M.A.C.C., Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
“Diversity in course offerings with opportunities to choose specific interests was very helpful”, Robert G. Whismanm Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office, Kansas City, KS.
“The training as a whole was wonderful”, Agent Richard T. Hunter Jr., Terrebonne Parish Sheriffs Office, Houma, LA.
“Varied lenses of experiences in presenters and networking opportunity!’, Hannah Robeson, Lansing Police Department, Lansing, MI.
“Great training”, Lt. Bobby Moore, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge, LA.
“I enjoyed the variety of course options at any given time”, Nadiyah McCray, G.M.A.C.C., Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
“Knowledge and experience of presenters”, Jordan Molnar, Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office, Adrian, MI.
“A wide variety of class options makes it easy to come away with something to take back to your home department”, Sgt. Jimmy Ward, Floyd County Sheriff’s Dept., New Albany, IN.
“I was able to engage”, Dean Martin Jr, G.M.A.C.C., Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
“Networking with others especially the new ones that are coming back because they had a such a great time”, Veronica Williams, Al-Fredrick’s Return, Houston, TX.
“I learned a lot”, Travard Hilliard, GMACC, Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
“Presenters were effective and enthusiastic”, Vincent James, Gang Specialist, Elmont, NY.
“Networking/exchange of information”, Bartosz Nowak, Macomb County Sheriff Office, Mt. Clemens, MI.
“Networking with people from departments around the U.S.”, Keith Thome, Macomb County Sheriff Office, Mt. Clemens, MI.
“Learned new information on prosecuting gang members more successfully”, Patrick Lawrence Morgan, United States Marshals Service, Oklahoma City, OK.
“Networking was good”, Jared Jupin, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar Rapids, IA.
“Great information provided”, Andrea Jones, Franklin County Juvenile Intervention Center, Columbus, OH.
“Lots to offer, a variety of tracks to pick from”, Tony Schmit, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar Rapids, IA.
“The 2 classes I took that referenced recent events and trends”, Patrick Gibbs, Springdale Police Department, Springdale, AR.
“Good networking. Lots of networking”, Det. Sgt. Brad Delaney, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Mason, MI.
“The trainers were very knowledgeable and the crew in reception was very amicable”, Tiffany Lamela, GMAAC, Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
“Learned many new aspects and angles when conducting investigations and interviews”, Travis Sanford, Terrebonne Parish Sheriffs Office, Houma, LA.
“The chance to meet the non-law enforcement people here”, Det. Chris Cobb, Terrebonne Parish Sheriffs Office, Houma, LA.
“All of the great contacts I received”, Mike Hollandsworth, Indiana State Police, Ft. Wayne, IN.
“I learned and the Christian networking was awesome!”, Shakeva Frazier, City of Danville, City Managers Office, Danville, VA.
“I got to see things from a law enforcement perspective”, Det. Andre Robinson, Salisbury Police Department, Salisbury, MD.
“Video training very helpful to get requirement turned in”, Brian Daniels, Havre de Grace Police Department, Havre de Grace, MD.
“I learned a lot and helps improve social and mental skills when mediating conflicts”, Dashawn Martin, G.M.A.C.C., Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
“No one went past their time”, Wallee Comer, G.M.A.C.C., Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
“Great venue, interesting classes”, John A. Billingsley IV, Springdale Police Dept., Springdale, AR.
“NGCRC does not disappoint, I’ll be back for 2022", Randilynn Rodriguez, Gang Specialist, Great Falls, MT.
“Great content”, Robert T. David Sr., City of Danville, Danville, VA.
“Great learning opportunity and great instructors will come back next year”, Cordell Perian, Monroe County Correctional Center, Bloomington, IN.
“The variety of classes”, James Mellow, Gwinnett County Police, Lawrenceville, GA.
“Hotel was great, specifically the location. Cases on prosecution and investigation were most beneficial”, Det. William Joseph Gibbs, Metro Nashville Police Department, Nashville, TN.
“Met a lot of cool people”, James Quinton Bernard, Wyoming Dept. Of Public Safety, Wyoming, MI.
“The amount of training”, Det. Justin Miller, Metro Nashville Police Department, Nashville, TN.
“The overall experience was great, will attend again”, Dominic Mazzone, Worcester Police Dept., Worcester, MA.
“The scheduling was very organized. The organization as a whole was great. Also, good instructors and teaching methods”, John Denio, Worcester Police Dept., Worcester, MA.
“Large selection of courses”, Michael Cook, Mobile Police Department, Mobile, AL.
“Instructors, Networking, Ball game”, Mickey Sheehan, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Kent County Prosecutors Office, Grand Rapids, MI.
“Able to meet the preseners who have so much knowledge”, Freddy R. Galicia, Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office, Lake Charles, LA.
“Lots of networking potential”, Nathaniel Shaughnessy, Will County Sheriff’s Office, Joliet, IL.
“I came in with a plan on what I wanted to attend but there were so much offered that I added sessions in my gaps to learn more”, Kevin Kedrowski, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office,
Minneapolis, MN.
“Learned a lot, very helpful”, Laron Douglas Sr., Executive Director, reNOUNce deNOUNce Gang Intervention Program, Cleveland, OH.
“Good selection of topics”, Det. Christopher Robinson, Salisbury Police Department, Salisbury, MD.
“Great training”, Matthew Davis, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Muncie, IN.
“Law enforcement presenters excellent”, James D. Miller, Office of the State Attorney,
Fort Myers, FL.
“Variety, participation and networking”, Bernie Rendler, Intensive Supervision Officer
Dauphin County Probation, Harrisburg, PA.
“Mulvaney’s participation model was engaging and helpful. Lots of variety in sessions”, C. Michael Carter, Intensive Supervision Officer, Dauphin County Probation, Harrisburg, PA.
“Learning the information. It was enlightening”, Sheridan Lawson, Violence Interrupter
reNOUNce deNOUNce Gang Intervention Program, Cleveland, OH.
“The professional manner it was handled”, Lisa Meredith, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Louisville, KY.
“The history lesson about gang organization”, Neal Downs, , Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Louisville, KY.
“The networking opportunity that came with spending the time here”, Alexis Matos, Havre de Grace Police Department, Havre de Grace, MD.
“The courteous atmosphere. Also the information from each training”, Leigha Curry, Outreach Worker, Life Camp, Inc, Jamaica, NY.
“The networking and the appreciation of the work we do”, Charles Gallman, Senior Tactical Agent, Life Camp, Inc, Jamaica, NY.
“Networking”, Christopher Hawthorne, Fort Wayne Police Dept., Ft. Wayne, IN.
“The networking opportunity and the diversity of participants”, Bryan Harris, Case Manager, DOCR, Mandan, ND.
“So many speakers”, William Jones, Hospital Responder Supervisor, Life Camp, Inc,
Jamaica, NY.
“Glad this year was back to Westin. Great room and place for a conference”, Sgt. Christopher Moore, Joliet Police Department, Joliet, IL.
“Daily opportunities to network with other agencies”, Zachary P. Eastburn, Fort Wayne Police Dept., Ft. Wayne, IN.
“Enjoy networking”, Marc Deshaies, Fort Wayne Police Dept., Ft. Wayne, IN.
“Great experience”, Corey Lightner, Aberdeen Police Department, Aberdeen, MD.
“This is my third year attending and each year I have a great experiences and always learn something new”, James Sutphin, Toledo Police Department, Toledo, OH.
“The knowledge of all the presenters”, Anita Perez, Sergeant, Hualapai Juvenile Detention & Rehabilitation Center, Kingman, AZ.
“Good variety of classes, nice hotel, knowledgeable instructors”, Sarah Egbert, Flint Police Department, Flint, MI.
“Learned a lot of new information”, Terry VanKeuren Jr., Flint Police Department, Flint, MI.
“Very informative, inclusive, organized. Overall, great event”, Caleb A. Tierney, Flint Police Department, Flint, MI.
“Networking”, Daniel Testermann, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Bel Air, MD.
“Loved the variety of courses, instructors, and attendees! Like the size of rooms provided and technological amenities for presenters”, Katherine Rumley, Office of the State Attorney
20th Circuit Florida, Ft. Myers, FL.
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What's New: The NGCRC Online Video Training System
What we learned from the 2020 Conference, in adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic, is that a video-based training platform provides many advantages to and significantly supplements the regular "in-person" classroom-based training program. We will continue to offer this feature in the 2022 program --- it is a very useful option is what we found out. This year we have over 38 hours of training content to select from from the video training system --- meaning that someone who was registered for the 2022 conference could in fact complete it entirely "online".
The training videos include videotaped sessions of classroom training; as well as narrated power point presentations converted into video format. What is important to note here is that these training videos are viewed best by using a PC, or laptop, or think pad --- something with a real display monitor, otherwise with a regular smart phone the text information you need to absorb is difficult to render on a phone sized display.
The 2022 Conference is also therefore a "hybrid" conference: if you want nothing but in a classroom sit down face-to-face trainig sessions at the conference hotel location on Aug. 1-3, 2022 then we have lots of that --- that is our normal model of training. If you want digital training or video-based training, something you can view anytime of the day on anyday anywhere in the world --- we have that too. It is our online video training system. You can access it now at this location: https://ngcrc.com/videopage.html
If you want to mix some classroom-based training and some video-based training, you have that right here.
If you want to complete your entire training program just in classroom face-to-face training sessions, you can do that. That's what we normally do.
If you want to complete all of your training (accumulating 24 hous and getting credit for 24 hours) "on-line" by using the video training system, you can do that too.
The NGCRC Video Training Page for the 2022 Training Program:
This Video Training Page Was Last updated: June 30, 2022
The “Videopage” is a special secured training portal at the NGCRC website. It allows you to accumulate training credit using a laptop or PC, just by navigating to the videopage. It is not "interactive". You have no face-to-face contact with the presenters. The presenter does not see you or interact with you. You cannot raise your hand and ask the pesenter a question as you could in a regular classroom based training session. So there are classroom based sessions and the schedule for these is posted at the website (https://ngcrc.com/schedule.html). And then there are the smaller set of choices available only through the video training program and are described in detail below and at the website (https://ngcrc.com/videopage.html). When you sign up for non-certification or certification, you automatically get acess to both options. And you can mix and match (some video based, some classroom based).
You will need to have a valid password provided to you by the NGCRC to access and use the training videos provided at the video page: https://ngcrc.com/videopage.html
Q: Where do we go to look at the Video Page?
A: https://ngcrc.com/videopage.html
By signing up for the 2022 training program, you automatically get access to both the “classroom” teaching sessions at the Chicago hotel on Aug. 1-3, 2022 as well as all of the on-line video-based training sessions. You can, if you want, complete your entire training program (accumulate the necessary 24 hours of training required) through this videopage portal alone if you needed to or wanted to. You get a password when you register, the password will expire on August 3, 2022 at 5:01p.m. Cental Standard Time.
There are N = 38 hours of session training content provided in the video options below. We may very likely add some more, between now and Aug. 1, 2022. You only need 24 hours of training to complete the 2022 NGCRC gang training program. So the 2022 NGCRC video training program can be easily completed remotely from this hybrid digital training platform, just view 24 of the 38 hours to pick from. The video content alone allows you to still pick from 19 different training tracks if you are registering for certification. You do not get credit for anything over 24 hours of training. But you can do it for “extra credit” if by that you mean educational self-help.
There is an evaluation form used for the 2022 training conference and it is located here so you can print it off right now. Please note this is for the "onsite" training. https://ngcrc.com/evaluationform.pdf
Please note that there are important differences in the training experience comparing the “on-line” only versus the “on-site” classroom training experiences. The 2022 NGCRC Training Program is a “hybrid” training program as it includes both on-line and on-site training options. The choice is yours: if you want to learn remotely, you can do it on your PC-screen or your laptop through this video training system. If you want to learn “on-site”, then show up in Chicago and get your Official Conference Identification Card and attend classes being taught in the classroom. Classrooms, while large, were limited to 49 or less persons attending in a training room during the COVID-19 restrictions we faced in the 2020 training conference in Chicago. We will enforce all government required COVID-19 restrictions. We are prepared for any scenario, but realistically things in Chicago are basically back to normal.
Please note that if you are completing all of your 24 hours of training through the videopage portal alone and if you do not actually attend the conference in person, that there are significant differences in terms of what you get from your training experience. You may be able to complete the 24 hours before the date of the training conference (Aug. 1-3, 2022), you can start up right away to use the video-training page, and use it anytime before the conference with the password we mail to you. But if you use only the video-training page and you complete your 24 hours before the conference, we will not mail you certificates until after the conference (Aug. 3, 2022). If you want to graduate from the video-training program using only the on-line video sessions, you miss out on getting the goody bag handed out at the conference to those who actually attend. You will also miss out on any of the opportunities afforded to you through the on-site training program including trips, receptions, special events, and all the networking that you would normally accomplish in face-to-face interaction in the on-site training experience. If you are accumulating all of your 24 hours in the video-training “on-line” training option, then your certificates will also reflect that you completed the training through the video-based training program. Those accumulating any amount of on-site training will receive the on-site versions of the training certificates.
NGCRC training sessions in the typical classroom context are structured and based on the need for good physical security, where ID’s must be worn and displayed to get access to training rooms, some of which might be restricted in attendance to sworn police officers. So, just as in the real world of classroom based training, the NGCRC Video Training System is also structured in a way to limit and control access to the training videos. The training videos consist of high definition videos and narrated power point presentations. All training videos require that you have a valid password. You can get a password by contacting the NGCRC -- - -- call the NGCRC if necessary (708) 258-9111.
Viewing the videos: You cannot do this effectively on a smart phone. For example, narrated power-point presentations do not show up effectively on phone-size screens, it will make it too hard to read the printed material intended for reading on the powerpoint slides. You need to use a laptop size screen, or regular PC size screen, or larger thinkpad size screen to read the detailed written information. Some videos require you to do outside reading, you do not get time credit for independent reading time spent on the preparation for viewing the video. In our model of professional training, you get credit for the video time designated, not for the time it takes you to do the required reading.
To view the videos you will need a password. You can get a password only if you register for the video training. Once you complete your 24 hours of training, send us the evaluation form and we will mail the training certificate to you. 2021 Passwords Will Not Work for this 2022 training content. 2021 Video Training Passwords expired 8-5-2021. You get your 2022 Password by registering first for the 2021 training program. Everyone who registers for the NGCRC’s 2022 Gang Training Conference receives a formal letter of their Confirmation of Conference Registration. If you have not received such a Confirmation of Conference Registration letter from the NGCRC, you need to get in touch with us ASAP, as you are probably not registered for the NGCRC’s 2022 Training Conference. You should feel free to call the NGCRC for a routine question “can you confirm my conference registration as I have not received any actual letter to that effect”. Call us at (708) 258-9111
Passwords for the 2022 training program will expire on August 3, 2022.
Remember to mark your Evaluation Form when you are claiming credit for any hours or portions of hours of credit from the training. You can print out a copy of the Evaluation Form at: https://ngcrc.com/evaluationform.pdf
Here are the ways to send in your Evaluation Form: (1) by fax at 708 258-9111; (2) by U.S. Postal Service — mail to: NGCRC, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468-0990; (3) by email at: gangcrime@aol.com; (4) by handing it in physically on-site at the conference location in Chicago. Feel free to send in evaluation forms at any time you have accumulated your 24 hours of required training.
Definition of terms: Where it refers to “Session #” below, it is referring to the session number assigned to the sessions as listed at the 2022 official conference website (the courses are listed in two places:
https://ngcrc.com/2022.conference.html
and secondly at: Https://ngcrc.com/courses.html
Q: So what exactly do I do to see the video?
A: Just copy the url or the video link to your browser and go. The url or link will have the syntax "https://vimeo.com/" and then the unique numeric identifier for that video. Example, to see video #1 type in to your browser: https://vimeo.com/415823159
LISTING OF VIDEO TRAINING SESSIONS:
(Note: Session numbers for the Video Sessions are subject to change).Video #1:
Session #: (13) “Gang/STG Intelligence: What We Know from the U.S. County Jails”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American county jails. It covers the kinds of challenges that jail correctional officers face in the real world. Examined in detail are those aspects of gang life that impact on safety and security (fights, threats, attacks, homemade weapons, racial conflict, etc). Attendees will receive a detailed briefing on what is going on with regard to gangs in the context of American county jail facilities. Upon completion attendees will have a better understanding of the national picture of dealing with gangs in the jail environment.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He authored the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
Here is the link to video #1: Https://vimeo.com/415823159
Video #2:
Session #: (53) “Understanding the Relationship Between the Individual, Gang Membership, and Desistance from Crime for Adolescent and Youth Adult Males”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members on Probation/Parole; Gang Counseling Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.
Abstract
This presentation will use different research methods to explore the relationship between young people and gangs. Firstly, it will summarize research into the offending frequencies for current, prior and non-gang affiliated offenders using longitudinal data from the US Pathways to Desistence Study. This found that although gang leavers continued to offend, they had significantly different attitudes and scored lower on negative psychological traits than those who remained. Second, it will consider how young people view themselves by a narrative analysis of at-risk young people taking part in a UK gang intervention. The findings suggest that future interventions should consider broader social and psychological risks, rather than gang membership per se, to assess an individual’s risk of recidivism. This session will help those who work with youth gang members to identify those individuals who would be more open to attitudinal changes, including respect for the law, within programmes.
Bio
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
Here is the link to video #2: Https://vimeo.com/415723990
Video #3:
Session #: (69) “Hybrid Gangs: How to Identify Local Gang Culture”, by Jim Bailey, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI; and Det. Tyler Sutherland, Gang Suppression Unit, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Gang Crime Investigation; Gang Homicide Investigation; Gang Prosecution.
Abstract
How to identify local neighborhood gang culture, what larger gang culture influences your local gang, and how are they being influenced? How does your local gang adapt signs, symbols, tattoos, colors to your jurisdiction which may have originated elsewhere, perhaps even from a national gang culture? How are you tracking your local gang and crime stats?
Bios
Detective Tyler Sutherland has been a police officer for the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years. He is currently assigned to the Battle Creek Police Detective Bureau, and was previously assigned to the Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. As a member of the Gang Unit, Detective Sutherland was directly involved as the lead investigator in a number of gang, and violent crime, cases that resulted in courtroom trials and jury convictions. While participating in all aspects of gang investigations and court room prosecution, Detective Sutherland has been qualified as, and testified as, a gang expert in the U.S. District court and Michigan State Circuit and District Court, more than 15 times in the last five years. One of these gang cases, was the first criminal gang enhancement jury conviction in the State of Michigan since the state statute was created. He is also recognized in circuit and district court as an expert in Drug Trafficking and Drug Investigations. A Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Patrol Training Officer, he has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
Corporal Jim Bailey has been with the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years, and has been assigned to the Battle Creek Police Department Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. Corporal Bailey has been directly involved in many of the same gang investigations as Detective Sutherland, and has assisted as one of the lead investigators with Detective Sutherland, on many of the same violence crime investigations. Corporal Bailey has also been involved in cell phone investigations, writing and executing search warrants, surveillance techniques, undercover drug buys, and managing confidential informants. Corporal Bailey has been recognized in Michigan State District Court and Circuit Court as an expert in drug trafficking and drug investigations, identifying armed subjects, and cell phone site analyses. Corporal Bailey is currently a K-9 handler for the Battle Creek Police Department and is a member of the department’s Emergency Response Team. He is a Defensive Tactics Instructor and a Patrol Training Officer for the Battle Creek Police Department. He has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
Here is the link to Video #3: Https://vimeo.com/440800600
Video length: 1 hours and 57 minutes
Video #4:
Session #: (15) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 1 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: special housing for informants; racial conflicts and race relations; contraband cell phones; overcrowding and stress and trauma on the job; suicide problems by inmates and staff; the “VID” factor and PTSD; exposure to trauma and stress on the job; increased radicalization of inmates; religious extremism; gang/STG abuse of religious worship; review of the largest white racist extremist gangs; Islamic gangs and gangs that seek to control religious services; the concept of gang density and its three measurement components; gang recruitment behind bars; inmate complaints about gang recruitment; extent of recruitment in prisons today.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He authored the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
Here is the link to video #4: Https://vimeo.com/417129871
Length: 58 mins.
Video #5:
Session #: (20) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 2 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: measuring the three aspects of gang density; how gang importation is added with joining inside; extent to which prisons report white inmates have a separate gang; names of the largest gangs in American prisons; the prevalence of reports of military trained gang members; names of the largest motorcycle gangs behind bars; reports of gang leaders influencing politicians; pressure to play down the gang problem; political corruption over time: 1994 to present; whether gangs that exist inside operate by the same name outside of prison; comparing street gangs and prison gangs; the extent to which gangs/STGs cause management problems; the problem of housing all members of one gang together.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He authored the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
Here is the link to video #5: Https://vimeo.com/417138504
Length: 57 mins.
Video #6:
Session #: (23) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 3 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: gang/STG member control of inmate economic rackets; cash seized from gang inmates; stronger gang affiliation after serving time; STG’s smuggle in contraband cell phones, make more improvised weapons; extent of formal gang training for prison staff today; threats and assaults against staff from prison gang members; the 2015 New York correctional union protest billboard portends the future — more protest billboards; whether inmate classification systems take gang membership into account; gangs extort money from inmate workers; whether Islamic inmates have separate gangs; are gang members more lawsuit oriented than non-gang members; the three types of prison riots; best estimate for latent terrorists; who wants tougher laws and zero-tolerance; the scarcity of gang renouncement programs; could improving race relations help reduce gang violence in prison; what support exists for no human contact status; large support exists for telephone and mail monitoring.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He authored the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
Here is the link to video #6: Https://vimeo.com/418294735
Length: 61 mins.
Video #7:
Session #: (25) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 4 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: 3rd component of gang density; few prisons have programs to help gang/STG inmates quit the gang; small percentage who quit gang life while in prison means basically the first two components of gang density have the greatest weight; gang density adjustment to 63.8% in U.S. prisons is the only estimate with the rigorous three point or triangulated measurement approach; review of the use of 20 strategies to control gangs/STGs; the issue of bus therapy; overwhelming majority of prisons want Congress to pass legislation enabling prisons to jam cell phone signals; new development — about 1/3 of U.S. prisons now report drones have been used to smuggle in contraband (cell phones, drugs); also new — 37.9% of prisons now provide inmates with internet access or email; almost all recognize internet access for inmates creates a new type of danger; few prisons (13.8%) allow prisoner to prisoner email; low grade for federal leadership in responding to the gang problem in the last year; 89.7% expect the gang problem in corrections to increase in the next few years; 79.3% expect the problem of inmate violence from gang members to increase; three-fourths expect an increase in gang members abusing religious rights; 72.4% expect an increase in gang members assaulting correctional officers; and 44.8% expect an increase in radical militancy among inmates.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
Here is the link to video #7: Https://vimeo.com/420466413
Length = 48 mins.
Video #8:
Session #: (47) “Psychopathy and Gang Membership”, Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members on Probation/Parole; Gang Counseling Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention and Intervention Services; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.
Abstract
The relationship between psychopathy and long-term gang membership has been established by a number of academic papers. This presentation will give an overview of psychopathy before exploring its relationship to gang membership for a single sample from adolescence to early adulthood, using longitudinal data from the Pathways to Desistance Study. Finally, the presentation will explore the relationship between psychopathy and the offending patterns of gang membership and will consider the implications of working with individuals who have psychopathic traits.
Bio
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
Here is the link to video #8: Https://vimeo.com/429173106
video length: 54mins 17 secs
Video #9:
Session #: (49) “Understanding the Roles, Behaviors, and Risk Factors and Offending Behaviors of Adolescent Female Gang Members”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Female Gangs/Female Gang Members; Dealing With Gang Members on Probation/Parole; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Prevention Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services.
Abstract
Using data from the Pathways to Desistance Study, this session will explore the psychological and environmental risk factors associated with female gang members in a sample of 28 participants with a mean age of 16.08 (range between 14 and 18 years of age). The presentation will also consider crime patterns of the sample, and the extent to which their offending differs from their non-gang affiliated counterparts. The session will inform those working with young women who are at risk of gang membership, mental health professionals, and those planning targeted interventions for female gang members.
Bio
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
Here is the link to video #9: Https://vimeo.com/429166014
video length: 39 mins 11 secs
Video #10:
Session #: (33) “Starting a New Gang Renouncement Program or Process in Your Correctional Facility”, by Veronica Williams, Executive Director, Al-Fredricks’s Return Inc, Houston, TX.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Faith-based Programs for Gang Intervention.
Abstract
Participants will learn how to start-up a gang renouncement program or process of their choice in their current lockup facility. This will include how to collaboratively form partnerships between security and counseling. This workshop will also include strategies for initial curriculum design. In addition, preparation for transitioning program participants from Administrative Segregation to the General Population community while incarcerated will be addressed. Staff diversity training will also be introduced as an important component. This workshop will also include an array of program processes to choose from when considering the initial start-up of a gang renouncement program.
Bio
As the Supervisor of the Gang Renouncement and Dissociation (G.R.A.D.) process at the O.B. Ellis Unit and Estelle Unit in Huntsville, Texas before retirement, Ms. Williams created this group process for her Master’s degree project for which she was honored wih an award by Springfield College in Springfield, Mass, not only for the content of the project but also for being the first person in Springfield College history (1885) to survey inmates. This process was later implemented by TDCJ as a follow-up procedure for tracking the success of the participants who graduated their gang renouncement programs and were put into general population. Ms. Williams was also instrumental in working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ); in the start up of the Administrative Segregation Diversion Program for confirmed gang members of the prison environment wishing to renounce upon returning to prison.
Here is the link to video #10: Https://vimeo.com/441658889
video length: 1 hour 12 minutes 43 secs
Video #11:
“A Digital Version of the Conference Orientation”, approximately 15 minutes long, explains how to use evaluation form, why we need to wear the Conference ID’s while on NGCRC floors, etc, gives advice for networking. Useful to everyone attending the gang training conference.
Here is the link to Video #11: not yet available
Video #12:
Session #: (43) “Understanding Psychological Risk Factors and Building ‘Therapeutic Helping’ Relationships with Gang Involved Youth”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Edge Hill University, England; and William A. Campbell, Kentucky Juvenile Justice Training, Richmond, KY.
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Session credits: Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Counseling Techniques; Gang Prevention Skills; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
This presentation will focus on the stages of building a therapeutic helping relationship and will explore how practitioners can utilize this system for working with young people. The session will also incorporate a summary of key psychological, social and developmental risk factors that can contribute to a young person’s recovery and desistance. It will focus on how support workers can recognize these risks and work with young people to better understand and address them.
Bios
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
William A. Campbell is the Interim Director for the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. With 26 years of working with at-risk/adjudicated teens in numerous settings ranging from acute care psychiatric, private residential treatment and group home & juvenile justice detentions. Originally, a Chicago native, William attended Western Illinois University where he received his Bachelors in Communications. Served in the US Army and is a Desert Storm Vet as member of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division, honorably discharged in February 1993. In March of 1993 William began his career working with at-risk/adjudicated adolescents in an acute care psychiatric hospital. William joined the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice’s Training Branch in 2007. He has assisted and trained new direct care employees during academy training. In early 2009, certified as an expert gang specialist. In 2010, he received the DJJ Professional Development Employee of the Year award. In 2010, became a Trainer for Trainers at the National Gang Crime Research Center. William currently resides in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and is also a member of the Juvenile Justice Alternative to Detention Initiative Committee.
Here is the link to Video #12: Https://vimeo.com/437602976
Video length: 1 hour and 33 minutes
Video #13:
Session #: (29) “Gang Expert Testimony: Bringing Your Gang Investigation into Court”, by Tyler Sutherland, Gang Suppression Unit, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI; and Jim Bailey, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI.
Three (3) hours
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Gang Crime Investigation; Gang Homicide Investigation.
Abstract
How court room testimony and gang evidence will reduce crime rates. What to say and present as a gang expert in court. How to apply your state statute of an enhanced gang crime to the evidence in your gang case. How the stored gang intelligence becomes useful in the court room. How the prosecutor and gang investigator get a case ready for courtroom prosecution.
Bios
Detective Tyler Sutherland has been a police officer for the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years. He is currently assigned to the Battle Creek Police Detective Bureau, and was previously assigned to the Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. As a member of the Gang Unit, Detective Sutherland was directly involved as the lead investigator in a number of gang, and violent crime, cases that resulted in courtroom trials and jury convictions. While participating in all aspects of gang investigations and court room prosecution, Detective Sutherland has been qualified as, and testified as, a gang expert in the U.S. District court and Michigan State Circuit and District Court, more than 15 times in the last five years. One of these gang cases, was the first criminal gang enhancement jury conviction in the State of Michigan since the state statute was created. He is also recognized in circuit and district court as an expert in Drug Trafficking and Drug Investigations. A Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Patrol Training Officer, he has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
Corporal Jim Bailey has been with the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years, and has been assigned to the Battle Creek Police Department Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. Corporal Bailey has been directly involved in many of the same gang investigations as Detective Sutherland, and has assisted as one of the lead investigators with Detective Sutherland, on many of the same violence crime investigations. Corporal Bailey has also been involved in cell phone investigations, writing and executing search warrants, surveillance techniques, undercover drug buys, and managing confidential informants. Corporal Bailey has been recognized in Michigan State District Court and Circuit Court as an expert in drug trafficking and drug investigations, identifying armed subjects, and cell phone site analyses. Corporal Bailey is currently a K-9 handler for the Battle Creek Police Department and is a member of the department’s Emergency Response Team. He is a Defensive Tactics Instructor and a Patrol Training Officer for the Battle Creek Police Department. He has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
Here is the link to Video #13: Https://vimeo.com/440788706
Video length: 2 hours and 47 minutes
Video #14:
Session #: (22) “Creating a Staff Facilitated Peer Support for In-Prison Gang Renouncement Candidates”, by Veronica Williams, Executive Director, Al-Fredrick’s Return Inc, Houston, TX.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Faith-based Programs for Gang Intervention.
Abstract
The purpose of this workshop is to extend a voluntary weekly In-Prison Staff Facilitated Peer Support Group to those who have already graduated from their facility’s Gang Renouncement Program/Process. Workshop attendees will learn how to set up this type of group in order to follow-up with the graduates’ progress once in general population. The group also ensures that the participants are using their cognitive intervention skills on a daily basis that they learned while in the program by generating weekly discussion with the group facilitators and other participants. Attendees will learn to generate impactful conversation with Gang Renouncement Graduates, and to aid group participants in reaching their short term goals while still incarcerated. Lastly, workshop attendees will gain basic knowledge in counseling, interviewing and management skills for the Gang Renouncement Graduate.
Bio
As the Supervisor of the Gang Renouncement and Dissociation (G.R.A.D.) process at the O.B. Ellis Unit and Estelle Unit in Huntsville, Texas before retirement, Ms. Williams created this group process for her Master’s degree project for which she was honored wih an award by Springfield College in Springfield, Mass, not only for the content of the project but also for being the first person in Springfield College history (1885) to survey inmates. This process was later implemented by TDCJ as a follow-up procedure for tracking the success of the participants who graduated their gang renouncement programs and were put into general population. Ms. Williams was also instrumental in working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ); in the start up of the Administrative Segregation Diversion Program for confirmed gang members of the prison environment wishing to renounce upon returning to prison.
Here is the link to Video #14: https://vimeo.com/430187828
Video length: 57 minutes 36 seconds
Video #15:
Session #: (42) “Alternative Methods to Attack Gang Problems: RICO, Asset Forfeitures, Federal Project Safe Neighborhood, and Use of Probation/Parole Warrants”, by Michael Tabarrok, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney, Special Prosecutions Section, Dougherty County, Albany, GA.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Prosecution; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gang Homicide Investigation.
Abstract
This session will cover using alternative methods to address gang issues. Specifically, using RICO to build gang cases, referring cases for Federal prosecution, working with probation and parole, and finally the matter of asset forfeiture as a mechanism to attack gang resources. The session will provide general legal information due to differing state laws.
Bio
Michael has been working in criminal law for 20 years now, 17 as a prosecutor in Georgia and Guam. Federal liaison for PSN cases with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. He has asset forfeiture experience of 17 years, and having forfeited in excess of $15 mi llion en toto. Currently prosecuting gangs, drugs, and murders/death penalty cases in Albany, Georgia.
Here is the link to Video #15: https://vimeo.com/442506455
Length of video: 46 minutes 41 seconds
Video #16:
Session #: (7)“The Graffiti Identity 1 - Understanding the Game", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media
Abstract
In today’s tight economy, the majority of police agencies are assigning graffiti vandalism investigations to their street gang or special investigations units. This session provides an introduction to graffiti art versus graffiti vandalism. In this session, participants will learn how to distinguish street gang graffiti from taggers’ graffiti, understand the basic graffiti tags and their variations, and the subcultural protocols that govern them. This session covers the various types of graffiti cultures, state laws (beyond reasonable doubt) and city codes (preponderance of the evidence) and the graffiti identity (name, formats, and styles). This is part one of a three part course sequence.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
Here is the link to Video #16: https://vimeo.com/444102918
Length of video: 56 minutes 45 seconds
Video #`17:
Session #: (21)“The Graffiti Identity 2 - Prolific Writers & Crews", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Organized Crime.
Abstract
Participants will learn how to recognize their presence and how to extract criminal and research intelligence through the graffiti they generate. Reinforcement of the graffiti identity (name, format, and style). This is part two of a three part course sequence.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
Here is the link to Video #17: https://vimeo.com/444105051
Length of video: 57 minutes 3 seconds
Video #18:
Session #: (35)“A Basic Street Gangs Investigation", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media
Notice: This course is restricted to Law Enforcement Only.
Abstract
The instructor will give an overview of one of his past street gang investigations. The session covers the example of initiating two search warrants simultaneously at separate locations: leader and second-in-command’s residences. The course covers an overview of the search warrant return (criminal evidence and gang’s intelligence)..
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
Here is the link to Video #18: https://vimeo.com/444106665
Length of video: 56 minutes 23 seconds
Video #19:
Session #: (68)“The Graffiti Identity 3 - Gang Roll Calls (Public Opinion Polls)", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media
Abstract
Participants will learn how to recognize and analyze gang graffiti for criminal and research intelligence. Discovering the gang’s membership listing, each member’s commitment level and the groups life span. A means of enhancing a specific gangs profile. This is part three of a three part course sequence.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
Here is the link to Video #19: https://vimeo.com/444113321
Length of video: 57 minutes 38 seconds
Video #20:
Session #: (45)“Gang Ethics 101 - Don’t Shoot the Messenger", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Management; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services ; Gangs and the Mass Media; Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators.
Abstract
This course addresses current trends challenging the modern-day gang specialist. It reviews current issues that affect how we apply apprehension, prosecution, prevention, intervention, restorative justice, and information management practices to gangs and gang members. There are many ethical issues in dealing with gangs and gang members, and it affects every stage of the process, from investigation to aftercare, even gang research itself. Should violence interrupter staff be required to “warn and protect” when they learn that gun violence is imminent? Should someone who joins a gang remain in a gang database for the rest of their life? Attend this session to learn about ethical guidelines for dealing with gangs and gang members and to share your own scenarios.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
Here is the link to Video #20: https://vimeo.com/444114956
Length of video: 54 minutes 20 seconds
Video #21:
Session #: (54)“Street Gangs Well Defined - For Criminal or Research Intelligence", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media
Abstract
Participants will learn how to apply tools and measurement to street groups for research and investigative purposes. The instructor will also address the groups inner dynamics, criminal activities, colors and lifespan.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
Here is the link to Video #21: https://vimeo.com/444116586
Length of video: 56 minutes 50 seconds
Video #22:
Session #: (66)“Online Resources - Communication & Search Tools”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Advanced Gang Identification; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and the Mass Media
Abstract
Participants will learn the purpose of Google-alerts and E-groups and how to activate them for gang research and investigative purposes. The instructor will demonstrate how to use them for purposes of gang research and for investigative assignments as a graffiti and gang specialist.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
Here is the link to Video #22: https://vimeo.com/444118388
Length of video: 55 minutes 25 seconds
Video #23:
Session #: (19) “Gang Mapping 101: An Introduction ”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Professor, Criminal Justice Studies, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN. Two (2) Hours
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Crime Analysis & Mapping; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Abstract
This class is part 1 of a 2 part series. It serves as a starting point for understanding crime analysis, specifically, analytical mapping techniques as applied to gangs. Topics covered in this class: the evolution of crime analysis and mapping from the 1800s to present; intelligence levels, divisions, and processes; and the roles and responsibilities of analysts, administrators, and police officers. See the other two parts of this 3 part series.
Bio
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
Here is the link to Video #23: https://vimeo.com/444477923
Length of video: 1 hour 56 minutes 13 seconds
Video #24:
Session #: (62) “Mexican Cartels and Culture: An Analysis of Gangs Along the Southern Border”, by John J. Rodriguez, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Organized Crime; Gang Profile Analysis; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; International and Transnational Gang Problems; Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs.
Abstract
The purpose of this course is to increase the knowledge and awareness of military and law enforcement officers on the Mexican cartel activities and culture in both the United States and Mexico. To gain a better understanding of this complex phenomenon, the course will employ a socio-cultural approach by including a brief history of Mexican history and culture. In addition, students will gain knowledge by observing how and where cartels operate and whom they partner up with (i.e., MS-13, Tango Blast, SUR 13, Aryan Brotherhood, Mexican Mafia, etc) to carry out illicit activities. Moreover, musical influences (narco-corridos) will be explored as well as religion/spiritual deities (Santeria, brujas, curanderos, and the Santa Muerte).
Bio
Dr. Rodriguez’s interests in academia include but are not limited to gangs, transnationalism, immigration, police issues, and Latinos in the criminal justice system. However, I am most interested in gangs, security threat groups and extremist groups. I have been studying, researching, and writing on these groups and their activity for over almost two decades. I have published and presented much of this work in the U.S. and abroad. I have also consulted and testified as an expert witness in multiple cases, which include deportation of gang members, organized crime, and various homicide cases.
Here is the link to Video #24: https://vimeo.com/444381794
Length of video: 44 minutes 21 seconds
Video #25:
Session #: (32) “The Global Growth of Nationalism”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research.
One and one-half (1.5) hours
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Advanced Gang Identification; Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs; International and Transnational Gang Problems.
Abstract
Headline: “White nationalism on the rise in the United States!” That’s only a fraction of the whole story. Gang specialists need to attend this session to learn what is happening with regard to nationalism on a worldwide scale. The instructor describes the global expansion of nationalistic pride and its affect on various countries’ politics, economies, and peoples on every continent. Maps, pictures, and videos are used to demonstrate the extent of the problem and how it is reaching into the daily lives of citizens, formal political parties and their agendas, as well as street gangs and hate/extremist groups. The definitional distinction is clarified between nationalism, socialism, national socialism, communism, and fascism.
Bio
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
Here is the link to Video #25: https://vimeo.com/444849169
Length of video: 1 hour 19 minutes
Video #26:
Session #: (44) “Introduction to Separatist, Racist and Extremist Groups (SREG’s)”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Group/White Racist Extremist Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Domestic Counter Terrorism Skills; Advanced Gang Identification.
Abstract
This session is an introduction to the various Separatist, Racist, and Extremist Groups (SREGs) in the United States today. The instructors review the founders, origins, beliefs, practices, past and current activities, and significant symbology (e.g., phrases, graffiti, and dates). Call them “Hate Groups” is too simplistic and does not capture the complexity of the problem. The instructors discuss groups that are based on religious belief, political ideology, or racial views.
Bio
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
Here is the link to Video #26: https://vimeo.com/446233533
Length of video: 1 hour 44 minutes
Video #27: unavailable - Not presenting in 2021
Video #28:
Session #: (37) “Street Gangs to Terrorism Affiliation”, by Michael P. Coghlan, Gang Specialist, DeKalb, IL.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs; Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Prosecution; International and Transnational Gangs.
Abstract
This session provides an examination of the nexus in the relationship between gang organization and terrorist groups. It reviews the commonality in the 44 states which have a criminal code definition of gangs. It also examines the ideological connection between gangs and terrorist organizations. This session provides an examination of what is necessary for a conviction. It examines the elements of the criminal conspiracy. Covers gangs and terrorist groups such as the El Rukns, Muslim Brotherhood, Holy Land Foundation, Hezbollah.
Bio
Michael Coghlan was a certified gang specialist accredited through the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Springfield Police Department. He served as a trainer for gang crime specialist certification. He is a recipient of the Thrasher Award and has provided training throughout the United States for the National Law Enforcement Institute. He coordinated the investigation and prosecution of 24 gang members in a series of conspiracies, solicitation, and offenses including drive-by shootings and gang-related murder.
Here is the link to Video #28: https://vimeo.com/447642362
Length of Video #28: 56 minutes 5 seconds
Video #29:
Session #: (10) “The Use of Drones By Gangs To Smuggle Contraband into Correctional Institutions: Part 1 of 3”, by George Knox, Ph.D. and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Abstract
Gangs and STG’s have a long history in trying to control the smuggling of drugs and cell phones into prisons. The use of drones to smuggle contraband into correctional institutions began in earnest in 2013. That’s when four offenders were arrested in a drone smuggling incident at the Calhoun State Prison in Morgan, Georgia. This is a 3 part series of a narrated power point video presentation. Part 1 covers gang involvement with inmate economic rackets and smuggling contraband, and new FAA regulations. The problem of gangs/STG’s using drones and a detailed historical chronology of examples of prison drone smuggling is provided.
Bios
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
Here is the link to Video #29: https://vimeo.com/486835664
Length of Video #29: 57 minutes 6 seconds
Video #30:
Session #: (30) “The Use of Drones By Gangs To Smuggle Contraband into Correctional Institutions: Part 2 of 3”, by George Knox, Ph.D. and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Abstract
Part 2 in this series provides recent findings from national jail and prison surveys about drones and smuggling. Financial factors are examined with a look at drone incidents in the federal prison system (BOP). An intensive profile analysis is provided for specific drone investigation and prosecution cases — Operation Cellmate (2014-2017) and the Muzzicato case (2019-2020).
Bios
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
Here is the link to Video #30: https://vimeo.com/486849407
Length of Video #30: 1 hour 1 minute 4 seconds
Video #31:
Session #: (51) “The Use of Drones By Gangs To Smuggle Contraband into Correctional Institutions: Part 3 of 3”, by George Knox, Ph.D. and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Abstract
Part 3 provides two more important drone investigation and prosecution case studies — th Kinser case (2018-2020) and the Fort Dix case (2018-2020). The less successful prosecution case involving the 107 Hoover Crips case in the incident at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary is reviewed. Possible covert indicators of drone smuggling are reviewed along with a listing of the most common types of contraband smuggled into prisons. Drone countermeasures and assistance to correctional agencies is discussed. A short 20-question quiz covers the full 3-part training video series.
Bios
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
Here is the link to Video #31: https://vimeo.com/486858859
Length of Video #31: 58 minutes 41 seconds
Video #32:
Session #: (83) “The Proud Boys: A Gang Threat Analysis - Part 1 of 2”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gang Profile Analysis; Domestic Counter-Terrorism; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/proudboysprofile.pdf
Abstract
The Proud Boys history (2016-2021) has been one of recurrent violent criminal behavior. It has many of the features commonly found in gang life (special rules for behavior, initiation rites, secret codes and language, color patterns, symbols, clothing preferences, etc). It is shown that independent gang research has previously detected the presence of the Proud Boys as a gang or STG problem in the 2019 national survey of gang problems in U.S. jails. There are many other established and emerging white racist extremist gangs in the U.S., but the Proud Boys are not known to have established any kind of positive alliance with any of them. It would be more reasonable to predict that if the Proud Boys are imprisoned and ended up side-by-side with other STG’s, especially white racist extremist gangs, that they might be among the first to want to do harm to Proud Boy inmates. The militaristic culture of the Proud Boys is examined as well as the historical issue of gangs having a connection to the White House.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
Here is the link to Video #32: https://vimeo.com/527982525
Length of Video #32: 59 minutes 45 seconds
Video #33:
Session #: (84) “The Proud Boys: A Gang Threat Analysis - Part 2 of 2”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gang Profile Analysis; Domestic Counter-Terrorism; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/proudboysprofile.pdf
Abstract
The analysis takes a brief look at sixteen Proud Boys, most of whom were participants in the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The militaristic culture of the Proud Boys is examined as well as the historical issue of gangs having a connection to the White House. It is concluded that even the oldest gang classification scheme (Thrasher,1927) would define the Proud Boys as a political gang. Little evidence has emerged that the Proud Boys could be defined as a state supported gang. The Proud Boys are more akin to a hybrid or third generation gang. The prediction is that facing overwhelming evidence against them, most Proud Boys facing federal prison for the Capitol attack will plead guilty to reduced charges and the group will disappear into obscurity.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
Here is the link to Video #33: https://vimeo.com/527992007
Length of Video #33: 57 minutes 11 seconds
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Some of the Advantages of the NGCRC’s New Video-Based Gang Training:
1. You have lots of choices, over 30 hours of training content to pick from. You need only log in 24 hours, so you have extra credit training if you want it: you can watch the entire 30+ hours of content. You just get credit for 24 hours. The 24 hours is our normal training time for any level of certification.
2. If you have previously attended NGCRC training, you can use the video-based training system to upgrade your level of certification.
3. Just print off your Evaluation Form from the NGCRC website (https://ngcrc.com/videoevalform.pdf), navigate to the video you want to watch, type in the password we give you, and log in whatever time you spend in the video on your Evaluation Form. Just like in the face-to-face classroom training in Chicago.
Some Q & A About the Video Training Program:
Q: Is there a reduced rate if I just want to take all of the required 24 hours of training through the Video Training Program?
A: No. The Video Training Program is simply provided as an enhancement to the existing classroom based training program. You sign up for either non-certification or certification. There is no reduction in cost if you just want to use the video-based training courses only to complete your 24 hours.
Q: If I just did my full 24 hours through the Video Training Program and did not actually show up in Chicago, would I still be getting what other people get?
A: No way. First, if you don’t show up in Chicago to get your conference ID, you won’t get a goody bag. We do not mail out goody bags to people who do not show up for the conference. You just lose out on a goody bag if you are not physically present to claim it. And with over 100 courses to pick from in the existing classroom curriculum, you have a much better and much more extensive set of training options to pick from if you attend the actual classroom training. If you restrict yourself to video only training, you restrict yourself to only those smaller choices. And one of the most valuable benefits would be forfeited by definition if you did not show up in Chicago: the social networking advantages.
Q: Can I download the videos?
A: No, you can live stream them, watch them one at a time, but you cannot download them. You can watch and re-watch them.
Q: How long do I have to watch the videos and send in my Evaluation Form?
A: Until the official end of the conference (8-4-2022). You can watch the videos as many times as you like. The password for video access expires 8-4-2022. You will not have access to the videos after that expiration date. It is your duty to hand in an evaluation form before you can complete the program. Evaluation forms also need to be handed in on or before 8-3-2022. You need to have a plan to fax or mail the Evaluation Form to the NGCRC so that it is postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before 8-3-2022 (fax to: 708 258-9546, mail to: NGCRC, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468).
Q: Can I effectively watch the videos on a smart phone?
A: No. You need to use a laptop or personal computer, a full screen tablet at a minmum. A smart phone won’t work very well for the purpose of using these training videos. A lot of the videos use powerpoint slides containing significant amounts of narrative information you need to read. You need a PC sized screen, or laptop, anything with a large screen to display the information you need to read.
Q: I plan on actually being in Chicago and actually attending some of the classes, but I also want to complete some classes from the Video-based Training Program, how do I get credit for both?
A. When you first register for the NGCRC 2022 Training Conference, you are sent a password, you can start using it in the Video-Based Training Program anytime you want. Consider printing off the evaluation form the moment you view your first training video, so you can give a rating for that session and indicate the amount of time you spent in that session number on your evaluation form. Just mark it as completed on your evaluation form.
Q: Do I get credit for the time it takes to complete the required or recommended reading for a session?
A: No, you are expected to have to spend time on a reading assignment if it is recommended for a video session.
Q: Do all of the instructors have “tests” or “quizzes” for their sessions?
A: No, that is something the individual instructor may or may not require and it is always made explicit in the session description information. So there are no surprises.
Q: Are the training videos “interactive”, can the student who is watching the video ask the instructor a question during the presentation?
A: No. They are videos. There is nothing socially interactive between the trainee viewing the training session and the trainer who is making the presentation in the training session. Nothing here implies that the instructor has any duty or obligation to interact with the person viewing the video. Nor is this level of direct contact promised in any context other than the direct face-to-face in-classroom training sessions that go on at the physical site of the training conference — the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel, Chicago, IL. If you want to ask a question to the presenter, it will not be possible in the videopage training sessions. Asking a question to the presenter would be possible only in the regular face-to-face classroom based training sessions.
Q: If I complete all of my hours through the Video Training Program, will my certificate of training reflect that it was “video-based”?
A: Yes. There is a big difference in the quality of training and experiences comparing the video-only versus classroom-based training sessions. So if all of your training was completed in the Video Training Program, your certificate will have to reflect that you completed your required hours of training in the Video Training Program.
Q: What if I completed only 8 hours of the Video Training Program, can I still graduate?
A: No, you need to accumulate your 24 hours of video training on or before the end of the scheduled conference to graduate. Your evaluation form is due at the NGCRC on or before 6:00pm, August 3, 2022.
Q: Can I get an extension for the completion of the Video Training Program?
A: No, video access ends when the regular conference ends, 5:00pm, August 3, 2022.
Definition of terms: Where it refers to “Session #”, it is referring to the session number assigned to the sessions as listed at the 2022 official conference website (the courses are listed in two places:
https://ngcrc.com/2022.conference.html
and secondly at: Https://ngcrc.com/courses.html
For a full LISTING OF VIDEO TRAINING SESSIONS go to https://ngcrc.com/videopage.html
NEW FOR 2022: Zoom Sessions
TBA
Zoom Broadcast Session Schedule:
TBA
These zoom sessions are not listed in the regular schedule of events because they are not based in a specific classroom location.
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Remember: your regular evaluation form is given to you when you get your conference I.D. ad "good bag". You use that evaluation form to evaluate classroom based courses and other issues. But if you are seeking credit for any of the Video Page materials, then you need to use the Video Training Page Evaluaion Form --- copy provided below.
For the Video Training Page Evaluation Form --- highlight it with your mouse, copy it (control c) to a new page, print it, complete it, send it in. You can also hand it in along with your regular Evaluation Form at the conference site.
If you want to look at it prior to coming to the conference, the regular evaluation form is located at the website, just print it off: https://ngcrc.com/evaluationform.pdf
You need to take that regular evalution form with you to each and every session you attend. It is sufficient to just use the regular evaluation form to report your sessions attended or videos viewed.
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This is Your Invitation to Attend the August 1-3, 2022 Conference:
It's the conference you cannot afford to miss. In the summer of 2022, the National Gang Crime Research Center will hold its 25th gang training conference in Chicago --- once again bringing together the Nation's top experts on gangs and gang-related issues.
It's the experience you’ve come to expect --- the opportunity to network with law enforcement, corrections, prevention and intervention gang specialists, those working in K-12 Schools, the mental health field, nd private sector professionals from all over the country and abroad.
Once again, the NGCRC will be offering you an enormous variety of choices to craft the education that is most pertinent to you and your jurisdiction.
You'll come away with new insights, the latest intell, and the most effective strategies to combat gangs.
You cannot afford to miss the NGCRC's 25th Gang Specialist Training Conference in Chicago (Summer, 2022).
Don't delay!
There is a registration form for you at www.ngcrc.com/register.html and at the end of this large text file which describes the training conference in great detail.
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Statistical Evaluation Results from the
2020 NGCRC Training Conference:
INTRODUCTION
The 2020 Twenty Third NGCRC Gang Specialist Training Conference was held during August 3-5, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The statistical evaluation results are reported here from the large number of persons attending the conference who provided such evaluation surveys. What this documents is an amazing level of “success” as measured in terms of the satisfaction of those who attended.
The bottom line finding here is that the NGCRC offers training that is consistently rated over time as exceptional in value and quality.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS THOSE WITH AND WITHOUT PRIOR TRAINING ON GANGS
One statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2020 NGCRC training conference reveals the NGCRC attracts those with and without prior training in gangs. The question on the evaluation form was “Have you received training at other gang seminars?“ In fact, for 2020 some 35.1 percent indicated that they had not previously received any training about gangs. Thus, some 64.9 percent of those attending the NGCRC training conference indicated that they had in fact been previously trained on gangs.
So about 1/3 of the attendees in 2020 had no prior training while about two-thirds have had prior training on gangs.
FEW ARGUE WITH THE FACTS: THE NGCRC OFFERS MORE CHOICES THAN ANYONE ELSE
One very powerful statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2020 NGCRC conference relates to the number of choices a person does or does not have in terms of different options for classes to attend. In some training programs there is no choice at all, or few or very limited choices. Some 96.2 percent of those attending the NGCRC 2020 conference reported that “compared to other gang conferences I have attended, the NGCRC had more choices for sessions”. We even offered more choices during the challenging conditions of a pandemic.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS NEW AND REPEAT TRAINEES
The NGCRC 2020 Evaluation Survey asked the trainees whether this was the first time they had attended an NGCRC conference. The question on the evaluation form was, “This is the first time I have ever attended one of the Gang Training Conferences by the NGCRC.” The results indicated that 65.8 percent of those attending the 2020 conference did so for the first time. In other words, just over a third (some 34.2 percent) of those who attended the 2020 conference did in fact have previous training at an official NGCRC training conference.
OVERWHELMING MAJORITY REPORT “BEST GANG TRAINING EVER”
As a testament to the high quality of the training experience at the 2020 NGCRC training conference, another significant statistical result from the evaluation indicated an exceptionally high level of satisfaction with the training. Some 77.1 percent of those attending the conference reported that it was, “in my opinion, the best gang training event I have ever attended.” Such high levels of praise from people all over the USA and abroad are indeed hard to achieve.
ALMOST EVERYONE WANTS TO COME BACK NEXT YEAR
Another measure of the validity of high levels of satisfaction among those attending the NGCRC’’s 2020 conference is found in the results to the question measuring intention to “come back next year”.
The evaluation instrument included the following question: “I would like to attend the 2021 NGCRC 24th International Gang Specialist Training Conference that the National Gang Crime Research Center is currently planning. ___True ___False”.
Some 94.6 percent of those who attended the 2020 conference indicated that they want to attend the 2021 conference as well.
ACHIEVING NETWORKING: A GUARANTEED RESULT AT THE NGCRC CONFERENCE
Three separate evaluation questions addressed the issue of “networking” because this is always an important “added benefit” of any training, and it becomes particularly valuable as a resource when dealing with gang problems.
The first question asked, “Did you meet any new gang specialists that you may be able to network with in the future while you were at this conference”. The results of the evaluation question about whether the participants at the 2020 NGCRC training conference were able to achieve networking showed an astounding 97.3 percent reported that they were able to achieve such networking while at the conference.
The second question sought to establish a baseline for how important the factor of “networking” was to those attending the 2020 NGCRC conference. The second question therefore asked the participants “Was the opportunity to network with other gang specialists something that you wanted to achieve while at this conference?” Here we find that 97.2 percent indicated that networking was an important goal for them at the conference. Based on this, it is safe to say that everyone achieved their goal of networking at the 2020 NGCRC Training Conference.
A number of specialized “networking receptions” were available to anyone who wanted to participate in these events during after hours. These are well planned and well managed events designed to enhance networking among professionals. Thus, a third and final question about networking in the evaluation survey asked, “Did you attend any of the special networking receptions?” Here we find that over two-thirds, some 66.7 percent, attended one or more of these specialized reception events. There were four (4) different social networking receptions available free to attendees at the 2020 NGCRC training conference.
VERY HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF TAKE HOME TRAINING MATERIALS
The rating system used by the NGCRC to evaluate the performance of the trainers and presenters, as well as its own operations, utilizes a “scale” of values from an absolute low value of “zero” to indicate the low extreme of “not satisfied” to an absolute high value of ten (10) to indicate the high extreme of “very satisfied”. Thus, the “score” in such cases is easy to interpret: the higher the score, the higher the level of satisfaction.
The “mean score” is what is used to calculate an overall score for performance. The mean is the arithmetic mean, a measure of central tendency in the data, and it is calculated by means of an SPSS analysis. SPSS is a statistical software package widely used in the social sciences and criminology.
The evaluation form included the following question measuring the quality of materials: “How satisfied were you with the quality of the take home training materials provided to you?”. Each participant is provided with a “take home goody bag” that contains various printed training materials for future use. The results indicated a mean score of 8.55 on a zero to 10 point scale.
A second question asked, “How satisfied were you with the quantity of take home training materials provided to you?” And here again a very high score emerges, a mean value of 8.83 was found for this factor.
MANY WON SOMETHING IN ONE OF THE RAFFLES
There are various raffles at the NGCRC conference, some occur at the networking receptions and some are scheduled through the Operations Center.
The evaluation form asked the conference participants, “Did you win anything in any of the raffles?” The results indicated that almost three-fourths of those who attended, or 74.3 percent of those attending the conference, reported winning something in one of the raffles.
HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH NGCRC STAFF
The evaluation form included the question “How satisfied were you with the staff and volunteers of the National Gang Crime Research Center in terms of making your experience at the training conference a quality time?”. The results indicated a mean score of 9.02 on a scale between zero and ten, again a very high level of satisfaction with the NGCRC staff. The staff provide a number of useful functions to the conference participants, from security to equipment technician support. As we tell our trainers, scoring a 9.02 on a zero to 10 scale is an “A” in anyones book.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS GAVE “HIGH GRADES” TO THE NGCRC AS AN OVERALL EVALUATION RESULT
Finally, another question on the evaluation form asked the 2020 NGCRC conference participants to “Give us your grade for how we did overall in trying to make this conference experience a good one for you. For a final grade, I give this conference an ___A ___B ___C ___D ___F.”
The results indicated that most (72.2%) gave the NGCRC an “A”. An additional 20.8 percent gave the NGCRC a grade of “B”. Thus, 93 percent of the trainees rated the NGCRC training experience as an “A” or “B”, the highest possible grades. Again, from a different way of measuring the same thing (overall training experience), we find additional strong evidence of a high level of satisfaction among persons who attended the conference. A GPA of 3.63 (where 4=A, 3=B, 2=C,1=D,0=F) was the mean score from this analysis. Thus, conference attendees gave the NGCRC an overall grade of “A minus/B Plus” it would appear from the 2020 evaluation results: again, a remarkable achievement.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
These scores and achievements by the NGCRC in its 2020 gang training program were completely in line with previous years except for the COVID-related changes. The NGCRC operated in strict compliance with the COVID-19 restrictions for the classroom based training held in Chicago. All evaluations analyzed here came from those trainees actually attending the Chicago training event held in 2020 at the JW Marriott Hotel. This was the year the NGCRC also developed a video-based training system, where trainees could complete 24-hours of training alone from the remote digital training platform if they wanted to — they would not have been required to be present in the Chicago classrooms or stay at any Chicago hotel as they could have just stayed at home and viewed the NGCRC’s new video-based training program.
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Qualitative Evaluation Results from the 2020 NGCRC Conference: Comments From Those Who Attended the Aug. 3-5, 2020 NGCRC 23rd Gang Training Conference
Comments from those Who Attended the Aug. 3-5, 2020 NGCRC’s 23rd Gang Training Conference:
“The wealth of knowledge and expendables shared by presenters and attendees.” Lt. Tim L. Selvia, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“The variety of classes was great, networking opportunities also great. Covid-19 definitely had an impact on the conference but I think the NGCRC did an excellent job putting on the event with the restrictions they had. Looking forward to next year.” Penny M. Hestand, Crime Analyst, Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville, KY.
“The entire conference was informative, the commitment and efficiency of the NGCRC is impressive and already looking forward to 2021.” Randilynn Rodriguez, Cascade County Attorney’s Office, Great Falls, MT.
“The wealth of knowledge and brilliance of the minds here are priceless. Life is funny ... I am hundreds of miles from home, yet still I find myself surrounded by brothers and sisters.” Kristy Eelbode, Michigan Department of Corrections, Macomb, MI.
“Great environment, quality instructors, and overall quality material. I would highly recommend to all police officers even those not specializing in gang work.” Det. Eric Gizzi, Grand Rapids Police Department, Byron Center, MI.
“NGCRC did a great job adapting to the Covid regulation put upon them. They were still able to provide a quality seminar in the midst of adversity.” Det. James Sutphin, Toledo Police Department, Toledo, OH.
“The diverse experience and wealth of knowledge was amazing.” Jaime Centeno, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL.
“Informative, educational, top quality and top quantity of information to get in such a short period time. Great diversity of topics. The veterans talk was awesome!!” Richard Boling, 3rd J.C. Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Hopkinsville, KY.
“Able to connect with a lot of different agencies. Can’t wait to come back next year.” Jonathan Masi, Danville Police Department, Danville, VA.
“Once again a great training experience. Great presenters and great material. Special thanks to Dr. Knox for making sure the conference happened this year. Look forward to attending next year.” Christopher Calhoun, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office - Jail Division, Noblesville, IN.
“The experience of all of the presenters was exceptional.” Sergio Rivera, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL.
“Presenters have passion for the topics that they teach.” Det. Michael Giannini, Hudson County Prosecutors Office, Jersey City, NJ.
“All of the instructors were incredible. They were very knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to answer any questions. I was able to make great contacts to use in the future. Looking forward to coming back next year.” Kylie Williams, Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center, Noblesville, IN.
“Great content, presenters. The video sessions were very helpful at getting content that I wanted even though presenters were not able to physically be here.” Matthew S. Rupp, York County Probation Department, York, PA.
“Loved all of it.” Sgt. Christopher Felton, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“I loved all of the knowledge I gained from this week.” Det. Shane Fox, Jonesboro Police Department, Jonesboro, AR.
“The ability to obtain information and network.” Chelsea Donnelly, York County Probation Department, York, PA.
“Always good time.” Marc DeShaies, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“A lot of information.” Randy M. Dixon, N’STEP, Spokane, WA.
“It is very informative.” Le’Taxione, N’STEP, Spokane, WA.
“Networking, new techniques obtaining gang information.” Fred Caruso, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL.
“Great Job!! Even with Covid.” Robert David, Danville, VA.
“Very nice staff. Location (Although Westin location is better). Networking.” Bryan Sylvester, Peoria Police Department, Peoria, IL.
“It was my first time at the conference, there was a lot of good information, location was nice, and it was great talking with other departments.” Jeremy Warner, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Clemens, MI.
“I enjoyed the training at this year’s conference. The change in location made a difference too.” Keith Thome, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Clemens, MI.
“Can’t pick just one, everything is good. A lot of knowledge from many different people.” Rayvin Toma, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Clemens, MI.
“I really appreciated the flexibility and adaptability to pull this off given the health and cultural issues surrounding our society.” Michael Rector, Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, Bowling Green, KY.
“Great topics. Learned a lot.” Matthew Davis, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Muncie, IN.
“Great instructors.” Luke Serra, Rock Island Police Department, Rock Island, IL.
“Extremely knowledgeable instructors and class material.” Robert Goins, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL.
“The trainers/presenters presented very informative research for me to share with my department.” Kodie Boyer, Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Albion, IN.
“Great info!” Marlon Pratt, N’STEP, Spokane, WA.
“Great information and presenters.” Emerico Gonzalez, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL.
“The positive attitudes in dealing with the pandemic.” Jimmy Ward, Floyd County Sheriff’s Department, New Albany, IN.
“Tactical Interviewing.” Vincent Calvino, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL.
“Meeting others, seeing their perspectives on gangs in different locations, and the variety of presentations.” Kyle Newcomb, Danville Police Department, Danville, VA.
“That NGCRC was committed to still make this experience happen and brought great trainers.” Ronald B. Waddell Jr., Legendary Legacies, Inc, Worcester, MA.
“There was online courses.” Joy McClain, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL.
“The amount of available materials.” Matthew Bowie, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington, NC.
“Networking. Instructors.” Peter Woodin, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington, NC.
“Learned the information provided, going home well educated.” Marvin Marino Mejia, Delaware Department of Corrections, Georgetown, DE.
“Great networking opportunities.” Gabriel Rodriguez, Legendary Legacies, Inc, Worcester, MA.
“Learned other peoples perspectives and ideas. Also a good networking event.” Tyler Hodges, Peoria Police Department, Peoria, IL.
“It was a wealth of knowledge!!! Great training experience!!!” Melvin Branch, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL.
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THE NGCRC's COVID-19 COMPLIANCE POLICY
As always, the NGCRC will comply to the letter of the law with any existing governmental guidelines regarding COVID-19 if applicable in 2022.
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Statistical Evaluation Results from the
2019 NGCRC Training Conference:
INTRODUCTION
The 2019 Twentieth NGCRC Gang Specialist Training Conference was held during August 5-7, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The statistical evaluation results are reported here from the large number of persons attending the conference who provided such evaluation surveys. What this documents is an amazing level of “success” as measured in terms of the satisfaction of those who attended.
The bottom line finding here is that the NGCRC offers training that is consistently rated as exceptional in value and quality.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS THOSE WITH AND WITHOUT PRIOR TRAINING ON GANGS
One statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2019 NGCRC training conference reveals the NGCRC attracts those with and without prior training in gangs. The question on the evaluation form was “Have you received training at other gang seminars?“ In fact, for 2019 some 44.6 percent indicated that they had not previously received any training about gangs. Thus, some 55.4 percent of those attending the NGCRC training conference indicated that they had in fact been previously trained on gangs.
FEW ARGUE WITH THE FACTS: THE NGCRC OFFERS MORE CHOICES THAN ANYONE ELSE
One very powerful statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2019 NGCRC conference relates to the number of choices a person does or does not have in terms of different options for classes to attend. In some training programs there is no choice at all, or few or very limited choices. Some 97.5 percent of those attending the NGCRC 2019 conference reported that “compared to other gang conferences I have attended, the NGCRC had more choices for sessions”.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS NEW AND REPEAT TRAINEES
The NGCRC 2019 Evaluation Survey asked the trainees whether this was the first time they had attended an NGCRC conference. The question on the evaluation form was, “This is the first time I have ever attended one of the Gang Training Conferences by the NGCRC.” The results indicated that 66.3 percent of those attending the 2019 conference did so for the first time. In other words, just over a third (some 33.7 percent) of those who attended the 2019 conference did in fact have previous training at an official NGCRC training conference.
OVERWHELMING MAJORITY REPORT “BEST GANG TRAINING EVER”
As a testament to the high quality of the training experience at the 2019 NGCRC training conference, another significant statistical result from the evaluation indicated an exceptionally high level of satisfaction with the training. Some 77 percent of those attending the conference reported that it was, “in my opinion, the best gang training event I have ever attended.” Such high levels of praise from people all over the USA and abroad are indeed hard to achieve.
ALMOST EVERYONE WANTS TO COME BACK NEXT YEAR
Another measure of the validity of high levels of satisfaction among those attending the NGCRC’’s 2019 conference is found in the results to the question measuring intention to “come back next year”.
The evaluation instrument included the following question: “I would like to attend the NGCRC’s 23rd International Gang Specialist Training Conference that the National Gang Crime Research Center is currently planning. ___True ___False”.
Some 90 percent of those who attended the 2019 conference indicated that they want to attend the 2020 conference as well.
ACHIEVING NETWORKING: A GUARANTEED RESULT AT THE NGCRC CONFERENCE
Three separate evaluation questions addressed the issue of “networking” because this is always an important “added benefit” of any training, and it becomes particularly valuable as a resource when dealing with gang problems.
The first question asked, “Did you meet any new gang specialists that you may be able to network with in the future while you were at this conference”. The results of the evaluation question about whether the participants at the 2019 NGCRC training conference were able to achieve networking showed an astounding 97.9 percent reported that they were able to achieve such networking while at the conference.
The second question sought to establish a baseline for how important the factor of “networking” was to those attending the 2019 NGCRC conference. The second question therefore asked the participants “Was the opportunity to network with other gang specialists something that you wanted to achieve while at this conference?” Here we find that 92.4 percent indicated that networking was an important goal for them at the conference. Based on this, it is safe to say that everyone achieved their goal of networking at the 2019 NGCRC Training Conference.
A number of specialized “networking receptions” were available to anyone who wanted to participate in these events during after hours. These are well planned and well managed events designed to enhance networking among professionals. Thus, a third and final question about networking in the evaluation survey asked, “Did you attend any of the special networking receptions?” Here we find that over two-thirds, some 59.7 percent, attended one or more of these specialized reception events. There were four (4) different social networking receptions available free to attendees at the 2019 NGCRC training conference.
VERY HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF TAKE HOME TRAINING MATERIALS
The rating system used by the NGCRC to evaluate the performance of the trainers and presenters, as well as its own operations, utilizes a “scale” of values from an absolute low value of “zero” to indicate the low extreme of “not satisfied” to an absolute high value of ten (10) to indicate the high extreme of “very satisfied”. Thus, the “score” in such cases is easy to interpret: the higher the score, the higher the level of satisfaction.
The “mean score” is what is used to calculate an overall score for performance. The mean is the arithmetic mean, a measure of central tendency in the data, and it is calculated by means of an SPSS analysis. SPSS is a statistical software package widely used in the social sciences and criminology.
The evaluation form included the following question measuring the quality of materials: “How satisfied were you with the quality of the take home training materials provided to you?”. Each participant is provided with a “take home goody bag” that contains various printed training materials for future use. The results indicated a mean score of 7.85 on a zero to 10 point scale.
A second question asked, “How satisfied were you with the quantity of take home training materials provided to you?” And here again a very high score emerges, a mean value of 7.98 was found for this factor.
MANY WON SOMETHING IN ONE OF THE RAFFLES
There are various raffles at the NGCRC conference, some occur at the networking receptions and some are scheduled through the Operations Center.
The evaluation form asked the conference participants, “Did you win anything in any of the raffles?” The results indicated that over half of those who attended, or 59.4 percent of those attending the conference, reported winning something in one of the raffles.
OVER A THIRD DID FIELD TRAINING OR BALLGAME
The exit survey question in the evaluation form ask the attendees “did you go on any of the tours, ballgames, or ride-a-longs”? Some 41.3 percent of the attendees, over a third, indicated that in fact they had in face went on a tour, or attended an NGCRC sponsored ballgame event, or a ride-along. At the 2019 conference we did send over 100 persons to the Cubs game, we had two different field training tours, and we arranged ride-a-longs with the CPD gang unit.
HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH NGCRC STAFF
The evaluation form included the question “How satisfied were you with the staff and volunteers of the National Gang Crime Research Center in terms of making your experience at the training conference a quality time?”. The results indicated a mean score of 9.00 on a scale between zero and ten, again a very high level of satisfaction with the NGCRC staff. The staff provide a number of useful functions to the conference participants, from security to equipment technician support.
NGCRC GUESTS OFTEN BRING ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBERS WITH THEM
The NGCRC promises a “family friendly” environment for its conference participants and provided some special features in this regard (e.g., Family ID cards allowing them to take advantage of discounts at restaurants, etc in the area). The evaluation form asked “Did you bring other family members to Chicago this visit?” and the results indicated that 8.7 percent brought one or more other family members with to the conference. There was even a separate question asking attendees to “rate” the hotel, and they gave it very high marks, a mean score of 8.91 on a zero to ten rating scale is a very high level of satisfaction.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS GAVE “HIGH GRADES” TO THE NGCRC AS AN OVERALL EVALUATION RESULT
Finally, another question on the evaluation form asked the 2019 NGCRC conference participants to “Give us your grade for how we did overall in trying to make this conference experience a good one for you. For a final grade, I give this conference an ___A ___B ___C ___D ___F.”
The results indicated that most (62.8%) gave the NGCRC an “A”. An additional 25.9 percent gave the NGCRC a grade of “B”. Thus, 88.7 percent of the trainees rated the NGCRC training experience as an “A” or “B”, the highest possible grades. Again, from a different way of measuring the same thing (overall training experience), we find additional strong evidence of a high level of satisfaction among persons who attended the conference. A GPA of 3.51 (where 4=A, 3=B, 2=C,1=D,0=F) was the mean score from this analysis. Thus, conference attendees gave the NGCRC an overall grade of “A minus/B Plus” it would appear from the 2019 evaluation results: again, a remarkable achievement.
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Quotes from Those Who Attended the NGCRC's 2019 (Aug. 5-7, 2019) Gang Specialist Training Conference in Chicago.
Here are the findings from this aspect of the evaluation. As seen by the many examples, they provide very important feedback about the effectiveness of the training program and levels of satisfaction with different aspects of the conference and its curriculum and speakers/presenters.
“Quality training”. Matt Messer, PCAT Officer, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar Rapids, IA.
“The knowledge and experiences of the presenters and they were very organized”. Jeremy Campbell, K-9 Sgt / STG Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Corrections, Pine Bluff, AR.
“This was a first class training and the best I’ve attended. The accommodations was outstanding. Everyone was very friendly and will to go out of the way to make it a success. The students that volunteered were very professional and polite. Last but not least, the tour to meet brother Raymond was uplifting and outstanding. I will take all I’ve learned to continue to make a difference”. Jimmy Neason, National Youth Advocate Program, Decatur, GA.
“Very informative. Very professional instructors and staff. Will definitely recommend other officers to attend this training in the future. Look forward to coming back”. Christopher Calhoun, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, Jail Division, Noblesville, IN.
“The knowledge gained for me with 20 years of prosecution experience proves you can teach an old dog new tricks”. Michael Tabarrok, Senior District Attorney, Dougherty District Attorney’s Office, Albany, GA.
“Truly a great variety of speakers from prosecutors to academics to law enforcement to victim advocates. I really enjoyed hearing their perspectives. I thought the gang expert testimony class/presenters were exceptional. Sex trafficking presentations also outstanding.” Jeffrey Hawkins, Senior Assistant District Attorney, Clayton County District Attorney’s Office, Jonesboro, GA.
“Being able to network with gang investigators from all over the globe.” Shawn O’Brien, London Police Service, London, Ontario, Canada.
“Learning from experts and fellow members of the field from all across the country and world. I got to meet gang prosecutors from New Your who gave me great insight into how to approach prosecuting gang case. Also, session 50, Her Time, was by far the best presentation at the conference. What more two detectives do is amazing.” Anda Lopazan, Hall County District Attorneys Office, Gainesville, GA.
“Having instructors and individuals From a broad range of backgrounds and careers leads a real world feel to this training. Learning how perceptions differ with the same information is vital to bridging the gap.” Jimmy Ward, Floyd County Sheriff’s Department, New Albany, IN.
“I loved this conference. The material presented, knowledge gained, and connections made makes this conference the gold standard, unparalleled to any other training opportunities.” Jennifer Marie Torp, City of Marietta Police, Marietta, GA.
“The staff, the hotel, the training sessions offered are all top notch. Chicago is an awesome city with lots of options following the training. This was my second year in attendance and I plan to return each time I have the opportunity.” Jerred Adkins, Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center, Columbus, OH.
“The opportunities to learn from and network with specialists nationally and internationally”. Judge Wayne E. Grannis, Cobb County Juvenile Court, Marietta, GA.
“There are a lot of classes to choose from which allows you to cover multiple topics & issues.” Timothy Sims, Gwinett County Police Department, Lawrenceville, GA.
“I learned a lot. It was nice to talk with others in my field who have similar experiences. I like sharing ideas and strategies with other. I loved how religion/faith was incorporated into the conference.” Alysia Mason, Gangs and Disputes Analyst, Rochester Police Department, Rochester, NY.
“Networking with other professionals in the field and learning new ways to help the youth in the gang life styles”. Dwayne Melton, State Training School, Eldora, IA.
“The extra sessions were great to allow a little flexibility in the schedule.” Cor Nieuwland, London Police Service, London, Ontario, Canada.
“Instructors were well educated on their perespective topics”. Calvin Kennon, Comprehensive Life Resources, Tacoma, WA.
“Broad range of classes to choose from and attend.” Det. Chad Jeffries, Pueblo Police Department, Pueblo, CO.
“Excellent speakers who are passionate and knowledge in the field.” Sandy Avelar, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
“Quality of presenters, choice of sessions, and facilities.” Philip J Swift, Marshal, Fort Worth, TX.
“Well organized & good networking opportunities”. Nicholas Minder, Chief of Police, Concord Schools Police Department, Elkhart, IN.
“Enjoyed the variety of sessions & networking opportunities. Extremely valuable information that I will definitely apply to my daily work life. Such as ... training own team, updating curriculum, and informing clients.” Jessica Martinez, Gang Alternatives Program, Wilmington, CA.
“Networking was great. There was a variety of classes on numerous topics to attend.” Christopher Pittman, New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, Trenton, NJ.
“Ability to network with other gang specialists”, Keith J. Thome, Macomb County Sheriff’s, Mt. Clemens, MI.
“I have always sent my staff to this training and this year their were tracks for me as a manager that I felt would take as I look to increase staff on the streets, also bridging the gap with our school district. Lots of work to do maybe they can send a rep with me next year to curb the violence”, Raymond Mayoliz, Pathways to Peace, Rochester, NY.
“The conference was very helpful in that I learned information that I can use to take back to my agency the start of new programs”, Sean M. Audy, Will County Sheriff’s Department, Joliet, IL.
“As law enforcement, I appreciate the opportunity to learn the other side of gang work. The mental health components of gang involved youth is something some law enforcement are not trained in”, Marco A. Ayala
“You guys stayed professional from start to finish”, Meng Lor, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.
“Todd Negola was awesome and very real. He made us think outside the box. I walked away with a lot of new ways of thinking (looking at things). Captain Swift and Grant Smith did a awesome job too!”, Capt. Joanne Clarey, Georgetown County, Georgetown, SC.
“Lots of options in a condensed space and time frame. Great job”, Maria Duffy, U.S. Probation, St. Louis, MO.
“Excellent training as always”, Sgt. Thomas Strausborger, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“Very good training”. Marc Deshaies, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“Experienced instructors with good material”. David Wilkins, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“Networking”. Christopher Hawthorne, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“Very informative. Met a lot of great people. Instructors were very knowledgeable.” Tim Reidy, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Waukegan, IL.
“The ability to network with other professionals from across the country + different agencies.” Summer T. Carney, Department of Justice - U.S. Attorney’s Office, Louisville, KY.
“The breath of knowledge I picked up was tremendous.” Luis Salinas, Houston Community College, Houston, TX.
“The experience that the trainers have. Instructor Todd Negola stood out the most. Mr. Negola was very level headed, real + personal.” Clarence O’Neal, Palos Hills Police Department, Palos Hills, IL.
“Networking-good mix of attendees”. Debbie Kays, Branchy Manager, Kentucky Department of Corrections, Frankfort, KY.
“The class selection was very nice. The selections allowed you to have a wide variety of choices to choose from”. Agent Clinton Denson, Cobb County Police Department, Ball Ground, GA.
“Learned so much”. Roberto Diaz, Worcester Youth Center, Worcester, MA.
“Meeting other people. Hearing about their work. Networking”. Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Edge Hill University, England, United Kingdom.
“Networking”. Det. Bradley J. Beckham, Louisville Police Department, Louisville, KY.
“Working with coworkers as one. Meeting the OG at Cabrini Green. This experience was life changing in the way I view things.” Eduardo Pagan, Outreach Program Manager, Friendly House, Inc, Worcester, MA.
“Wide variety of topics and classes to keep you interested all the time.” Patrick Carley, Danville Police Department, Danville, IL.
“The diverse classes/choices .... so many options”. Gary Hensler, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“The networking”. Det. Travis Holmes, Syracuse Police Department, Syracuse, NY.
“Networking, learning to other agencies do the same type of work”. Det. Mamoun Abraham, Syracuse Police Department, Syracuse, NY.
“A lot of good networking, good contacts: wish it was a full week!” Armandena Boyk, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Waukegan, IL.
“Great class lists/good choices/having the Christian gang specialist reception. The ability to see & hear other Christians in this field was great to see.” Nathan Gregory, Polk County Sheriffs Department, Des Moines, IA.
“All the classes were presented well and very informative”. Robert T. David, City of Danville, Danville, VA.
“Freedom to chose sessions was a cool system.” Chris Cushenbery, Minneapolis Police Department, Minneapolis, MN.
“Training-Todd Negola. Experience-Tour at Cook County Juvenile Center. Dep. Director was great!”, Andrea K Jones, Superintendent, Franklin County Juvenile Detention Facility, Columbus, OH.
“I especially enjoy the wide variety of sessions offered by the conference.” Edwin Lee, Jr., New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, Trenton, NJ.
“I like the different tracks & options.” Sgt. Chris Cavera, Will County Sheriff’s Department, Joliet, IL.
“Large amount of options for classes and good instructors”. William Lind, Quad Cities Federal Gang Task Force, Moline, IL.
“Variety of city and states gang intel and solutions. Friendly people, great experience, educated and knowledgeable teachers.” Dante Brown, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Waukegan, IL.
“Networking. Diverse Learning base. A lot of options”. Tanner Lewandowsky, Lansing Police Department, Lansing, MI.
“Many options to pick what classes you want for your needs.” Sgt. Oswaldo Hernandez, Kent County Sheriffs Department, Grand Rapids, MI.
“Excellent Selection and variety of classes. Well Organized and easy to move between classes easily”. Lee McWhorter, Norman Police Department, Norman, OK.
“The best thing about the conference is the way instructors interact with the participants”. Capt. Ney M. Hidalgo, Peumansend Creek Regional Jail, Caroline Detention Facility, Bowling Green, VA.
“Presenters, speakers and trainers did very well.” Det. Teddy Roque, Hudson County Prosecutors Office, Jersey City, NJ.
“A lot of valuable information was given through out the conference”. Sgt. Thomas Newland, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Belvidere, IL.
“Great presenters”. Daniel F. Marmolejo, San Bernadino Superitendent of Schools, San Bernadino, CA.
“Learning new information.” Jennifer Siwieck, U.S. Probation Office, St. Louis, MO.
“The conference was awesome!” Ezell Smith, Cook County Temporary Juvenile Detention Center, Chicago, IL.
“Liked all the opportunities to meet w/ people from many different places. Great networking opportunities like baseball game. Enjoyed all different topics. Great opportunity to hear state and fed laws.” Michelle Goldstein, Queens District Attorneys Office, Kew Gardens, NY.
“The staff is great and provide great access to any information you may need.” Lt. William Loescher, Puyallup Tribe Police Department, Tacoma, WA.
“I love that there are so may sessions, instead of every one being crammed into one room for 3 days. I also like the classes that are scheduled outside of traditional 8-5.” Curtis W Hedgepeth, Instructor, NCPDS - Office of Staff Development and Training, Apex, NC.
“I did get many new ideas and training tools”. Joseph Forgue, Gang Investigator, Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Cranston, RI.
“Variety of choices of classes To choose from. The registration room was easy and the snacks were appreciated”. Shawn Sheckard, York County Prison, York, PA.
“The ability to compare notes with experts from different jurisdictions is very valuable to me.” Scott Halperin, Cobb County Juvenile Court, Marietta, GA.
“A lot of info! Great panel w/ former gang members”. Israel Echevarria Cazares, Washington County Juvenile Department, Hillsboro, OR.
“Networking”. Federico Leon, Washington County Juvenile Department, Hillsboro, OR.
“Staff, facility, vast amounts of knowledge, hospitality, ride along with CPD. Presenter Mulvaney was amazing! He did an amazing job at every session I attended”. Jordan Molnar, Corrections Officer, Lenawee County Sheriffs Office, Adrian, MI.
“All the knowledge from the presenters and how organized everything was.” Jacob Higgins, K-9 Sgt / STG Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Corrections, Pine Bluff, AR.
“The facility was fantastic. The overall experience in reference to the above question on the second and third days were very good. Overall grade would have been an A. Thank you!” Det. James Sutphin, Toledo Police Department, Toledo, OH.
“Quantity of classes provided.” Austin Mudd, Corrections Officer, Lenawee County Sheriffs Office, Adrian, MI.
“The best thing I can say about my experience at this conference was that the presenters were very knowledgeable and put on well prepared presentations. I love Todd Negola’s presentations. He always has great information that is presented in a way that keeps your interest.” Kodie D. Boyer, Noble County Sheriffs Department, Albion, IN.
“Offered a variety of classes”. James Pettit, Senior Trooper, Maryland State Police, North East, MD.
“Numerous courses to choose from”. Michael Porta, Maryland State Police, Salisbury, MD.
“The conference was excellent! Had a great time! Love meeting all the people!” Andy Polas, Portland Police Department, Portland, OR.
“I enjoyed the large number of different class options and topics.” Patrick Murphy, Portland Police Department, Portland, OR.
“Great classes and met some great people”. Jerry Ables, Portland Police Department, Portland, OR.
“Well organized. Enjoyed Conference”. Paul Reynolds, City of Marietta Police Department, Marietta, GA.
“Everyone was so informative and accessible”. Monica Rhodes, NOA Counseling, Hopkinsville, KY.
“Very good sessions.” Natascha Jensen, Koege Kommune, Denmark.
“High quality speakers and diversity”. Stine Lukowski, Koege Kommune, Denmark.
“Always excellent classes”. Kevin Kreuser, Cook County Juvenile Probation, Chicago, IL.
“Well put together”. Earnest Wallace, DuPage County Probation, Wheaton, IL.
“Great contacts + networking. Having academics + investigators together. Great info. Important updates + information relevant to my job. Vet reception and Cabrini Green trip were a huge bonus.” Det. Jeremy Mathews, Pueblo Police Department, Pueblo, CO.
“I thought the presenters + support staff were outstanding-sign them to a 10-year contract!” Christopher Claramunt, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa, OK.
“I really liked all the choices in classes. Lots of variety.” Tim Wilson, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa, OK.
“Allowing us to be accountable for our own time, as we are all adults. Phenomenal networking opportunities.” Richard Shanas, Evanston Police Department, Evanston, IL.
“All staff was friendly and professional.” Deputy Erik Merklin, Washington County Sheriffs Office, Hillsboro, OR.
“Flexibility in classes is great, being able to attend part of a class or switch between.” Christopher Tortorello, Evanston Police Department, Evanston, IL.
“I made connections with a nearby investigator and prosecutor who presented and we are going to meet in the future to get tips on how to prosecute gang statutes. Todd Negola is always a great presenter even though I’ve heard him talk on the same topic before. I always get something from his class.” Steven J. Stechschulte, Lima Police Department, Lima, OH.
“The Her Time presentation was great and showed a different perspective of looking at the female associates. El Savador presenter was great. Liked psychologists speaking about criminal minds”. Det. Eric Goetz, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Phoenix, AZ.
“Very organized friendly & accommodating staff welcoming environment.” Kayla Sexton, NOA Counseling, Paintsville, KY.
“Variety of presentations.” Anisha Parhar, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
“Todd Negola was the best teacher!” Clarissa Escalante , Comprehensive Life Resources, Tacoma, WA.
“There were plenty of classes to choose from. All the presenters knew their material. The staff was Great! Thank you.” James Mellow, Gwinett County Police Department, Lawrenceville, GA.
“The opportunity to meet with, and speak to, other people from the criminal justice field is invaluable. Having speakers who are practitioners and academics really helps to make it authentic and valuable”. Dr. Andy Bain,
“The organization, the staff, the volunteers and the documents. Bravo! Keep doing the good job”. Det. Charisse Orman, Intelligence Officer (Dutch Police), Waaigat, Willemstad, Curacao.
“The conference provided great across the board training that applies to all levels of gang prevention, suppression, prosecution and enforcement”. Sharon Mashburn, Probation Supervisor - Gang Unit, Cobb County Juvenile Court, Marietta, GA.
“Meeting others in this field and learning from their experiences and perspectives”. Yoshada Kwaning, Worcester Youth Center, Worcester, MA.
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Statistical Evaluation Results from the
2018 NGCRC Training Conference:
INTRODUCTION
The 2018 Twentieth International NGCRC Gang Specialist Training Conference was held during August 6-8, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The statistical evaluation results are reported here from the large number of persons attending the conference who provided such evaluation surveys. What this documents is an amazing level of “success” as measured in terms of the satisfaction of those who attended.
The bottom line finding here is that the NGCRC offers training that is consistently rated as exceptional in value and quality.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS THOSE WITH AND WITHOUT PRIOR TRAINING ON GANGS
One statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2018 NGCRC training conference reveals the NGCRC attracts those with and without prior training in gangs. The question on the evaluation form was “Have you received training at other gang seminars?“ In fact, for 2018 some 46.2 percent indicated that they had not previously received any training about gangs. Thus, some 53.8 percent of those attending the NGCRC training conference indicated that they had in fact been previously trained on gangs.
FEW ARGUE WITH THE FACTS: THE NGCRC OFFERS MORE CHOICES THAN ANYONE ELSE
One very powerful statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2018 NGCRC conference relates to the number of choices a person does or does not have in terms of different options for classes to attend. In some training programs there is no choice at all, or few or very limited choices. Some 98.9 percent of those attending the NGCRC 2018 conference reported that “compared to other gang conferences I have attended, the NGCRC had more choices for sessions”.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS NEW AND REPEAT TRAINEES
The NGCRC 2018 Evaluation Survey asked the trainees whether this was the first time they had attended an NGCRC conference. The question on the evaluation form was, “This is the first time I have ever attended one of the Gang Training Conferences by the NGCRC.” The results indicated that 62.4 percent of those attending the 2018 conference did so for the first time. In other words, just over a third (some 37.6 percent) of those who attended the 2018 conference did in fact have previous training at an official NGCRC training conference.
OVERWHELMING MAJORITY REPORT “BEST GANG TRAINING EVER”
As a testament to the high quality of the training experience at the 2018 NGCRC training conference, another significant statistical result from the evaluation indicated an exceptionally high level of satisfaction with the training. Some 84.2 percent of those attending the conference reported that it was, “in my opinion, the best gang training event I have ever attended.” Such high levels of praise from people all over the USA and abroad are indeed hard to achieve.
ALMOST EVERYONE WANTS TO COME BACK NEXT YEAR
Another measure of the validity of high levels of satisfaction among those attending the NGCRC’’s 2018 conference is found in the results to the question measuring intention to “come back next year”.
The evaluation instrument included the following question: “I would like to attend the NGCRC’s 22nd International Gang Specialist Training Conference that the National Gang Crime Research Center is currently planning. ___True ___False”.
Some 94.6 percent of those who attended the 2018 conference indicated that they want to attend the next conference as well.
ACHIEVING NETWORKING: A GUARANTEED RESULT AT THE NGCRC CONFERENCE
Three separate evaluation questions addressed the issue of “networking” because this is always an important “added benefit” of any training, and it becomes particularly valuable as a resource when dealing with gang problems.
The first question asked, “Did you meet any new gang specialists that you may be able to network with in the future while you were at this conference”. The results of the evaluation question about whether the participants at the 2018 NGCRC training conference were able to achieve networking showed an astounding 96.0 percent reported that they were able to achieve such networking while at the conference.
The second question sought to establish a baseline for how important the factor of “networking” was to those attending the 2018 NGCRC conference. The second question therefore asked the participants “Was the opportunity to network with other gang specialists something that you wanted to achieve while at this conference?” Here we find that 94.0 percent indicated that networking was an important goal for them at the conference. Based on this, it is safe to say that everyone achieved their goal of networking at the 2018 NGCRC Training Conference.
A number of specialized “networking receptions” were available to anyone who wanted to participate in these events during after hours. These are well planned and well managed events designed to enhance networking among professionals. Thus, a third and final question about networking in the evaluation survey asked, “Did you attend any of the special networking receptions?” Here we find that over two-thirds, some 65.4 percent, attended one or more of these specialized reception events.
VERY HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF TAKE HOME TRAINING MATERIALS
The rating system used by the NGCRC to evaluate the performance of the trainers and presenters, as well as its own operations, utilizes a “scale” of values from an absolute low value of “zero” to indicate the low extreme of “not satisfied” to an absolute high value of ten (10) to indicate the high extreme of “very satisfied”. Thus, the “score” in such cases is easy to interpret: the higher the score, the higher the level of satisfaction.
The “mean score” is what is used to calculate an overall score for performance. The mean is the arithmetic mean, a measure of central tendency in the data, and it is calculated by means of an SPSS analysis. SPSS is a statistical software package widely used in the social sciences and criminology.
The evaluation form included the following question measuring the quality of materials: “How satisfied were you with the quality of the take home training materials provided to you?”. Each participant is provided with a “take home goody bag” that contains various printed training materials for future use. The results indicated a mean score of 7.84 on a zero to 10 point scale.
A second question asked, “How satisfied were you with the quantity of take home training materials provided to you?” And here again a very high score emerges, a mean value of 8.21 was found for this factor.
MANY WON SOMETHING IN ONE OF THE RAFFLES
There are various raffles at the NGCRC conference, some occur at the networking receptions and some are scheduled through the Operations Center.
The evaluation form asked the conference participants, “Did you win anything in any of the raffles?” The results indicated that over half of those who attended, or 55.3 percent of those attending the conference, reported winning something in one of the raffles.
OVER A THIRD DID FIELD TRAINING OR BALLGAME
The exit survey question in the evaluation form ask the attendees “did you go on any of the tours, ballgames, or ride-a-longs”? Some 44.4 percent of the attendees, over a third, indicated that in fact they had in face went on a tour, or attended an NGCRC sponsored ballgame event, or a ride-along.
HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH NGCRC STAFF
The evaluation form included the question “How satisfied were you with the staff and volunteers of the National Gang Crime Research Center in terms of making your experience at the training conference a quality time?”. The results indicated a mean score of 8.87 on a scale between zero and ten, again a very high level of satisfaction with the NGCRC staff. The staff provide a number of useful functions to the conference participants, from security to equipment technician support.
NGCRC GUESTS OFTEN BRING ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBERS WITH THEM
The NGCRC promises a “family friendly” environment for its conference participants and provided some special features in this regard (e.g., Family ID cards allowing them to take advantage of discounts at restaurants, etc in the area). The evaluation form asked “Did you bring other family members to Chicago this visit?” and the results indicated that 9.6 percent brought one or more other family members with to the conference. There was even a separate question asking attendees to “rate” the hotel, and they gave it very high marks, a mean score of 8.91 on a zero to ten rating scale is a very high level of satisfaction.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS GAVE “HIGH GRADES” TO THE NGCRC AS AN OVERALL EVALUATION RESULT
Finally, another question on the evaluation form asked the 2018 NGCRC conference participants to “Give us your grade for how we did overall in trying to make this conference experience a good one for you. For a final grade, I give this conference an ___A ___B ___C ___D ___F.”
The results indicated that most (59.5%) gave the NGCRC an “A”. An additional 33.6 percent gave the NGCRC a grade of “B”. Thus, 93.1 percent of the trainees rated the NGCRC training experience as an “A” or “B”, the highest possible grades. Again, from a different way of measuring the same thing (overall training experience), we find additional strong evidence of a high level of satisfaction among persons who attended the conference. A GPA of 3.51 (where 4=A, 3=B, 2=C,1=D,0=F) was the mean score from this analysis. Thus, conference the 2018 attendees gave the NGCRC an overall grade of “A minus/B Plus” it would appear from the 2018 evaluation results: again, a remarkable achievement.
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Quotes from Those Who Attended the NGCRC's 2018 (Aug. 6-8, 2018) International Gang Specialist Training Conference in Chicago.
Here are the findings from this aspect of the evaluation. As seen by the many examples, they provide very important feedback about the effectiveness of the training program and levels of satisfaction with different aspects of the conference and its curriculum and speakers/presenters.
“I appreciated the level of expertise and the variety of backgrounds of the presenters (law enforcement, academics, faith based, social services etc.) The presenters were well prepared & professional in their presentations.” Rev. Clifford Parks, Peoria, IL.
“Best conference I attended all year. I would give up every other conference every year to guarantee I can come to this one. Very informative, interesting, and relatable to my job.” Bobbi Kelso, Senior Supervisor, Abraxas Youth Center, South Mountain, PA.
“This conference was spectacular. The sheer amount of individuals, all gathered in one place for the purpose of understanding gang-related issues involved in law enforcement investigations was, and is inspiring.” Jennifer Marie Torp, Marietta Police Department, Marietta, GA.
“This by far is the best gang and networking conference that I have been to. I’ve instructed gang awareness for over 15 years, I learn something every time I attend. The relationships are one of the best things also about the conference, see you next year” Roger L. Rice Jr., Department of Juvenile Services, Parkville, MD.
“The level of experience and knowledge of speakers was off the charts. I wish I could’ve gone to all classes offered, I just kept wanting more. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and expand my knowledge!” Jennifer De Mey, Probation Officer, Colorado Springs, CO.
“This is the best training conference I have ever attended in my 21 years in this profession. Great instructors, great class choices, great people!!” Heather Pickett, Classification Sergeant, Sherburne County Jail, Elk River, MN.
“Excellent presenters and coursers. Some of the best training a gang investigator can attend. Kimball Murdock is one of the best presenters here.” Stephen Stollar, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Carrollton, GA.
“The experience of presenters, the general diversity of the topics, facilitation of re-invigorating people who may be getting jaded about the topics given the # of years they’ve been doing the work” Christine Washburn, Chief Trial Deputy District Attorney, Denver District Attorney’s Office, Denver, CO.
“There is no one thing that can be identified as the best thing about the conference. Stand outs professionalism of staff, great ambience of training, deep content and well-researched, knowledgeable factors. This is my second time at this conference at it just gets better and better.” Wendell Codrington Wallace, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad.
“It was an amazing first experience. Great speakers, topics and trainees. The ball game was also a great treat. Will remember this forever and can’t wait to use the tools and knowledge I have learned!” Gurpreet Sidhu, Abbotsford Community Awareness Team, Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
“Some of the trainers/presenters (such as Dr. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., James Anderson & Dr. Philip Swift) were outstanding!! They made complex topics very understandable and very applicable to my work. I’d love to take additional classes from them.” Marco Monteblanco, Sr. Juvenile Counselor, Washington County Juvenile Department, Hillsboro, OR.
“Amazing content. Well worth it!” Shawanna Kendrick, Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office, Chattanooga, TN.
“I’m absolutely impressed, satisfied, with this conference. My learning experience was challenged but I was able to see a new perspective about my work.” Flor J. Orellana, UCSF Iwraparound, San Francisco, CA.
The flexibility to choose what topic you would like to attend.” Jeff Koch, Montgomery County Detective Bureau, Norristown, PA.
“There was not one class which did not keep me intrigued” “Session 16 should be used at every conference/police academy FANTASTIC” Simo Reinovich, South St. Paul, MN.
“Great combination of Law Enforcement and Community Facilitators in sharing their roles in gang prevention and intervention.” Pastor Martin Johnson, Peoria, IL.
“Many options on speakers” Brett Keag, Officer, Plainfield Police Department, Plainfield, IL.
“Snacks”, “Location of training”, and “Variety of trainers” Stacy Caudill, DuPage County Probation, Wheaton, IL
“Opportunity to connect with others.” Det. Sandy Avelar, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
“It was wonderful!”, “Thank you” Tammy Krueger, DuPage County Probation, Wheaton, IL.
“The trainers, material, staff and participants made this conference a top notch experience. I was very pleased with my overall experience at this conference.” Jennifer Safford-Farquharson, Youth and Gang Violence Projects Coordinator, Clark University, Worcester, MA.
“Really enjoy the selection/choices of classes offered” Jill Wells, Department of Juvenile Justice, Deland, FL.
“Network, variety of classes quality of speakers” Stine Lukowski, Project Manager, Koege Kommune, Koege, Denmark.
“Amount of training offered” Kelly W. Roberts, Topeka Public Schools Police, Topeka, KS.
“Learned a lot” Debra Cavanagh, Central Coalition of Good Neighbors, Central Islip, NY.
“I absolutely loved the Christian reception. I felt like I was with family and was proud to share my faith!” and “PS: Thanks for having it at the Westin!” Jenise Lucas, Winnebago County Juvenile Probation, Rockford, IL.
“Presenter topics and the wide array of topics” Steven Braun, Winnebago County Juvenile Probation, Rockford, IL.
“I have been to other gang conferences and I am relieved to finally be to one that discusses recent research and also humanizes work. Best experience I have ever had.” Susie Estrada, Salt Lake City, UT.
“excellent variety to satisfy your interests & professional development. Very good speakers/presenters with diverse backgrounds.” David Payette, London Police Service, London, Ontario, Canada.
“Very qualified instructors, confirmed some of own thoughts about membership numbers. The connection(s) to terrorism and rise of 2nd and 3rd gen. Gangs was eye opening and worrying. Instructors willing to listen to anyone in the room.” Roy Keyes, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Bentonville, AR.
“Variety of topics and presenters was surprisingly awesome.” Clinton Wirtz, Juvenile Justice Trainer, MDHHS, Lansing, MI.
“I was very surprised to learn about juggalos. I had no idea they existed and I did not know much about hybrid gangs. The presenter was also very knowledgeable and passionate about his research.” Maritza Almonte, USPO, U.S. Probation Southern District of NY, New York, NY.
“I learned a multitude of useful information that will be helpful within my future career as a law enforcement officer.” Rebecca Okerstrom, Coon Rapids, MN.
“The size of the conference and layout was great. It allowed for networking opportunities.” Cammeron Woodyard, Camelot Education, Harrisburg, PA.
“The quantity and quality of the conference material and those that lead the courses.”, “Opened my eyes to the true ways of gangs in my world.” Sean T. Dull, Midland County Sheriff’s Office, Midland, MI.
“The conference was a great learning experience. I will be using the knowledge I learned at my organization.” Manpreet Kaur Sarai, Abbotsford Community Awareness Team, Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
“The information and networking is the best thing about this training.” Adam Walser, Midland County Sheriff’s Office, Midland, MI.
“Being able to talk with and get new ideas from other people working in the sam field as me.” Leah Price, Youth Development, Abraxas Youth Center, South Mountain, PA.
“It was a great experience. Extremely knowledgeable speakers. The staff were efficient and ran everything smoothly. And all were very friendly and helpful.” Susan Coufman, Department of Juvenile Justice, Titusville, FL.
“This conference was very well presented and the flow from session to session was great.” Sean M. Audy, Will County Sheriff’s Office, Joliet, IL.
“The infield training and exposure to actual gang member was prenominal”, “J.R. should be brought to the conference to speak” Ryan Brandon, Intel Analyst, Michigan State Police, Flint, MI.
“Session 113 was the best presentation I attended. He needs a better time slot for next year. The venue was great. Would have loved a ride along with Chicago PD.” Brent Barnhart, Officer, Tulsa Police Department, Tusla, OK.
“I love the variety of topics available and the networking opportunities.” William K. Murdock, Detective, Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta, GA.
“The depth of knowledge and experience of presenters.” Brock Pohl, Northwest Indian Treatment Center, Squaxin Island Tribe, Elma, WA.
“I appreciated Dr. Keiron McConnel he is amazing w/great information.”, “Rosia Julia Garcia Rivera is amazing! She gave the best information.” Sonja Ibabao, Squaxin Island Tribe, NWITC, Elma, WA.
“I always enjoy Carter Smith and Todd Negola. Even I already knew info I like to pay attention to how they present. My style is very similar so I like to pick up new approaches from them. Also, I did pick up 2 or 3 things I plan to use to apply to my gang investigations and prosecutions.” Steven J. Stechschuete, Jr., Lima Police Department, Lima, OH.
“Everyone was friendly. Very helpful.” Nikki Wilkerson, Teachers Aide, Abraxas Youth Center, South Mountain, PA.
“The facility (Westin) was excellent. Additionally, the wide variety of courses bolstered my knowledge.” Godwin Ogunmefun, USPO, U.S. Probation Southern District of NY, New York, NY.
“Good professional workshops!” Natascha Jensen, Social Worker, Koege Kommune, Koege, Denmark.
“A fantastic opportunity to meet and network with people from different lines of work, all relating to gangs.” Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Edge Hill University, Salford, England.
“The variety of sessions - not only the quantity, but the topic areas covered. For me personally, this is money well spent.” Dr. Andy Bain, University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH.
“Over great experience. I would love to attend future sessions. The presenters displayed a very positive attitude!” Brian Alvarado, U.S. Probation Office, Miami, FL.
“Many different types of individuals are passionate about preventing gangs, etc...” Roberto Garcia, U.S. Probation Office, Miami, FL.
“Certification, Networking, A variety of instructors, Location, and Excellent Moderators” Yvette Corbett-Bride, Central Islip School District, Huntington, NY.
“I was able to hear professionals who have worked/or still working in the field dealing with gangs It was an awesome experience. I have to get my law enforcement, JPPS, and all other agencies in my area to come to the conference next year.” Annjannette Turner, National Youth Advocate Program, Augusta, GA.
“The ability to network was incredible!, Recognizing and honoring religion, law enforcement, vets and interventions was appreciated.” Dr. Michelle Baker, VETTS, Inc, New Haven, CT.
“Variety of relevant topics, excellent presenters and outstanding networking opportunities whichd will enable to return and be more effective in my Community Corrections role. Negola is simply an outstanding presenter!” Jay L. Holmes, Sedgwick County Division of Corrections, Wichita, KS.
“I like how there was a global lens focus on the class I attend because the ideas of gangs is not one country, but effects the whole world” Ga Brina R. Cornelious, St. Cloud, MN.
“As Law Enforcement I value the opportunity to network with non-law enforcement. This allows me to learn and understand their roles in gang suppression and prevention.” Marco A. Ayala, detective, Lawrence Police Department, Lawrence, MA.
“Patron Saints training & Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton” Frederick Gray, Federal Probation and Pretrial Academy, Charleston, SC.
“Al the classes were very informative and very interesting. I always learned something new when attending a class.” Nayarit Romero, Chicago, IL.
“Great experience to use in the future and use for my community. It’s my 2nd year participating and I have enjoyed both years.” Adilene Bahena, Chicago, IL.
“The ability to have multiple certificate/training options all in one conference.” Shawn O’Brien, London Police Service, London, Ontario, Canada.
“The networking with multiple different police departments” Stephen Oldenburger, Patrol Officer, Freeport Police Department, Freeport, IL.
“I believe the instructors gave a lot of great knowledge, experience, and procuedures that will be beneficial when dealing with gang activity and gang members.” Kodie Boyer, Noble County Sheriffs Department, Albion, IN.
“I like that the classes were an hour long. It’s nice to have different options. Sometimes being in a class for long periods of time learning about the same thing is over kill or a bit too much.” Chrissy M. Vaughan, Senior Analyst, Indiana HIDTA, Crown Point, IN.
“I learned new information & made potential networking opportunities/connections in the field of gang crime.” Brock Price, Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office, Van Buren, AR.
“Training and ride along w/ Chicago PD Gang Officers.” Sgt. Jeff Morefield, Edmond Police Department, Edmond, OK.
“Again, this is must training from LE/Probation/Parole/Program members. The Gold Standard that no other training program can compare to! Best in the country/world” Robert Fuller, Detective, Retired Denver DA / Charter Comm., Denver, CO.
“Everything was done very well” Jose Ramos Jr, Fresh Start, Worcester, MA.
“I have to say networking is the best part about this training as well as the information.” Damian Alexis, Youth Intervention Aide, Pathways to Peace, Rochester, NY.
“Networking and taking back new ideas” Jason Pimentel, Department of Juvenile Justice, Ocala, FL.
“The Tour and the presenter @ the tour (JR)” DuVone Mitchell, Fresh Start, Worcester, MA.
“The knowledge shared at the conference allows you to have various insight fro professionals who have many different experiences in the field of gangs. I found the connections and outreach invaluable in moving forward in my career.” Kristi Bender, Probation, Lincoln, NE.
“I met many passionate individuals that will help me better my interactions with my youth.” Jessica Olsen-Hoek, Prevention Director, Youth Enrichment Services, West Islip, NY.
“Every presenter was very knowledgeable. Everyone was approachable and helpful, even during seminars I rated poorly.” Mary Beth Harmon, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinic Director, Youth Enrichment Services, West Islip, NY.
“The trainers were very knowledgeable, prepared and presented well.” Audrey P. McGhee, Department of Juvenile Justice, St. Pete., FL.
“The information was awesome, facilitators were very knowledgeable, and the staff was very accommodating.” Kevin A. Perry, City of Knoxville Community Relations Department, Knoxville, TN.
“The fact that there were so many different people from so many different places was so good for me.” Jesse De La Cruz, Fresh Start, Stockton, CA.
“Very Informational” Allen Mitchell, New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, Trenton, NJ.
“The selection of topics and presentations is a great asset to this conference.” Christopher Cavera, Will County Sheriff’s Department, Joliet, IL.
“Numerous training times and options.” Jennifer Siwiecki, U.S. Probation Officer, U.S. Probation Office, St. Louis, MO.
“All The Classes!” Eddie Savage, Task Force Officer - FBI Safe Streets, Waterloo Police Dept., Waterloo, IA.
“Very insightful and we are moving forward to help one another to deal with the epidemic of gangs” William Rodriguez, Lawrence Family Development, Lawrence, MA.
“I was treated well, was able to network with agencies from different states.” Stephanie Quezada, Lawrence Family Development, Lawrence, MA.
“Being able to network” Osiris Gomez, Lawrence Family Development, Lawrence, MA.
“Everything” Dr. John Rodriguez, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX.
“I learned a lot and learned new ideas that will help me in policing” Trevis Coleman, Worcester Police Department, Worcester, MA.
“Having people from all over is great” Brendon Tivnan, Worcester Police Department, Worcester, MA.
“Every workshop was extremely informative, valuable and educational” Carolyn Baez, Director of Programs, Youth Enrichment Services, West Islip, NY.
“The amount of classes offered” Evan Wigley, Corrections Officer/Gang Unit, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Elkhart, IN.
“Chicago was a great city to hold the conference.” Matthew “Korey” Milo, State’s Attorney’s Office, Jacksonville, FL.
“The speakers here were very knowledgeable and networking opportunities were tremendous. I was especially impressed with all the speakers who presented on international gang issues.” Anthony Franks, Assistant United States Attorney, St. Louis, MO.
“Easy to get to classes, variety of topics.” Natalie Karpac, United States Probation Officer, Detroit, MI.
“Number of training course options” Steve Young, Detective, Decatur Police Department, Decatur, IL.
“There were several great presentation this week. I specifically liked the presentations by Todd Negola! Very informative and interesting presenters.” Jerred Adkins, Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center, Columbus, OH.
“Another year of great information, instructors and networking opportunities.” Jeff Caskey, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, DesMoines, IA.
“Several presenters were extremely dynamic and did a great job. I really enjoyed the wide variety of courses, subjects, and presenters. The wide variety gave the opportunity to learn things that I may not have gotten at a different conference.” Thomas L. Mangan, State’s Attorney’s Office, Jacksonville, FL.
“A lot of good instructors with varied backgrounds/experience” Sean Johnston, Peoria Police Department, Peoria, IL.
“Amount of Classes” Aaron Watkins, Peoria Police Department, Peoria, IL.
“The friendly environment and solid content” Ryan Clancy, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the different classes that I was able to pick out to attend. The instructors were on mark and they were very knowledgeable about their subject matter.” Wheeler Brent Patterson, Criminal Investigator, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Huntsville, AL.
“Everything was great” Monica Lofton, City of Dayton Human Relations Council, Dayton, OH.
“Always appreciate the opportunity to meet new gang instructors” Thomas Strausborger, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“The really good information, and getting to network with other people who do what you are doing” Lorenzo Streeter, Youth Intervention Specialist, Pathways to Peace, Rochester, NY.
“Excellent Presentations, Great Networking, The NGCRC Staff Rocks!” Chris Przemieniecki, West Chester University, West Chester, PA.
“Conference was a good mix of law enforcement and academia. Lots of classes to chose from and hotel is a great location.” Peggy Tobin Trice, ATF/Department of Justice, Tulsa, OK.
“I liked the variety of classes that were offered.” Patrick Carley, Danville Police Department, Danville, IL.
“Schedule Flexibility” Miguel Martinez Jr., Mount Prospect Police Department, Mt. Prospect, IL.
“Location and speakers are amazing and interacted with listeners.” Dwayne Melton, State Training School, Eldora, IA.
“The activities provided such as ballgames.” Christopher P. Carter, Quad Cities Gang Task Force (FBI), Moline, IL.
“The networking opportunity and open discussions with like-minded professionals.” Jewel N. Jones, Gang Intervention Administrator, Ohio Department of Youth Services, Cleveland, OH.
“Great Presenters, Easy to Guide Through Classes” Rich Zapf, Officer, Belvidere Police Department, Belvidere, IL.
“Class flexibility” Jason Nemerow, Mount Prospect Police Department, Mt. Prospect, IL.
“The speakers were very knowledgeable on what they were teaching.” Richard Palocsik, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Augusta, GA.
“Lots of great choices” Travis Wolfe, Deputy, Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Decatur, IL.
“Well organized with excellent instructors” Frank Reznik, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Des Moines, IA.
“I liked having numerous choices to choose from” Bart M. Hickey, Deputy Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Decatur, IL.
“Cabrini Green was an amazing experience. As a gang investigator & someone who has studied history of gangs for years, this was great being able to see this legendary piece of gang history.” Adam Green, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, August, GA.
“I enjoyed the, come as you go approach, basically pick the Trainings you’re interested in & just go.” Eric Turton, DuPage County Adult Probation, Wheaton, IL.
“Really enjoy visiting Chicago. Great to netowrk and share experiences with other similarly situated professionals from other jurisdictions. Also enjoyed the casual format that allows participants to move about at their own pace.” Christopher Huband, State’s Attorney’s Office, Jacksonville, FL.
“Very Informational, the networking opportunities were Awesome!” Veronica L. Williams, Houston, TX.
“Very Awesome & met a lot of other gang intervention specialist” Estevan Medina, Second Chance Through Faith, Colorado Springs, CO.
“The classes are all good and being able to network with people that have same passion for what they do” John Reyes, Second Chance Through Faith, Colorado Springs, CO.
“Great presenters! I Love the energy of the presenters and attending the participants” Ruben Marquez, UCSF Iwraparound, San Francisco, CA.
“Well Organized, Snacks, thank you, Diverse presenters” Yvonne Woodard, Department of Juvenile Justice, Tallahassee, FL.
“Number of sessions and diversity of Instructors” Nicholas W. Hughett, Lansing Police Department, Lansing, MI.
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Consistent Positive Feedback From Evaluations Over the Years: The Quotes from Persons Who Attended the 2017 NGCRC Conference.
The formal evaluation included mostly quantitative measurements as reflected in the results from the statistical calculations. But there is also a qualitative dimension to the evaluation because the same evaluation form included this question: "What is the best thing you can say about your experience at this training conference? (PRINT: we do appreciate hearing good news, so describe anything you really liked about the conference)".
Here are the findings from this aspect of the evaluation. As seen by the many examples, they provide very important feedback about the effectiveness of the training program and levels of satisfaction with different aspects of the conference and its curriculum and speakers/presenters.
“Best gang conference I have ever attended. You are able to network with other gang specialists from around the world and given plenty of material to assist you when you get back home to assist you in your job duties.” Sgt. Kevin White, DeKalb County Police Dept., Tucker, GA.
“Conference was well-planned and organized. Networking options were outstanding. Outstanding conference with an abundant number of sessions/classes- only regret not being able to attend more sessions-will have to come back in following years.” Robin Pascoe, Wilmington Police Department, Wilmington, NC.
“All presenters were very knowledgeable, professional. Conference clearly designed to provide the best possible experience for the attendees. Loved the huge variety of classes and flexible scheduling.” Christopher Huband, State’s Attorney’s Office, Jacksonville, FL.
“This is absolutely the best conference that I have been to bar none, the staff, volunteers were very accommodating, professional and the veteran + Law Enforcement reception were awesome, this is my third year being a presenter and my fourth year here, contacts and friends that I have made can’t be understated, the best ever.” Roger L. Rice, Jr., Training Resource Manager, Department of Juvenile Services, Parkville, MD.
“Gangs are finally being recognized in my community. I have so much great information to take back for training and new programming.” Geneva K. Smith, NECIC, Mansfield, OH.
“The amount of diversity in agencies represented in the presenters. Being able to hear from so many different agencies and presenters was educational in the most exceptional way. The ability to build networking opportunities nationwide...impressive.” Rebekah K. Pearson, Family Court of Jefferson County, Birmingham, AL.
“The amount of different training which covered a diverse number of topics that are valuable to different law enforcement agencies. I really took a lot away from the verbal de-escalation training.” Captain Vincent Fuca, New York City Department of Corrections, East Elmhurst, NY.
“This conference provided a variety of topics & information which will assist in future investigations. The conference provided a great atmosphere to absorb the information.” Det. Robert Beck, Detective Constable, Hamilton Police Service, Ontario, Canada.
“The majority of presenters INCREDIBLE from the content to presentation/delivery. I feel like I really learned a lot in a short period of time. It was a very worthwhile experience.” Crystal Grace Wilson, Palatine, IL.
“As a first timer, this was a great, knowledgeable experience. The entire conference was well organized and ran super smoothly-from an attendee’s perspective. This conference provided numerous opportunities to make network connections.” Allison Humes, DeKalb, IL.
“One of the best educational sessions I have ever been to. Love the scope of topics” Ryan Clancy, Chicago, IL.
“There are a lot of different classes to attend and you are not mandated to only go to certain classes. Allows people to attend classes of interest.” Dennis Stankiewicz Jr., DPSES, Intelligence & Investigative Division, Savage, MD.
“I personally enjoyed experiencing networking and hearing how other states/departments are on the same page. NGCRC is a great organization and would recommend this training in the future.” Paul Reynolds, City of Marietta Police, Marietta, GA.
“The information provided throughout the conference is relevant and up to date. I picked up some fresh ideas as to how to approach gang issues in my area.” Lt. Kenneth Winklepleck, Douglasville Police Department, Douglasville, GA.
“Getting to see first hand the process other investigators go through to reach the same goal, conviction/prosecution.” Evan D. Waldrep, Marietta Police Department, Marietta, GA.
“Every presenter was awesome, excellent speakers, and very interactive with the class. They were extremely knowledgeable in their field of expertise. I learned so very much. I also met some awesome people. The panel discussion w/gang members was awesome and those two young men were inspiring-courageouss.” “Thank you so much!” Robin Marsh, FBI CJIS Division, Clarksburg, WV.
“This was my first time at a gang conference. I’m from Montana and I have received great information to bring back to my state.” “Thank you.” Amy Peters, Detention Officer, Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office, Helena, MT.
“Variety of topics under one roof.” Antonio J. Cruz, Director, New York City Department of Corrections, East Elmhurst, NY.
“This was my first time attending a gang conference. Most impressed with the quantity of topics covered and the quality of the presentations. I will not only attend next year but will also encourage others to attend as well. Awesome conference!!” D. Terry Hassell, Probation Officer / Case Manager, Bermuda Government, Pembroke, Bermuda.
“Great info! Diverse info! Thanks!!! Learned A Lot and had a great time in Chicago.” Angel Ross-Taylor, Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, Mansfield, OH.
“Informative, variety of class/speakers.” “Been in the criminal justice field over 12 years and attended tons of conferences. By far the best conference I’ve ever attended.” Bobbi Kelso, Abraxas Youth Center, South Mountain, PA.
“Choices for classes.” Tommy Jewell, Douglasville Police Department, Douglasville, GA.
“Wonderful networking opportunity. The sharing of ideas and strategies was extremely helpful. You can get a good idea the problem we face with violent groups across the U.S. and abroad with possible ways to address the issue for your city or state. Also great location nice meeting spaces and content. Enjoyed the hotel and the service walking distance everything, awesome.” Mario T. Martin, City of Columbus Recreation & Parks, Columbus, OH.
“The networking/with the wide variety of people and experience.” Sgt. Jason A. Brock, Bradley County Sheriff’s Department, Cleveland, TN.
“Tons of variety.” Samantha L. Thompson, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Chicago, IL.
“Great classes and teachers.” Matthew Messer, PCAT Officer, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar Rapids, IA.
“Learning about upcoming trends.” Frank Ardino, U.S. Probation Office, Miami, FL.
“The well rounded coverage of different parts of the gang problem.” Brian Mooney, Orange Police Department, Orange, NJ.
“Great learning opportunity lots of Knowledge being presented.” Sgt. Kimball Mason Hottell, Steuben County Sheriffs Office, Angola, IN.
“There are so many classes to pick from. With a pre-made itinerary for myself I was able to navigate throughout the classes with ease.” Jason D. Hudson, Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville, KY.
“Learning different methods that are commonly used for gang intervention around the country. Hopefully we be able utilize these in our city.” Jamie Hockstetler, Goshen Police Department, Goshen, IN.
“Great chance to meet and network with others.” Det. Chris Geoghegan, Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville, KY.
“Well organized!” Frank Reznik, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Des Moines, IA.
“Patience is the key to a successful event and a great desire to learn! All the instructors was very knowledgeable of their material. Thanks for “Interviewing the Criminal Mind” taught by Todd D. Negola.” Lena A. Shepherd, Alabama Department of Corrections, Montgomery, AL.
“Very informative presenters. Always look forward to coming back the next year. NGCRC staff do their best to make for a great training experience.” Christopher Calhoun, Jail Deputy, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Jail Division, Noblesville, IN.
“Enjoyed the psychology-based classes, as well as the classes focused on challenges in prosecuting gang cases.” Emily Petro, Assistant District Attorney General, 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Cleveland, TN.
“All of the options for classes.” Adam M. Alikhan, Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office, Danville, IL.
“Some great classes, large variety of topics.” Brian Catanzarite, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburgh, PA.
“Different class choices, almost too many options.” Peter Roberge, Worcester Police Department, Worcester, MA.
“Excellent and very diverse information concerning all levels of gangs. The realization that gangsterism is more socio-economic than racial. Educating and giving our youth the tools to survive lessens the chance of gang involvement.” Michael A. Weeks, Member of Parliament, Bermuda.
“The (number & variety) of classes to choose from.” Keith Baker, Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax, VA.
“Lots of class options.” Jimmy Ward, Classification Officer, Floyd County Sheriffs Department, New Albany, IN.
“Always great training.” “Third time to attend and learn something every time.” Kelly Roberts, Topeka Public Schools Police, Topeka, KS.
“I attended several of the sessions lead by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., I thought his presentations and knowledge of material were superior”. Lt. Rodney D. Jackson, Detroit Police Department, Detroit, MI.
“Networking with other jurisdictions.” Ramon Robertson, Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax, VA.
“I really like the format, pick the classes you’re interested in, plus the wide variety of topics. Very well organized. Great Job!” Paul Lane, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville, TN.
“Great motorcycle class” Det. Fiorella Soto, DeKalb County Police Department, Tucker, GA.
“The best thing I can say about this conference is the opportunity to network with all the other gang specialists across the country.” Tyler J. McDowell, Franklin County Sheriffs Office, Columbus, OH.
“The many options of classes available.” David Roman, DPSES - Intelligence & Investigative Division, Savage, MD.
“This was my second year and the information keeps getting better.” Sgt. Jeff Caskey, Polk County Sheriffs Office, Des Moines, IA.
“Great course selection, excellent instructors.” Sgt. Brian Hill, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa, OK.
“I appreciate the wide range of classes offered and the experience that is brought to the table by the instructors. Networking is huge and maybe even would like to see a round robin discussion session with what is going on locally with each attendee. There might be a question and answer session with the instructors that are presenting.” Sgt. Jesse W. Hambrick, Douglas County Sheriffs Office, Douglasville, GA
“High quality presentations.” “Diversity in networking is awesome.” Stine Lukowski, Special Advisor, Koege Kommune, Denmark.
“Having instructors and attendees from all over and from every different aspect of criminal justice.” Tobias Rogerson, Macomb, IL.
“This is one of the best opportunities to network with gang specialists throughout the U.S. and internationally.” Christopher L. Mallette, Chicago Violence Reduction Strategy, Chicago, IL.
“Informative, great place to network.” James A. Buccellato, Ph.D., Lecturer, Northern Arizona University, Dept. Of Criminology, Flagstaff, AZ.
“The range of classes/speakers/times was great. The presenters really knew their subject matter and cared that we learned something. The people running the conference were super helpful! Chicago is amazing.” Jennifer Welch, Assistant District Attorney, Knox County District Attorney’s Office, Knoxville, TN.
“The networking experience and opportunity to share knowledge is the reason I attend the NGCRC Conference.” Kristopher Hansgen, Investigator, TCF Bank, Plymouth, MN.
“As always the NGCRC sets the bar at the highest level for the education/research of gangs/gang prosecution/gang investigation.” “Brings the best and the brightest in the field together!” Robert Fuller, Investigator, Denver District Attorney’s Office, Metro Gang Task Force, Denver, CO.
“My prosecution team partner and I received extremely valuable information on constructing a gang presentation from the Battlecreek MI lecturers and Michael Bickis of the Stark County Pros Office in Canton Ohio who were willing to share their information in document form. A fantastic help!” Anne Crater, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Mays Landing, NJ.
“Great information, knowledgeable presenters, and good networking opportunities got to brainstorm some issues with prosecutors from 5 states” Michael Bickis, Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, Canton, OH.
“Great training, friend networking.” Mark Burchell, Federal Probation, U.S. District Court, Detroit, MI.
“This was a very informative training conference & I learned so much! Hurry up NGCRC Conference 2018!!” Kate Schwendener, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Chicago, IL.
“The conference provided good classes that allowed our unit to see the pro’s & con’s of other units that are in the same situation we are.” Det. Chad Taylor, Carrollton Police Department, Carrollton, GA.
“The Cabrini Green Tour was better than expected. Hearing from ex-gang members was informational.” Jason Caster, Wyoming MI DPS, Wyoming, MI.
“The conference instructors stay very current with the latest changes in gang operations and activities.” Ben Durian, Wyoming MI DPS, Wyoming, MI.
“The presenters are brilliant and well read on the subject matter.” Jared Grandy, City of Dayton Human Relations Council, Dayton, OH.
“Meeting others from all over, doing the same thing and learning from them.” Tommy Steele, SRO, Goshen Police Department, Goshen, IN.
“I learned several new things about gang activity and thought processes.” Trent Howard, Portage Police Department, Portage, IN.
“Meeting other LEO’s from different states and agencies.” James Mellow, Gwinnett County Police Department, Lawrenceville, GA.
“Great networking opportunities. Diversity of material helped to expand my knowledge of gangs.” William Kimball Murdock, Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta, GA.
“Networking.” William Young, Juvenile Justice Commission, Trenton, NJ.
“The variety of classes.” Arthur Vasquez, Senior Lecturer, Criminology & Criminal Justice Department, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX.
“I really enjoyed the variety of the presentations and the networking.” Brandi Fowler, Intelligence Analyst, FBI Metro Gang Task Force, Denver, CO.
“Great support staff.” Felix Mickens, Juvenile Justice Commission, Trenton, NJ.
“Networking, very informational.” Amy Britain, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.
“The overwhelming variety of courses offered. I very much enjoyed the Chicago experience such as the area where we were (hotel, area of Chicago). Seeing a game at Wrigley was also worth writing home about. This conference was very well organized and at times there were so many good choices on classes, it made it hard to pick.” Caleb Ferren, Fort Worth Police Department, Fort Worth, TX.
“The vast offering of options, sessions, and speakers was amazing. It was great to hear so many perspectives.” Gabriel Mendoza, Assistant District Attorney, Queens County District Attorneys Office, Kew Gardens, NY.
“Lots of unique presentations and differing opinions/perspectives among students.” Det. Nick Valente, Cleveland Metro Parks Ranger Department, Fairview, OH.
“I loved the city and the area of the city several of the classes provided exactly the type of information I need to prosecute gang members in 2017.” Dallas Scott III, 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office4, Cleveland, TN.
“Great, a wonderful experience. Made a lot of new friends.” Det. Kobe Saffe, Hamilton Police Service, Ontario, Canada.
“I always learn a lot and meet great people when I come to this training. What I like best is the variety of insights that I come away with. All regions of the country, as well as different agencies and roles within the community and justice system are represented. This all underscores how diverse gangs are and how important it is for us to use multifaceted approaches when responding to them. Thanks!” James Sutton, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY.
“The convenience of the location of the conference as well as room assignments. The volunteers were very accommodating and generous. Enjoyed the wide variety of course options.” Jennifer Smith, Elkhart County Sheriffs Department, Elkhart, IN.
“The ability to come and go from different sessions at the same time slot. The large selection of courses to choose.” Detective Constable Shawn O’Brien, London Police Service, Ontario, Canada.
“Classes were extremely informative.” Nicholas Minder, Concord Community Schools Police Department, Elkhart, IN.
“Many choices in sessions to attend.” William Talley, Corrections Officer, Floyd County Sheriffs Department, New Albany, IN.
“The overall class variety and ability to go to classes not in your “track.” There was an expansive amount of knowledge coming together in one conference.” Heather Becker, Probation Officer, Denver, CO.
“Variety and level of expertise.” Derek Helmke, Ontario Provincial Police, Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
“I learned a ton and can apply it to my work.” Morgan Miller, Homer Glen, IL.
“A lot of useful information. Provided great ideas and topics for research projects.” Keona Morris, Chicago, IL.
“Great Speakers!” Veienice Sandoval, Macomb, IL.
“Networking and meeting different criminal justice personnel.” Gurpreet Chahal, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
“Networking. I’ve met so many people.” Evan Wigley, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Elkhart, IN.
“Networking was key for me. I also appreciated the presenters sitting in on other presentations.” Christine Lynde, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Lees Summit, MO.
“Lots of great information.” Christopher J Kincaid, Midwest HIDTA, Kansas City, MO.
“The quality of Information. Everybody was very helpful.” Keyon Ashe, NCDPS - Governors Crime Commission, Raleigh, NC.
“The number of choices in different topics and all the speakers were really into what they were speaking about.” Stephen Oldenburger, Freeport Police Department, Freeport, IL.
“The experience showed a variety of aspects of gangs origin and evolution from different prospective.” Det. Clarence Muhammad, Memphis Police Department, Multiagency Gang Unit, Memphis, TN.
“All the material is cutting-edge and relevant. This is an extremely important conference.” Dr. Renee Figaro, Lecturer, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, West Indies.
“The information given while attending the training, was very beneficial! I would highly recommend the training.” Derek L. Weldy, Corrections Corporal, Elkhart County Sheriffs Department, Elkhart, IN.
“Very informative and lots of information obtained and learned.” Joshua Qualls, Corrections Officer, Midland County Sheriffs Office, Midland, MI.
“Networking, good information for both students and professionals.” Nathaniel Mason, Saint Cloud, MN.
“Location, convenience, depth of presentations, extremely professional operation.” Eddie Johnson, Deputy Chief of Administration, Director of Research and Planning, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Phoenix, AZ.
“The session on gang involvement in social justice movements was great. The tour to Cabrini Green was also great, they should offer another tour.” Greta Aldridge, Denver Pretrial Services, Denver, CO.
“The presenters have an amazing amount of knowledge and experience.” James V. Sloan, 48th Circuit Court of Michigan, Allegan, MI.
“A lot of applicable knowledge.” Benjamin Schreur, 48th Circuit Court of Michigan, Allegan, MI.
“I’ve met with some great presenters and also enjoyed making connections with them to possibly work with them in the future.” Jesus Tampa, Chicago, IL.
“The trainers are the best in the their field and really have a lot of knowledge to pass on.” Nathan Breeze, Matoon, IL.
“Got to meet many different people from around the world. Also had the chance to get to know them and learn about their job.” Adilene Bahena, Chicago, IL.
“The number of class options.” Steve A. Young, Decatur Police Department, Decatur, IL.
“I like having all the different classes to choose from.” Shane Turley, Madison County District Attorney’s Office, Huntsville, AL.
“Loved networking w others from different professions-we are all about the same purpose-to help/serve.” Marsha Baird, Gang Prevention Coordinator, Provo City School District, Provo, UT.
“The information was relevant. I thought it addressed trends we may need to prepare for with gangs. Well organized conference and I would plan to attend for many years.” Ashton Adank, Kasson, MN.
“The Christian Reception was very good. It definitely covered the problem and an important part of the equation for a solution.” Sgt. Samuel D. Byrd, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus, OH.
“Networking! Also learned new mediation tactics.” Andre Davis, Community for New Direction, Columbus, OH.
“Networking.” Monica D Lofton, City of Dayton Human Relations Council, Dayton, OH.
“Everybody involved with NGCRC was great! Being able to choose our training path was awesome!” Roy Johnson, Gang Intelligence Deputy, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, Modesto, CA.
“Meeting new dept. and hearing how they work with gang members. Being part of a bigger family in this line of work.” Johnny Santos, Case Manager, Gang Reduction Initiative of Denver, Denver, CO.
“Meeting new people and the presenters were great.” Jessica Dugan, Case Manager, Community for New Direction, Columbus, OH.
“Meeting new people! Networking! Great conference to meet new people and get new ideas.” Brian Yazzie, Provo City School District, Provo, UT.
“Always a blast to see familiar faces, share ideas, network and meet new acquaintances.” “Being a presenter brings great joy to share with my colleagues foreign and domestic.” William Campbell, Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, Elizabethtown, KY.
“Great Staff. This was a great opportunity to see what gang problems other communities across the country are facing and how they are choosing to combat them.” Inv. Jason E. Webb, Investigator, Oxford Police Department, Oxford, AL.
“Networking was a great experience and the staff provided a great experience.” Jermal Chambers, School Resource Officer, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Athens, GA.
“This is the leading Gang (School) conference in my experiences. I’ve attended many and this one is above all others in info, knowledge, variety and trends.” Eddie Savage, Waterloo Police FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Waterloo, IA.
“Nice hotel, well organized, and a wide variety of learning topics.” Patrick J. Carley, Danville Police Department, Danville, IL.
“Meeting so many great people and learning so much.” Derrick L Showell, Community for New Direction, Columbus, OH.
“The classes were all great with very good info.” Brad Blackwell, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa, OK.
“Connecting with people who “walk the talk”!” Gangs signs of sign language, excellent presenter. Good new blood.” Doris D Yates, California State University - East Bay, Hayward, CA.
“There were great opportunities for networking and collaboration.” Jewel N. Jones, Juvenile Parole Officer, Cleveland, OH.
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Want a Short Six Page "Brochure Version" of What is in This Lengthy File?
Some people like all the details, that is provided in this file (www.ngcrc.com/2021.conference.html). Others need something "short and sweet" to attach to a travel request. We have that too: it is the six page basic "Brochure Version" of this lengthy and detailed conference file. It also includes a registration form and cost information.
Click here for the Six Page Brochure Version in PDF Format.
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Statistical Evaluation Results from the
2017 NGCRC Training Conference:
INTRODUCTION
The 2017 Twentieth International NGCRC Gang Specialist Training Conference was held during August 7-9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The statistical evaluation results are reported here from the large number of persons attending the conference who provided such evaluation surveys. What this documents is an amazing level of “success” as measured in terms of the satisfaction of those who attended.
The bottom line finding here is that the NGCRC offers training that is consistently rated as exceptional in value and quality.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS THOSE WITH AND WITHOUT PRIOR TRAINING ON GANGS
One statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2017 NGCRC training conference reveals the NGCRC attracts those with and without prior training in gangs. The question on the evaluation form was “Have you received training at other gang seminars?“ In fact, for 2017 some 42.0 percent indicated that they had not previously received any training about gangs. Thus, some 58.0 percent of those attending the NGCRC training conference indicated that they had in fact been previously trained on gangs.
FEW ARGUE WITH THE FACTS: THE NGCRC OFFERS MORE CHOICES THAN ANYONE ELSE
One very powerful statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2017 NGCRC conference relates to the number of choices a person does or does not have in terms of different options for classes to attend. In some training programs there is no choice at all, or few or very limited choices. Some 99.0 percent of those attending the NGCRC 2017 conference reported that “compared to other gang conferences I have attended, the NGCRC had more choices for sessions”.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS NEW AND REPEAT TRAINEES
The NGCRC 2017 Evaluation Survey asked the trainees whether this was the first time they had attended an NGCRC conference. The question on the evaluation form was, “This is the first time I have ever attended one of the Gang Training Conferences by the NGCRC.” The results indicated that 74.4 percent of those attending the 2017 conference did so for the first time. In other words, about a fourth (some 25.6 percent) of those who attended the 2017 conference did in fact have previous training at an official NGCRC training conference.
OVERWHELMING MAJORITY REPORT “BEST GANG TRAINING EVER”
As a testament to the high quality of the training experience at the 2017 NGCRC training conference, another significant statistical result from the evaluation indicated an exceptionally high level of satisfaction with the training. Some 84.8 percent of those attending the conference reported that it was, “in my opinion, the best gang training event I have ever attended.” Such high levels of praise from people all over the USA and abroad are indeed hard to achieve.
ALMOST EVERYONE WANTS TO COME BACK NEXT YEAR
Another measure of the validity of high levels of satisfaction among those attending the NGCRC’’s 2017 conference is found in the results to the question measuring intention to “come back next year”.
The evaluation instrument included the following question: “I would like to attend the NGCRC's 21st International Gang Specialist Training Conference that the National Gang Crime Research Center is currently planning. ___True ___False”.
Some 92.6 percent of those who attended the 2017 conference indicated that they want to attend the 2018 conference as well.
ACHIEVING NETWORKING: A GUARANTEED RESULT AT THE NGCRC CONFERENCE
Three separate evaluation questions addressed the issue of “networking” because this is always an important “added benefit” of any training, and it becomes particularly valuable as a resource when dealing with gang problems.
The first question asked, “Did you meet any new gang specialists that you may be able to network with in the future while you were at this conference”. The results of the evaluation question about whether the participants at the 2017 NGCRC training conference were able to achieve networking showed an astounding 95.9 percent reported that they were able to achieve such networking while at the conference.
The second question sought to establish a baseline for how important the factor of “networking” was to those attending the 2017 NGCRC conference. The second question therefore asked the participants “Was the opportunity to network with other gang specialists something that you wanted to achieve while at this conference?” Here we find that 93.8 percent indicated that networking was an important goal for them at the conference. Based on this, it is safe to say that everyone achieved their goal of networking at the 2017 NGCRC Training Conference.
A number of specialized “networking receptions” were available to anyone who wanted to participate in these events during after hours. These are well planned and well managed events designed to enhance networking among professionals. Thus, a third and final question about networking in the evaluation survey asked, “Did you attend any of the special networking receptions?” Here we find that over two-thirds, some 69.2 percent, attended one or more of these specialized reception events.
VERY HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF TAKE HOME TRAINING MATERIALS
The rating system used by the NGCRC to evaluate the performance of the trainers and presenters, as well as its own operations, utilizes a “scale” of values from an absolute low value of “zero” to indicate the low extreme of “not satisfied” to an absolute high value of ten (10) to indicate the high extreme of “very satisfied”. Thus, the “score” in such cases is easy to interpret: the higher the score, the higher the level of satisfaction.
The “mean score” is what is used to calculate an overall score for performance. The mean is the arithmetic mean, a measure of central tendency in the data, and it is calculated by means of an SPSS analysis. SPSS is a statistical software package widely used in the social sciences and criminology.
The evaluation form included the following question measuring the quality of materials: “How satisfied were you with the quality of the take home training materials provided to you?”. Each participant is provided with a “take home goody bag” that contains various printed training materials for future use. The results indicated a mean score of 7.62 on a zero to 10 point scale.
A second question asked, “How satisfied were you with the quantity of take home training materials provided to you?” And here again a very high score emerges, a mean value of 7.73 was found for this factor.
MANY WON SOMETHING IN ONE OF THE RAFFLES
There are various raffles at the NGCRC conference, some occur at the networking receptions and some are scheduled through the Operations Center.
The evaluation form asked the conference participants, “Did you win anything in any of the raffles?” The results indicated that over half of those who attended, or 65.1 percent of those attending the conference, reported winning something in one of the raffles.
OVER A THIRD DID FIELD TRAINING OR BALLGAME
The exit survey question in the evaluation form ask the attendees “did you go on any of the tours, ballgames, or ride-a-longs”? Some 46.1 percent of the attendees, over a third, indicated that in fact they had in face went on a tour, or attended an NGCRC sponsored ballgame event, or a ride-along.
HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH NGCRC STAFF
The evaluation form included the question “How satisfied were you with the staff and volunteers of the National Gang Crime Research Center in terms of making your experience at the training conference a quality time?”. The results indicated a mean score of 8.85 on a scale between zero and ten, again a very high level of satisfaction with the NGCRC staff. The staff provide a number of useful functions to the conference participants, from security to equipment technician support.
NGCRC GUESTS OFTEN BRING ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBERS WITH THEM
The NGCRC promises a “family friendly” environment for its conference participants and provided some special features in this regard (e.g., Family ID cards allowing them to take advantage of discounts at restaurants, etc in the area). The evaluation form asked “Did you bring other family members to Chicago this visit?” and the results indicated that 6.7 percent brought one or more other family members with to the conference. There was even a separate question asking attendees to “rate” the hotel, and they gave it very high marks, a mean score of 8.73 on a zero to ten rating scale is a very high level of satisfaction.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS GAVE “HIGH GRADES” TO THE NGCRC AS AN OVERALL EVALUATION RESULT
Finally, another question on the evaluation form asked the 2017 NGCRC conference participants to “Give us your grade for how we did overall in trying to make this conference experience a good one for you. For a final grade, I give this conference an ___A ___B ___C ___D ___F.”
The results indicated that most (58.8%) gave the NGCRC an “A”. An additional 35.7 percent gave the NGCRC a grade of “B”. Thus, 94.6 percent of the trainees rated the NGCRC training experience as an “A” or “B”, the highest possible grades. Again, from a different way of measuring the same thing (overall training experience), we find additional strong evidence of a high level of satisfaction among persons who attended the conference. A GPA of 3.53 (where 4=A, 3=B, 2=C,1=D,0=F) was the mean score from this analysis. Thus, conference attendees gave the NGCRC an overall grade of “A minus/B Plus” it would appear from the 2017 evaluation results: again, a remarkable achievement.
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Statistical Evaluation Results from the
2016 NGCRC Training Conference:
INTRODUCTION
The 2016 Nineteenth International NGCRC Gang Specialist Training Conference was held during August 8-10, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The statistical evaluation results are reported here from the large number of persons attending the conference who provided such evaluation surveys. What this documents is an amazing level of “success” as measured in terms of the satisfaction of those who attended.
The bottom line finding here is that the NGCRC offers training that is consistently rated as exceptional in value and quality.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS THOSE WITH AND WITHOUT PRIOR TRAINING ON GANGS
One statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2016 NGCRC training conference reveals the NGCRC attracts those with and without prior training in gangs. The question on the evaluation form was “Have you received training at other gang seminars?“ In fact, for 2016 some 37.35 percent indicated that they had not previously received any training about gangs. Thus, some 62.7 percent of those attending the NGCRC training conference indicated that they had in fact been previously trained on gangs.
FEW ARGUE WITH THE FACTS: THE NGCRC OFFERS MORE CHOICES THAN ANYONE ELSE
One very powerful statistical result from the evaluation forms completed by those attending the 2016 NGCRC conference relates to the number of choices a person does or does not have in terms of different options for classes to attend. In some training programs there is no choice at all, or few or very limited choices. Some 99.4 percent of those attending the NGCRC 2016 conference reported that “compared to other gang conferences I have attended, the NGCRC had more choices for sessions”.
THE NGCRC ATTRACTS NEW AND REPEAT TRAINEES
The NGCRC 2016 Evaluation Survey asked the trainees whether this was the first time they had attended an NGCRC conference. The question on the evaluation form was, “This is the first time I have ever attended one of the Gang Training Conferences by the NGCRC.” The results indicated that 62.2 percent of those attending the 2016 conference did so for the first time. In other words, over a third (some 37.8 percent) of those who attended the 2016 conference did in fact have previous training at an official NGCRC training conference.
OVERWHELMING MAJORITY REPORT “BEST GANG TRAINING EVER”
As a testament to the high quality of the training experience at the 2016 NGCRC training conference, another significant statistical result from the evaluation indicated an exceptionally high level of satisfaction with the training. Some 84.0 percent of those attending the conference reported that it was, “in my opinion, the best gang training event I have ever attended.” Such high levels of praise from people all over the USA and abroad are indeed hard to achieve.
ALMOST EVERYONE WANTS TO COME BACK NEXT YEAR
Another measure of the validity of high levels of satisfaction among those attending the NGCRC’’s 2016 conference is found in the results to the question measuring intention to “come back next year”.
The evaluation instrument included the following question: “I would like to attend the NGCRC 19th International Gang Specialist Training Conference that the National Gang Crime Research Center is currently planning. ___True ___False”.
Some 94.6 percent of those who attended the 2016 conference indicated that they want to attend the 2016 conference as well.
ACHIEVING NETWORKING: A GUARANTEED RESULT AT THE NGCRC CONFERENCE
Three separate evaluation questions addressed the issue of “networking” because this is always an important “added benefit” of any training, and it becomes particularly valuable as a resource when dealing with gang problems.
The first question asked, “Did you meet any new gang specialists that you may be able to network with in the future while you were at this conference”. The results of the evaluation question about whether the participants at the 2016 NGCRC training conference were able to achieve networking showed an astounding 99.6 percent reported that they were able to achieve such networking while at the conference.
The second question sought to establish a baseline for how important the factor of “networking” was to those attending the 2016 NGCRC conference. The second question therefore asked the participants “Was the opportunity to network with other gang specialists something that you wanted to achieve while at this conference?” Here we find that 95.6 percent indicated that networking was an important goal for them at the conference. Based on this, it is safe to say that everyone achieved their goal of networking at the 2016 NGCRC Training Conference.
A number of specialized “networking receptions” were available to anyone who wanted to participate in these events during after hours. These are well planned and well managed events designed to enhance networking among professionals. Thus, a third and final question about networking in the evaluation survey asked, “Did you attend any of the special networking receptions?” Here we find that over two-thirds, some 68.4 percent, attended one or more of these specialized reception events.
VERY HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF TAKE HOME TRAINING MATERIALS
The rating system used by the NGCRC to evaluate the performance of the trainers and presenters, as well as its own operations, utilizes a “scale” of values from an absolute low value of “zero” to indicate the low extreme of “not satisfied” to an absolute high value of ten (10) to indicate the high extreme of “very satisfied”. Thus, the “score” in such cases is easy to interpret: the higher the score, the higher the level of satisfaction.
The “mean score” is what is used to calculate an overall score for performance. The mean is the arithmetic mean, a measure of central tendency in the data, and it is calculated by means of an SPSS analysis. SPSS is a statistical software package widely used in the social sciences and criminology.
The evaluation form included the following question measuring the quality of materials: “How satisfied were you with the quality of the take home training materials provided to you?”. Each participant is provided with a “take home goody bag” that contains various printed training materials for future use. The results indicated a mean score of 7.60 on a zero to 10 point scale.
A second question asked, “How satisfied were you with the quantity of take home training materials provided to you?” And here again a very high score emerges, a mean value of 7.55 was found for this factor.
MANY WON SOMETHING IN ONE OF THE RAFFLES
There are various raffles at the NGCRC conference, some occur at the networking receptions and some are scheduled through the Operations Center.
The evaluation form asked the conference participants, “Did you win anything in any of the raffles?” The results indicated that over half of those who attended, or 56.7 percent of those attending the conference, reported winning something in one of the raffles.
OVER A THIRD DID FIELD TRAINING OR BALLGAME
The exit survey question in the evaluation form ask the attendees “did you go on any of the tours, ballgames, or ride-a-longs”? Some 44.3 percent of the attendees, over a third, indicated that in fact they had in face went on a tour, or attended an NGCRC sponsored ballgame event, or a ride-along.
HIGH LEVELS OF SATISFACTION WITH NGCRC STAFF
The evaluation form included the question “How satisfied were you with the staff and volunteers of the National Gang Crime Research Center in terms of making your experience at the training conference a quality time?”. The results indicated a mean score of 9.00 on a scale between zero and ten, again a very high level of satisfaction with the NGCRC staff. The staff provide a number of useful functions to the conference participants, from security to equipment technician support.
NGCRC GUESTS OFTEN BRING ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBERS WITH THEM
The NGCRC promises a “family friendly” environment for its conference participants and provided some special features in this regard (e.g., Family ID cards allowing them to take advantage of discounts at restaurants, etc in the area). The evaluation form asked “Did you bring other family members to Chicago this visit?” and the results indicated that 10 percent brought one or more other family members with to the conference. There was even a separate question asking attendees to “rate” the hotel, and they gave it very high marks, a mean score of 8.77 on a zero to ten rating scale is a very high level of satisfaction.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS GAVE “HIGH GRADES” TO THE NGCRC AS AN OVERALL EVALUATION RESULT
Finally, another question on the evaluation form asked the 2016 NGCRC conference participants to “Give us your grade for how we did overall in trying to make this conference experience a good one for you. For a final grade, I give this conference an ___A ___B ___C ___D ___F.”
The results indicated that most (65%) gave the NGCRC an “A”. An additional 29.6 percent gave the NGCRC a grade of “B”. Thus, 94.7 percent of the trainees rated the NGCRC training experience as an “A” or “B”, the highest possible grades. Again, from a different way of measuring the same thing (overall training experience), we find additional strong evidence of a high level of satisfaction among persons who attended the conference. A GPA of 3.59 (where 4=A, 3=B, 2=C,1=D,0=F) was the mean score from this analysis. Thus, conference attendees gave the NGCRC an overall grade of “A minus/B Plus” it would appear from the 2016 evaluation results: again, a remarkable achievement.
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Comments from those who attended the 2016 NGCRC Training Conference in Chicago:
SAMPLE COMMENTS FROM 2016 ATTENDEES:
“ ‘Networking’ with others was very helpful in gaining intel.”, “Baseball game” and “The variation of classes and the freedom of choosing the sessions I want to attend”. Captain Loretta D. Wells, Nebraska Department of Corrections, Omaha, NE.
“I have been to the conference 4 times over the last 5 years and there has been new material presented each year.” Crystal Thomas, Evansville Police Department, Evansville, IN.
“I have been to many drug and gang conferences. The NGCRC Conference is, by far, the best conference I have attended. Very few will offer such a wide range of expertise.” Mike O’Brien, F.B.I. Federal Gang Task Force, Moline, IL.
“The overall conference was great! I appreciate how organized everything was. The location was perfect. Most of the presenters appeared to be subject matter experts. This was my first time attending, it will not be my last.” Zaneta P. Simpson, Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office, Charlotte, NC.
“The best part of the conference is you can always find what your looking for from the vast array of instructors. From a basic class to a more extensive approach. This training is still the best in the nation & you will get out of it exactly what you put into it.” Michael Robbins, Adams County Sheriffs Office, Brighton, CO.
“As always 1st class training totally relevant useful information. Best gang training conference in the country, networking heaven!! Thank you Dr Knox and staff, looking forward to next year.” Dominick J. Cicala, New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, Trenton, NJ.
“You have some of the best instructors that I have ever heard and I've taken classes for over 21 years.” Det. Jason Dwight Hudson, Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville, KY.
“I have been a gang detective for 9 years and actually learned new things about street gangs and gang culture.” Det. Rigoberto Amaro, Waukegan Police Department, Waukegan, IL.
“Very well organized. Up to date information.” Lt. Kenneth Winklepleck, Douglasville Police Department, Douglasville, GA.
“I really like the way classes are setup. You can travel from class to class and go to the ones that interest you the most. Also really enjoyed the variety of topics”. William Noon, Toledo Police Department, Toledo, OH.
SAMPLE COMMENTS FROM PREVENTION/INTERVENTION AREA:
“As an educator that works with At-Risk youth I feel as though I am much more informed and prepared to address gang members/activity. I feel as though all of my presenters were experts and will to help me understand my students.” Jennifer Shimon, teacher, Kenosha Unified School District, Kenosha, WI.
“Variety of option in courses to choose from. Hotel was great environment for conference & centrally located. Opportunity to network w/ people across the nation & world.” Chevist Johnson, S.O.E. Kingdom, Sacramento, CA.
“Networking and all the amazing information from the speakers.” Edgar Caceres, Lawrence Family Development & Education Fund, Lawrence, MA.
“The presenters are always very professional and every year I leave the conference with a new level of expertise.” Christopher L. Mallette, Executive Director, Chicago Violence Prevention Strategy, Chicago, IL.
“Out of all the conferences that I attend, this organization has been the most effective. The topics & presenters have inspired me to do more w/ at risk youth”. Leonard D. Hunt, Cincinnati Job Corps, Cincinnati, OH.
“All instructors and classes were great.” John Reyes, Second Chance Through Faith, Colorado Springs, CO.
“The vast amount of information and knowledge in the courses, I wish I could have done more. My dept. could not find the money for this conference. I paid my own way and I will do it again.” Edward Savage, Shelby County Schools, Project Prevent, Memphis, TN.
“Meeting everyone was the best experience. Being able to network and get contacts was an experience I will not forget”. Osiris Gomez, Lawrence Family Development & Education Fund, Lawrence, MA.
“I learned some very valuable information to use when I get back to my community.” Lorenzo Lawson, Youth Empowerment Zone, Columbia, MO.
“Great way to network and obtain new ideas and programs to try.” Kelly W. Roberts, Topeka Public Schools Police, Topeka, KS.
“The conference offered a large buffet of trainings with subject matter experts.” Lonnie L. Hall, Gary Job Corps Center, San Marcos, TX.
“Lots of classes to pick from”, “Lots of people to network with”, “2nd time attending.” and “Always learn something and find the sessions to be full of information.” Scott Hatch, Penobscot Job Corps, Bangor, ME.
“There was so much valuable information that can be learned and applied in so many situations.” Steven Cochran, Penobscot Job Corps, Bangor, ME.
SAMPLE COMMENTS FROM CORRECTIONS AREA:
“The presenter(s)s were excellent”. John Douglas “A-Train" Atkinsson, Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center, Milwaukee, WI.
“I’ve been coming to this conference since 2009! I’ve met some great people and have been afforded the opportunity to be a presenter, networking and collaborating with like minded professionals. Always looking forward to learning more and doing more for Gang Research and the NGCRC! Can’t wait until next year.” William A. Campbell, Training Academy Coordinator, Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice - Training Center, Elizabethtown, KY.
“This conference provides opportunity to network and collaborate with other presenters in establishment of purposeful and meaningful relationships.” Jewel N. Jones, STG-Gang Coordinator, Ohio Department of Youth Services, Cleveland, OH.
“Very informative, instructors were very knowledgeable, information was easy to understand.” Jeff Caskey, detention supervisor, Polk County Sheriffs Office, Des Moines, IA.
“The variety and quality of classes and speakers”. Michael Artmann, Jail Intelligence Deputy, Hennepin County Sheriffs Office, Minneapolis, MN.
“The ability to complete the track to your own needs”, “Thanks” and “Love the experience”. Captain Matilda Serna, Nebraska Department of Corrections, Tec*mseh, NE.
“Eye opening - work being done by LEO & Corrections to research & communicate what is happening”. Captain James Foster, Nebraska Department of Corrections, Lincoln, NE.
“Breakfast & Snacks!”, “The speakers are very smart & interactive!”, “The chairs w/cushions on them.”, “Carter F Smith, Dr. Simon Harding, Todd D. Negola & Deepa Patel are fantastic, very smart, intelligent, funny, interactive and keep the presentation entertaining.” and “Thank you to them.” Natalya Kandakova, Minnesota Department of Corrections, Burnsville, MN.
“Great speakers”. Clint LaFar, Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center, Peoria, IL.
“I have been teaching and working with juveniles for 5 years and I learned more about these gang culture, how to better work with them, and how the gangs are evolving in the last 3 days than my 5 previous years”. Timothy E. Cech, Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center, Peoria, IL.
“Presentation material.” Captain Shawn Freese, Nebraska Department of Corrections, Lincoln, NE.
COMMENTS FROM PROSECUTION AREA:
“Network; great selection of classes; I learned a lot!”. Lindsey Moreland, Assistant District Attorney, Nashville, TN
“Opening ceremony is a fantastic start, with so many tracks it's the only event that is open to everyone being together.” Elizabeth Caratini Buerger, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Palatine, IL.
“I liked the format (cafeteria style course selection)”. Crystal Uhe, Madison County State’s Attorneys office, Edwardsville, IL.
“The various professionals that were available to speak - from educators to attorneys, investigators, and parole|probation officers. To hear the different perspectives was extremely valuable. The presentation on Tactical Interviewing was AMAZING! By far the most interesting and helpful presentation throughout the course.” Merry M. Saunders, Athens County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, Athens, OH.
“Opportunity network, speakers willing to discuss class outside of session. Location|hotel & price were great. The opportunity to meet w/ experts & individuals heavily versed in the world of gangs provides for a priceless opportunity to learn & grow as a prosecutor.” Kristi Wilson, Assistant District Attorney, Douglas County District Attorneys Office, Douglasville, GA.
“The classes being non-regimented were nice having different lengths starting at different times and no breaks in between made the day far more seamless.” Kyle Aber, District Attorneys Office, Pueblo, CO.
COMMENTS FROM PROBATION/PAROLE/AFTERCARE AREA:
“Networking, Topic discussion”. Derrick Parker, Aftercare Specialist, Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, Chicago, IL.
“My best part of this conference was receiving one of the spirit awards. I can only imagine all the hard work that Mr. Knox and his staff puts into this training and to take the time to learn what certain people are doing in this field and then recognizing them is such an honor. The knowledge I gained from this training is something I am excited to take back to my team and share to move forward on our Gang Court and addressing gang issues.” Kelly Hobbs, Probation Officer, Metro Juvenile Court, Nashville, TN.
“Some great new sessions”. Kevin Kreuser, Cook County Juvenile Probation, Chicago, IL.
“The quality & knowledge of the trainers was exceptional. Additionally, everyone was very open|available to answer questions afterwards.” Matt Mills, juvenile probation officer, DeKalb County Court Services, Sycamore, IL.
“Great Overall Speakers.” Luis Lopez, Cook County Juvenile Court, Chicago, IL.
“I learned new & useful information.” Sara J. Mentore, Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer, U.S. Office of Probation & Pretrial Services, Gulf Port, MS.
“The information that I learned increased my knowledge of gangs”. Valencia E. Dedaux, U.S. Probation Office, Gulf Port, MS.
“The variety of topics available and the chosen presenters.” John Steinhilber, U.S. Probation Officer, Miami, FL.
COMMENTS FROM OTHERS:
“I like the location of the conference, and the variety of choices given.” Marcial Perez, Pleasant Hills, Iowa.
“All of the work shops that I attended were very informative & applicable to the work that I am involved in.” Thomas Hurley, Chicago Violence Reduction Strategy, Chicago, IL.
“Excellent Information!”. Robert Brzenchek , Douglasville, PA.
“NGCRC is something I look forward to every year, and every time I come to this conference, it exceeds my expectations.” Kristopher B.E. Hansgen, Gang Specialist, St. Joseph, MN.
“Wonderful Networking opportunity with people all over the world”. Stacia Potorff, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO.
“It was very pleasant to hear a combination of academics & real world practitioners on gang activities.” Carlos Hernandorena, Falls Church, VA.
“Best training I’ve been to. I learned so many new things both professionally & personally. It energized me & makes me excited be part of this field!” and “Thank you!”. Mallory Fuchs, Owatonna, MN.
“So many different class options...just about every aspect of "Gangs" were covered!”. Melissa Cordeiro, City of Tacoma, Tacoma, WA.
“Networking and having the ability to connect with other people in your field from other states. Finding out how they handle their gang issues and compare it to how my work handles it. The speakers were also outstanding!”. Kyra Luepke, Graduate Student, Prinsburg, MN.
“The Cyber Bullying gave essential information on the subject not only for my work but for my personal life with my 16 year old and red flags to pay attention to. Thank you!” and “Extremely Good Presenter!”. Debra A. Higens, Chicago Violence Reduction Strategy, Chicago, IL.
“The networking opportunities are excellent!”. Randall Strickland, Chicago Violence Reduction Strategy, Chicago, IL.
“A great opportunity to meet past colleagues and friends which provides the best circ*mstance to network and build professional ties.” Dr. Andy Bain, University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH.
“Registration staff were wonderful.” Mario Hesse, Professor, Dept. Of Criminal Justice, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.
“Networking receptions are a great way to met others and decompress after absorbing a lot of information.” James A Anderson, Deputy State Fire Marshall, Little Falls, MN.
“The presenters and materials were well organized, professional and interesting!”. April Lyskowsky, Lawrence Family Development & Education Fund, Lawrence, MA.
“Everything”. Carlos Collazo, Lawrence Family Development & Education Fund, Lawrence, MA.
“It was very informative and the networking was very good.” William Rodriguez, Lawrence Family Development & Education Fund, Lawrence, MA.
“I enjoyed the excellent assistance received from student assistants and office staff. NGCRC staff did a great job.” Dr. Manuel R. Roman Jr., Sacramento, CA.
“By far an amazing training as always”. Deepa R. Patel, Springfield, VA.
COMMENTS FROM POLICE:
“I like the location of the conference, and the variety of choices given.” Marcial Perez, Pleasant Hills, Iowa.
“Opportunities to network and gather info on gangs/issues across the country not just my region.” Kris Murphy, Salt Lake Area Gang Project, Salt Lake City, UT.
“Great Hotel!! Great networking with other gang detectives from across the country.” Det. Esekia Afatas, Salt Lake Area Gang Project, Salt Lake City, UT.
“I really appreciated the veterans reception. I thought it was a great idea and haven't been to anything similar in the past. The number of training options was great.” Erin Nelson, Fairfax County Police Department, Springfield, VA.
“Enjoyed the "criminal mind and the gangster." I enjoyed the large number of offerings for training - the facility (hotel) was nice.” Jesse Hambrick, Douglas County Sheriffs Dept., Douglasville, GA.
“Meeting new officers and investigators”. Officer Eric Scott, Shelby County Schools, Memphis, TN.
“Well organized, great staff and excellent presenters”. Constable Boris Sark, Victoria Police Department, Victoria, BC, Canada.
“The variety of classes, allowed me to try different areas of training that I never would have before.” Anthony Caliendo, Deputy Sheriff, Lake County Sheriffs Office, Waukegan, IL.
“The volume of classes was nice to be able to choose from.” Officer Michael R. Ball, Sonoma County Sheriffs Office, Santa Rosa, CA.
“Recognition of our nations vets and law enforcement’s fallen - networking with old friends and new contacts”. Fred Moreno, Chicago, IL.
“Great Topics”. Det. Christopher Ryan Geoghegan, Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville, KY.
“There were great instructors”. Gary Hensler, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“Networking”. Morris Franklin, Peoria Police Department, Peoria, IL.
“The workshops were great Dr. Todd Negola and Ken Davis were great”. Terrance Stone, Chairman, San Bernardino County Gangs & Drugs Task Force, San Bernardino, CA.
“Very informative, great venue”. Matthew Foote, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
“The presenters for each class that I attended were very knowledgeable.” Adele Gardner, Police Officer, Detroit Public Schools Police Department, Detroit, MI.
“The high level of specialists that were speakers.” Dante A. Salinas, patrolman, Waukegan Police Department, Waukegan, IL.
“Wide range of topics from all across, United States.” Det. Alan Beckman, Will County Sheriffs Office, Joliet, IL.
“Lots of great information”. Samer Kato, Macomb County Sheriffs Office, Mt. Clemens, MI.
“Really enjoyed Carter Smith, Todd Negola & Chris Przemieriecki Great speakers”. Stephen D. Stollar, Carroll County Sheriffs Office, Carrollton, GA.
“Extensive material”. Det. Michael Pivowar, Parke County Sheriffs Office, Rockville, IN.
“This was the first conference I have attended in my 9 years of law enforcement and it was a fantastic learning experience.” Justin J. Closen, Decatur Police Department, Decatur, IL.
“Great Instructors and Great Class Diversity and Selection”. Jason Danner Decatur Police Department, Decatur, IL.
“Ken Davis & Dr. Rush they were great.” Michael Deese, Douglasville County Sheriffs Office, Douglasville, GA.
“Wide range of information available.” Jacob Beck, Peoria Police Department, Peoria, IL.
“Tons of classes” and “Really enjoyed classes 64 & 20.” Marc Deshales, Ft. Wayne Police Department, Ft. Wayne, IN.
“I feel that my skills were expanded by attending”. Sgt. William Ceci Sr., Will County Sheriffs Office, Joliet, IL.
“The opportunity to listen to and learn from different specialists in gang investigations was great. Bringing different experiences and perspectives under one roof will elevate us all in the L.E. profession.” Marco A. Ayala, Lawrence Police Department, Lawrence, MA.
“NCIC class was great.” and “Most presenters seemed well organized & knowledgeable”. Officer Trent Howard, Portage Police Department, Portage, IN.
“Your not in the same class listening to the same instructor in the same room the whole time”. Michael Spence, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville, TN.
“Well organized considering the amount of classes.” and “I really enjoyed class 102. The instructor was excellent”. Laura Lightfoot, Portage Police Department, Portage, IN.
“Training” and “Meeting Contacts From Over Country (Networking)”. Bryan Sylvester, Peoria Police Department, Peoria, IL.
“The conference provided a wealth of different subjects and expert presenters on those topics.” Robert Leman, Oakland County Sheriffs Office, Pontiac, MI.
“Presenters were very knowledgeable and informative.” John J. Grant, Indiana State Police, Ft. Wayne, IN.
“The amount of information”. Clint Fore, investigator, Biloxi Police Department, Biloxi, MS.
“Great instructors, great training.” Richard Hilliard, investigator, Biloxi Police Department, Biloxi, MS.
“The experience and good amount of knowledge.” Adam K. Siefman, Decatur Police Department, Decatur, IL.
“Variety of classes & fields.” Dustin Lind, Investigator, Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln, NE.
“The various classes and number of options for specialization”. Officer Lucas Liddle, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar Rapids, IA.
“Presenters have a great passion for topics”. Det. Carlton Conway, Elkhart Police Department, Elkhart, IN.
“The Information!”. Keyon David Ashe, Department of Public Safety, Raleigh, NC.
“Excellent variety of classes and instructors.” Mark A. Taylor, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville, TN.
“Networking and organization”. Chris Carter, FBI Federal Gang Task Force, Moline, IL.
“I enjoy how professional this conference is ran! Thank You!” and “I LOVE CHICAGO!”. Det. M. Santiago, Seattle Police Dept (Gang Unit), Seattle, WA.
“The instructors are very knowledgeable about what they are teaching.” Will Haley, Oakland County Sheriffs Office, Pontiac, MI.
“Freedom to choose my classes”. Michael Geddings, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville, TN.
“The variety of courses & various times available to attend the classes made it possible to attend the classes I wanted !!!” and “Thank You!!”. Robert T. Sevaaetasi, Gang Unit, Seattle Police Department, Bellevue, WA.
“Learned a lot of new and useful information.” Shalandra Burch, Department of Juvenile Justice, Chicago, IL.
“The instructors were very knowledgeable.” Brandon Singleton, Salt Lake Area Gang Project, Salt Lake City, UT.
“The NGCRC staff. Good communication with attendees.” Lt. William Loescher, Puyallup Tribal Police Department, Puyallup Tribee of Indians , Tacoma, WA.
“Getting to network with officers from around the country!”. Det. Juan Gonzalez, Douglasville Police Department, Douglasville, GA.
“Diversity of Education”. Benjamin A. Tobey, Portage Police Department, Portage, IN.
“The networking, resources learned. Also good updates since the last time I was here.” Ben Durian, Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Wyoming, MI.
“The variety of speakers, topics, & classes.” Jason Caster, Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Wyoming, MI.
“The speakers were very educated and professional, but kept the information unfiltered.” Jelani Coppage, Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office, Kansas City, KS.
“Many of the presenters were very knowledgeable, and had a great intel of the information they presented.” Adrienne D. Gilchrist, Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office, Kansas City, KS.
“I really enjoyed interacting with people of different agencies and backgrounds to learn about different gang problems & techniques”. Mark Boudreau, Flint Police Department, Flint, MI.
“Todd Negola is a phenomenal speaker, very interesting & keeps audience engaged”. Officer Sean McCoy, North Aurora Police Department, North Aurora, IL.
“Staff and presenters were very informative and helpful. Hotel was great and very clean. It was great networking with LEO’s from all over country”. Officer David Parr, North Aurora Police Department, North Aurora, IL.
“A large choice of courses.” Robert G. Rose, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville, TN.
“Several quality speakers presented new ideas and concepts I can take back to my department.”and “The networking reception & complimentary cubs ticket are always a plus!”. Thomas W. Epps, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville, TN.
“The ability to network with other law enforcement officers that can assist with investigations and issues that are entering in Canada.” Constable David Jorgensen, Victoria Police Department, Victoria, BC, Canada.
“I liked being able to choose which classes to attend. Great variety.” Shauna K. Spurgess, FBI, Detroit, MI.
“The amount of seminars”. Joe Piscitelli, Rosemont Police Service, Rosemont, IL.
“Wide range of topics covered”. Anthony DiIacova, Rosemont Police Service, Rosemont, IL.
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THRASHER AWARDS:
A Call for Nominations
The Thrasher Award is named in honor of Frederic Milton Thrasher, the author of the classic 1927 study of Chicago gangs, who generated the first social scientific analysis of gangs. Some say he started a new field of study: gangology.
Thrasher is known for his book The Gang: 1,313 Gangs in Chicago.
The Thrasher Awards recognize outstanding contributions in research, scholarship, service, leadership, and other related accomplishments in dealing with the gang problem.
The Thrasher Award is international in scope, and has recognized a number of different experts and leaders in countries outside of the Unites States. Foreign recipients in the past have included gang experts from South Africa, the West Indies, Canada, Turkey, Great Britain, El Salvadore, and Denmark.
The Thrasher Awards began in 1997 and have been a feature of the Offical Opening Ceremony of the NGCRC's annual international gang specialist training conference ever since. In 2022 the NGCRC celebrates 25 years of continuous, uninterrupted, classroom-based training in Chicago. With the advent of COVID 19, the NGCRC developed and enhanced a Video-Based Training system to supplement and to be an alternative to classroom based training.
If you know someone who has achieved something outstanding in this area, then please send your nominations to: The 2022 Thrasher Awards Committee, National Gang Crime Research Center, P.O. Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468. You can fax these as well: (708) 258-9546. You can email as well to: gangcrime@aol.com
Your nomination should be in the form of an official letter addressed to the NGCRC's 2022 Thrasher Awards Committee. It should indicate the primary category of accomplishment: remember the Thrasher Award recognizes outstanding contributions in research, scholarship, service, leadership, and other related accomplishments in dealing with the gang problem. Provides as much detail as you can and include any supportive documentation you feel is relevant (news coverage, endorsem*nts, program history, historical summaries, etc). In no case should the full nomination narrative letter and supportive documentation exceed thirty typed pages.
The policy of the NGCRC is to provide complete and absolute identity protection to those who would want to nominate someone for a Thrasher Awards. The identity of a person or organization that would nominate someone for a Thrasher Award is therefore protected by this explicit written policy of the NGCRC. We will not reveal this information to recipients, it is considered confidential information. But by the same token, the NGCRC cannot accept "anonymous nominations". As a general guideline, for "how to prepare" a nomination: one cover letter, and then whatever attachments and documents you feel are necessary to support the nomination. Attachments can include: statements or letters from others, corroborating the nomination, newspaper coverage, any forms of documentation that can support the nomination.
Thrasher Awards will be made at NGCRC's 2022 Twenty Fifth International Gang Specialist Training Program for persons who have made outstanding contributions in research, scholarship, service, leadership, and other accomplishments in dealing with the gang problem. These Awards cannot be made in absentia.
Thrasher Awards are made on-site during the Conference in a special ceremony. Awards ceremony time and date is as follows: Monday, 7:00am, August 1, 2022, Chicago Ballroom, Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel. Award Recipients must be seated in the front row area. Arrive just before 7am and check in with the staff in front, tell them you are an Award Recipient.
Preliminary List of Thrasher Award Recipients for 2022:
The Preliminary List of Thrasher Award Recipients for 2022 Are:
Adult Friends for Youth, Honolulu, HI; "Exemplary Program Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Intervention".
Aaron Cunningham, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL; "Superior Accomplishments n Gang Investigation".
Gang Alternative, Inc, Miami, FL; "Exemplary Program Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Prevention".
James Mendrick, Sheriff, DuPage County Sheriff's Office, Wheaton, IL; "Superior Leadership in Gang Intervention in a Jail Environment".
Robert Mulvaney, NGCRC Staff, Houston, TX; "Superior Accomplishments in Gang Training".
PEI Kids, Lawrenceville, NJ; "Exemplary Program Award for Superior Accomplishments in Providing Victim Services for Youth Victims of Gang Violence".
Dr. Matthew Valasik, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA; "Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research", Amy P. Weirich, District Attorney General for Shelby County, Memphis, TN; "Superior Accomplishments in Gang Prosecution".
Amy P. Weirich, District Attorney General for Shelby County, Memphis, TN; "Superior Accomplishments in Gang Prosecution".
Other additional recipients TBA
Why the NGCRC has continued to set the "Gold Standard" for Gang Training:
The National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC) has pioneered the field by first of all being producers of gang knowledge, publishing and disseminating useful information recognized at the highest levels of the social scientific community. Additionally, the NGCRC has a long track record of service (1990 to present) to law enforcement and correctional agencies nationwide in the goal of reducing gang violence. The research and intelligence analysis developed by the NGCRC over the years, and published in its scholarly journal, the Journal of Gang Research (now in its 28th year of publication), is of great practical value for gang investigators in law enforcement and STG coordinators in the field of corrections. Gang investigators at all levels of government, here and abroad, as well as gang/STG experts in corrections who attend the NGCRC training conferences have clearly made their views known that the NGCRC training is the best in regard to offering high quality practical choices. Police and corrections experts teach a variety of courses at the NGCRC training conference.
The NGCRC, unlike other gang training groups, has a high level of transparency. The NGCRC provides a enormous amount of information about all details of the training conference. A lot of work goes into providing attendees with voluminous information about every aspect of the conference: from information about the trainers, to the descriptions of courses, to the tours, receptions, and special networkng events. The NGCRC even provides a preliminary schedule of events months before the actual training date, so that an attendee can literally "map out" and create an full personlized training experience by picking and choosing what to attend in advance. The NGCRC model illustrates a high level of professionalism.
The NGCRC training conference is specifically designed to “train the trainer”: someone who completes the training will be able to return to their police department or institution equipped to train others. Investigators return with a wealth of printed information, and lots of new “networking contacts”: persons to call upon in the future.
GOOD TO VERIFY IF YOU AREACTUALLY REGISTED FOR THISCONFERENCE:
It is good to verify it if you think you are registered for this conference and if you have not received what is called a "Confirmation of Conference Registration" letter from the NGCRC.
The NGCRC sends out a "registration confirmation" to everyone who is actually registered forthe conference. This letter documents what training track you may have signed up for, and canalso serve as a receipt for payment of conference fees.
So if you think you are registered and you have not received a "Registration Confirmation", thenyou may want to use a VERIFY MY REGISTRATION FORM. This form can be faxed or mailedin to the NGCRC and we will be able to promptly verify back to you if you are or are notregistered. Please no phone or email inquiries: we need it in writing.
This procedure is particularly helpful if your agency has "dropped the ball" in terms of getting the registration form/payment mailed off to the NGCRC.
You would not be eligible to register for the conference if you cannot sign the Policy statement on the regular NGCRC registration form; as a long standing rule, we do not allow journalists or defense attorneys because of the disruptive chilling effect they have. This is a mostly police conference: no one is authorized to take photographs or digitital recordings of any kind at the NGCRC conference, it is simply true that we get a lot of undercover detectives who deserve to have their privacy protected. We do not allow researchers to attend the Conference with the intent to use the attendees as informal or qualitative "data".
The Verify My Registration Form
Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Mailingaddress:________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
City, State,Zip:________________________________________________________________________________
Fax my confirmation back to me at this fax number: Area Code:________ FaxNumber:__________________________
PROCEDURE FOR REGISTERING BY MEANS OF A PURCHASE ORDER
This explains the new streamlined policy and procedure for persons from government agencies who seek to register for the 2021 NGCRC Training Conference by means of a Purchase Order or related type of procurement method. There are three main provisions of this policy and procedure and they are as follows:
1. A purchase order number must be provided on the form used by the Agency, and it must bear asignature. It should reflect that the payee will be the NGCRC and the form should also reflect thespecific amount payable to the NGCRC (call if you have any questions in this regard). Pleaseprovide any special billing information (e.g., who specifically we should make the Invoice out toand where specifically we should mail the Invoice to).
2. Fax your registration forms and the Purchase Order to the NGCRC ASAP. The NGCRC fax number is (708) 258-9546. After faxing it in, simply complete the registration form and attach a purchase order and mail it in ASAP to: National Gang Crime Research Center, 2021 Conference Processing Center, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468. We do need it faxed and mailed as well. Please note that the deadline for Purchase Orders faxed to the NGCRC is July 31, 2021 (unless you call and obtain exemption from this deadline). Please note that the NGCRC will not accept “onsite” registrations by means of oral declarations that “my agency is going to pay for it”, and will not accept on-site purchase orders. If you are planning to pay by means of Purchase Order, then it must be done before the conference.
3. Upon receipt of the registration form(s) and the purchase order form (or a letter head version)the NGCRC will register the persons(s) and issue their agency an Invoice. At the same time, theNGCRC will send individual letters confirming the registration to those persons. There are no“on-site” registration options for payment by means of a Purchase Order.
Those registering by means of a Purchase Order or if paying by a credit card can simply fax in their registrations, the fax number for the NGCRC is (708) 258-9546.
THE TRAINING SCHEDULE:
The training schedule is as follows:
July 31 (Sunday), 2022: You can register from 3:00pm to 10:00pm, pick up your badge and bag of goodies.
August 1 (Monday), 2022: Opening day begins 7am with an Official Welcoming Ceremony. Classes begin at 8:00am. And continue into the night.
August 2 (Tuesday), 2022: early riser sessions begin 6am; regular sessions begin 8am and continue into the night.
August 3 (Wednesday), 2022: early riser sessions begin 6am; regular sessions begin 8am, and terminate at 5:00p.m. You must pick up your certificates before 6:00pm.
Note: we provide early morning sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday; we provide noon sessions; and we provide early evening sessions on Mon. And Tues. Evenings — this "extra credit" allows persons to accumulate 24 hours of training by using the “customized schedule”, and by accumulating four hours out of the regular schedule allows you to leave at noon on Wednesday (giving you much flexibility on airline schedules for departing Chicago on Wednesday). These "early morning sessions" begin at either 6am or 7am; the evening courses begin at 5pm and can go up till 10pm if we need to. Thus, when you complete your 24 hours, you are eligible to depart with your certificates. Clothing suggestion: business casual.
The full schedule of events provides a day by day, hour by hour, room by room description of all events at the 2022 Conference, it is located at: https://www.ngcrc.com/schedule.html
An Option for 2022: The Double Major
(Signing Up for Two Tracks)
The NGCRC has had repeated requests for this over the years, the idea of having a "doublemajor": i.e., to be able to sign up for two (2) different specialty track areas. The benefit, ofcourse, is that such a "double major" would result in two different specialty track certificates: onecertificate for each of the two tracks.
The NGCRC is pleased to announce that the double major option is now available and it isdescribed here.
Q: What does it mean to have a double major?
A: All it means is you can have two "tracks"; you have to log in a minimum of four hours in eachof the two specialty areas.
Q: How many certificates do I get if I am registered for non-certification?
A: None.
Q: How many certificates do I get if I registered for certification?
A: Two: one for your program of study reflecting the completion of the 2022 program consisting of 24 hours of training, and one for your specialty area. Previously in history people attending the conference could only have one track.
Q: If I sign up for the Double Major or "two track option", how many certificates will I get?
A: Three: your basic 24 hour program completion certificate, and then one each for each of thetwo (2) different tracks.
Q: How much does it cost to sign up for the Two Track Option?
A: $90.00 if paid before July 1st; $105 if paid on or after that or onsite.
Q: What if there is a scheduling conflict and I discover at the conference I cannot accumulate theminimum number of hours in one of the two tracks?
A: We will refund your Two Track Option amount in full, no problem; and return you to the onetrack registration mode of your choice.
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The Two Track Sign Up Form
Print Name:____________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:_________________________________________________
Print name of 2nd Track here:_______________________________________
Enclose $90.00 check or money order made payable to the National Gang Crime ResearchCenter, and mail to: NGCRC, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468-0990.
If paying on or after July 31, 2022 please note that the fee increases to $105.
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GOT QUESTIONS: Call the NGCRC at (708) 258-9111
The "Added Value" of NGCRC Training:
The added value of NGCRC training is easy to explain and it is designed to be different than other groups who sponsor such training conferences: you get more for your money. You see that reflected in the evaluation results from previous NGCRC Conferences. Other people "copy" what we do, or they try to. But you can do a quick check of facts here: who else offers as many different sessions or courses than the NGCRC? It is such a huge and massive undertaking, that persons who attend this conference benefit from the very factor of "diversity" in the choices they have ---- what they want to learn, what instructors they want to learn from, etc
First, all NGCRC trainees are given a wealth of high-quality take home printed trainingmaterials. The value of these books, reflecting the official books and journals from the NGCRCand related topics of interest about gangs, is itself a value comparable to the price of trainingitself. Most gang training programs provide a small amount of take-home written trainingmaterials, while the NGCRC provides an abundance of high-quality written take-home trainingmaterials. All persons attending the conference receive a "bag of goodies" which includes thesekinds of useful written take-home training materials.
Secondly, no other training organization in the world provides the large variety of training options that the NGCRC provides; the NGCRC brings in more trainers and provides, therefore, more "choices" to trainees. NGCRC provides a large professional training experience in an environment designed for training. For example in the 2021 Conference there were over one hundred different sessions. Typically, gang conferences offer a small selection of training options. So if you think a variety of choices is a good thing, then you need to attend our training conference.
Thirdly, the NGCRC training is designed to produce "trainers": trainees who attend and complete the training typically return to their respective jurisdictions with an incredible new arsenal of training tools to train others in the field. You will get new and useful gang information at our 2022 Training Conference.
Fourthly, the NGCRC training includes social opportunities that are structured to enhance theability of the trainee to network with others in the field at a national and international level.
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THE 2022 NGCRC TRAINING CONFERENCE:
You have the power to "choose" what you want to learn. You have the right to "major in" whatarea of specialization or concentration you are interested in. Our conference provides anincredible array of different professional gang training sessions that trainees can make up theirown minds what they want to attend. This is not the "one size fits all" model of training whereevery trainee attends each of a small limited number of training sessions and every trainer worksall day to give the same talk three or four times. Our training program provides what we thinkpeople really want: the freedom to choose what kind of training they want from an incredible listof available choices. If you wanted a "Crash Course" on gangs, then this would be it.
There has never been a gang training conference where people can "specialize" in a wide variety of areas of expertise. So the 2022 NGCRC Gang Training Conference really is a "history making event". It allows persons to network with others in their special area of interests and it has the organizational strength of much diversity among the trainers. It also has curriculum materials that are truly "cutting-edge". No one else promises you NETWORKING RESULTS. We do, based on previous performance.
Obviously, no single person could ever attend each and every one of the many different sessions that will be available for the 2022 NGCRC 25th International Gang Specialist Training Program: one person has only 24 hours to spend in classroom training. There may be six or more different "sessions" being taught at the same time: you can only be in one place at one time. So make your session choices wisely by studying the huge curriculum.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONOPTIONS:
Trainees can register for Non-Certification or they can register for Certification. Both of theseregistration options are explained below.
Non-Certification: This option is for those who do not need a transcript to be maintained oftheir training experience and who do not desire a high quality certificate in an upward path ofgang specialist training. This option is best for those who just want to attend, get the trainingmaterials, and be free to come and go as they wish. Trainees are eligible to receive 24 hours ofon-site training during the conference. Please note that if you register for non-certification you donot receive any certificates of your training. Non-certification trainees do receive the same highquality set of take home training materials as those who register for Certification. Personsregistering for non-certification are allowed to "upgrade" their registration to Certification; pleaseinquire in writing about this procedure.
Certification: The certification is provided by the National Gang Crime Research Center, the premier gang research organization in the world, founded in 1990 it publishes the only professional international refereed journal about gangs (the Journal of Gang Research), it does extensive research on gangs, and it has a strong positive track record for providing high quality training on gang issues. TheJournal of Gang Research has 25 years of gang research publishing experience and as the Official Publication of the NGCRC it is abstracted in the Psychological Abstracts, Criminal Justice Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, Social Service Abstracts, and other international organizations that recognize professional journals. For more information about the accomplishments of the NGCRC, see its webpage information (www.ngcrc.com). The NGCRC was given much positive attention in the November/December 2002 (No. 67) National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Catalog, U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs as a source of useful information on gangs (pp. 15, 17; this is not "advertising", because the NGCRC reports it recommended at our Web site were not government-funded and the NGCRC is not government funded, thus it is simply achieved positive recognition.
There are a number of different choices for a person seeking certification. You must select ONE of these areas of specialization for your own designated track when you register for certification.
When you register for certification, you select one "track" as your primary interest area. Your"track" is like your "major" in college. You must spend at least four hours in sessions designatedfor your "track". The other 20 hours of training are "electives": spend that time in any session youwant to attend.
When you register for certification you receive two professionally printed color certificates of high display quality reflecting your training. One of these certificates reflects the completion of the 2021 Training Program (acknowleging you have completed 24 hours of training while in Chicago); and the second certificate reflects your specialized training in your chosen track area (acknowledging that you have completed a minimum of four hours of training in this track area). Those registering for non-certification do not receive such certificates.
The certificate we offer is designed for the gang specialist. The gang specialist is a person who works in the fields of expertise in the track areas and who deals in some way with the gang problem. The certificate we offer is not designed for the general public as a route to being employed in any of these track areas. The NGCRC training is not like the "Gangs 101" training offered by a local police or corrections training academy. The NGCRC training is more cerebral, it is more appreciative of criminological research and it is recognizes that sworn personnel can integrate with civilian specialists in the learning environment. The NGCRC does not solicit attendance from the general public. Rather the NGCRC explicitly reaches out to those persons working in a variety of professions that deal with the gang problem (law enforcement, county jail, county adult and juvenile probation officers, state prison and parole staff, prosecutors, public school safety/SRO staff, etc.
While there is no educational requirement or prerequisite to receive NGCRC training, the NGCRC does not promise that by receiving its certificates that it would be a key to the door of a job in any profession. Mostly professionals attend NGCRC training, people with college degrees of some sort. We get a number of Ph.D.'s who attend the training. And of course we receive a number of people with less than two years of college or university training. There is much occupational and educational diversity among the trainees who attend the NGCRC training conference. Our ideal trainer is not just a published professional, but also a pioneer and recognized leader in his/her field.
Some Q & A About the NGCRC Gang Training Conference:
Q: I see a lot of your presenters have Ph.D.'s or are lawyers with the JD degree, do you have to have a graduate degree to teach for the NGCRC?
A: No, but we prefer that our presenters be published professionals. The NGCRC recruits presenters who are highly qualified to speak to whatever subject matter their presentation focuses on.
Q: What distinguishes the NGCRC from other providers of gang training services?
A: The NGCRC has over 20 years of service to the American criminal justice system (law enforcement, adult and juvenile corrections, prosecution, probation, etc); the NGCRC has a legacy of carrying out large scale gang research projects of much import and usefulness to the criminal justice system and schools, communities; the NGCRC has a remarkable and unparalleled history of publishing and disseminating useful information about dealing with the gang problem through the Journal of Gang Research (the official publication of the NGCRC) and The Gang Specialist newspaper we distribute free of charge; the NGCRC has a high level of accountability, each attendee has a lengthy evaluation form which becomes the transcript and official record of their attendance at any NGCRC training event; there is an NGCRC management and planning committee that reviews these annual evaluations for the purpose of improving operations and for feedback to specific presenters (an SPSS statistical analysis is made of the evaluation data and presenter feedback is provided to presenters, while general feedback is reported in full at the NGCRC website); the NGCRC is highly organized and leaves little to chance, the most important functions at the NGCRC conference are directly supervised by NGCRC staff who are also on one of the Conference Management Committees, examples include the networking receptions which typically have the same experienced professional and courteous staff from one year to the next, this provides continuity in supervision over a span of years, so these NGCRC staff have no learning curve to face, they know what they are doing, and they know how to do it.
Q: Does the NGCRC Provide Any Help on Parking?
A: The NGCRC lacks that ability. Parking can cost over $72 day (overnight) if you park at the hotel. Fact: There is no cheap parking in Chicago. The NGCRC has no control or authority over parking costs in Chicago. Nor can the NGCRC endorse any of the number of different I-phone and Android apps (e.g., "spothero") that claim to find you and guarantee you affordable parking. The City of Chicago Parking Garages are known to have the most competitive rates. Good website to find parking as close as next door to the hotel at the Water Tower Place: www.chicagoparkingmap.com
Q: Any special advice for people who are considering making a presentation at the NGCRC Conference?
A: At the start of your session, right after giving the title slide to your Power Point presentation, give an OUTLINE slide. This way attendees will know what will and what will not be covered in your session. This way they cannot complain the title does not match your content. Beware of Receiving the Criticism that Your Title Does Not Match Your Session Content. Target harden your session against this potential criticism by having an outline that corresponds to the structure an content of your training goals. Consider putting handouts on a website or make available by request through email. A presenter could also insert the sentence at the end of his/her session: "Attendees at this session will be provided online access or an emailed version of the hand-outs shortly after the conference if they request it while attending the session and completing the sign-in sheet email-handout request form inside the presenters training room.
Q: How do I pick my courses, how do I pick what sessions I should attend?
A: You will have an evaluation form where you check off how much time you spent at the conference, and in which sessions. If you are registered for certification, then You need to log in (accumulate) four (N = 4) hours in your track area, and another 20 hours so that you have a total of N = 24 hours logged in during the three day conference. If you have a double major (two tracks), you need four hours minimum in each track, and then another 16 hours in any sessions you want to attend. The way to pick your classes is read the course listings (www.ngcrc.com/courses.html), you will notive that all sessions have a section called "Session Credits:" where the session lists the training tracks that it gives credit for. Look for sessions in your track area, you need a minimum of 4 hours in your track, the remaining 20 hours can be spent in your track or anywhere, it is your choice. You cannot attend all 100+ courses. You need to make a decision about what will help you the most. Do this by reading the session information (www.ngcrc.com/courses.html), then pick out 24 hours or so that you want to attend. Then go to the schedule and see if this works: www.ngcrc.com/schedule.html. If two of your choices are being taught at the same time, you have to pick one of them: most of the sessions or courses to not "repeat". You may need to go back to the session description information (www.ngcrc.com/courses.html) and pick a different session. Then check the schedule until you know you have a schedule that works for you.
CERTIFICATION UPGRADE:
This is applicable ONLY for those who have previously received certification from the NGCRC.The NGCRC provides for Certification Upgrades as explained here, free, automatically when youindicate your previous certification training with the NGCRC.
The registration form asks if you have completed prior Certification Training with the NGCRC.If you have, then you are eligible for a Certification Upgrade, so fill this out on the registrationform. This Certification Upgrade procedure recognizes the cumulative nature of training overtime (1997-present).
The intermediate, advanced, expert, professional, and master levels of certification thereforerecognize this prior NGCRC training. The Basic Training Program is for those persons who havecompleted no prior certification with the NGCRC. When you register for Certification, youreceive two certificates: one in your area of specialization, and one reflecting your level ofCertification. The levels of certification are explained below.
If you have previously obtained Certification from the NGCRC, then you are eligible for aCertification Upgrade to one of the following options:
Intermediate Level Training Program: completed 24 hours of prior certification with NGCRC.
Advanced Level Training Program: completed 48 hours of prior certification with NGCRC.
Expert Level Training Program: completed 72 hours of prior certification with NGCRC.
Trainer/Consultant Level Training Program: completed 96 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC.
Master Level 1 (First Degree) Training Program: completed 120 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC.
Master Level 2 (Second Degree) Training Program: completed 144 hours of prior certificationwith the NGCRC.
Master Level 3 (Third Degree) Training Program: completed 168 hours of prior certification withthe NGCRC.
Master Level 4 (Fourth Degree) Training Program: completed 192 hours of prior certificationwith the NGCRC.
Master Level 5 (Fifth Degree) Training Program: completed 216 hours of prior certification withthe NGCRC.
Master Level 6 (Sixth Degree) Training Program: completed 240 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC.
Master Level 7 (Seventh Degree) Training Program: completed 264 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC.
Master Level 8 (Eighth Degree) Training Program: completed 288 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC.
Master Level 9 (Ninth Degree) Training Program: completed 312 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC.
Master Level 10 (Tenth Degree) Training Program: completed 336 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC.
Professional Level 1 (First Degree) Training Program: completed 360 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC.
Professional Level 2 (Second Degree) Training Program: completed 384 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC
Professional Level 3 (Third Degree) Training Program: completed 408 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC
Professional Level 4 (Fourth Degree) Training Program: Completed 432 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC
Professional Level 5 (Fifth Degree) Training Program: Completed 456 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC
Professional Level 6 (Sixth Degree) Training Program: Completed 456 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC
Professional Level 7 (Seventh Degree) Training Program: Completed 480 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC
Professional Level 8 (Eighth Degree) Training Program: Completed 504 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC
Professional Level 9 (Ninth Degree) Training Progarm: Completed 528 hours of prior certification with the NGCRC
CERTIFICATION OPTIONS: Those who register for certification receive two high quality certificates reflecting their training. Those who register for non-certification receive no certificate. However, those who register for non-certification are eligible to upgrade to full certification anytime prior to the conference itself, just pay the $100 additional cost.
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Upgrade from Non-Certification to Full Certification Form
My name is:_______________________________________________________________
I am already registered for Non-Certification. I wish to change my registration to full Certification.
My training track will be:______________________________________________________
I enclose $100.00 to upgrade my registration to full Certification.
You can also just pay for this On Site at the conference.
Upgrade from Non-Certification to Certification is available only on or before August 3, 2022.
It cannot be done after the date at which the conference officially ends.
Mail this form to: NGCRC, Conference Processing Center, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468
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When registering for certification, the trainee selects one special "track" from the available list.What this means is that the trainee must spend at least four (4) hours in attending sessionsdesigned for that specific "track"; the remaining twenty (20) hours can be used attendinganything the trainee wants to attend.
Select Your Certification Specialty Choice From a List of Different Options (Training Tracks):
Those who register for certification receive two high quality 8 ½" x 11" certificates reflecting their training. The certificates carry the seal of the National Gang Crime Research Center. If you register for certification, then you receive two certificates (1) one reflects that you completed the NGCRC's 2022 program consisting of 24 hours of intensive training, and (2) the second certificate reflects that you completed a minimum of four hours in a specialized topical area, i.e., your "track". Those who register for non-certification do not receive any certificates. Registering for non-certification is cheaper. However, those who register for non-certification are eligible to upgrade their enrollment to full certification on or before July 15, 2022, just pay the extra $100 additional cost accompanied with the "Upgrade to Certification" form. The NGCRC conference does attract head hunters and administrators who may not necessarily need or want certification. But if you ever anticipate the need to provide quality proof of your training, you probably want to sign up for certification. When registering for certification, you need to select ONE (1) of the special gang certification training tracks from the available list. There are over 30 options on the list. You need to pick one. What this means is that the trainee must spend at least four (4) hours in attending sessions designed for that specific "track", and the remaining twenty (20) hours can be used attending anything the trainee wants to attend.
SPECIAL TRAINING TRACKS: Several specialized training tracks exist for those registering for Certification. The trainee receives a second certificate for the one area of chosen concentration, reflecting an intensive 4-hour minimum training requirement that is fulfilled during regular training sessions at the conference. A trainee registering for Certification must pick ONE of the specialized training track options. Current areas for choices in the specialized training tracks include the following options:
(1) Gang Crime Investigation Skills Track
(2) Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole Track
(3) Gang Homicide Investigation Skills Track
(4) Gangs and Drugs Track
(5) Gang Problems in K-12 Schools Track
(6) Gangs and Organized Crime
(7) Gangs and Mental Health Track
(8) Gang Interview/Interrogation Skills Track
(9) Gang Internet Investigation
(10) Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services Track
(11) Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills Track
(12) Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists
(13) Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence Track
(14) Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills Track
(15) Motorcycle Gangs (restricted: for Criminal Justice Personnel only)
(16) Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities
(17) Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators
(18) Gang Counseling Skills Track
(19) Advanced Gang Identification
(20) Gang Profile Analysis Track
(21) Gang Prosecution Track
(22) Gang Prevention Skills Track
(23) International and Transnational Gang Problems Track
(24) Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs Track
(25) Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs Track
(26) Female Gangs/Female Gang Members.Track
(27) Gang Crime Analysis & Mapping Track
(28) Gangs and the Mass Media Track
(29) Graffiti Identification and Analysis
(30) Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention Track
Please note: you have the option to delay making a decision about your track by just marking your form "TBA" where it asks for your track name, and this will be treated as "To Be Announced", and you have until July 15, 2022 to actually make up your mind about what track you want to have.
Also, you can change your "Track" at anytime on or before July 15, 2022. To change your track, just fax a memo to that effect to the NGCRC Conference Registration Center: (708) 258-9546.
Cancellation, Refunds, and ReplacementsPolicy:
If you cancel on or before May 21, 2022, and the cancellation form is received on or before May 21, 2022, all of your registration fee minus the $75 cancellation fee will be refunded to you (refund checks are mailed out approximately 2 weeks AFTER the conference is over with).
If you cancel on or after May 22, 2022 and the cancellation form is received by the NGCRC on or before June 21, 2022, you are entitled to a refund in the amount of half (50%) of the registration fee, minus the $75 cancellation fee as well; refund checks are mailed out approximately 2 weeks AFTER the conference is over with.
Note: After 6-22-2022 there are no longer any refunds allowed. No-shows are non-refundable. We cannot be responsible for any transportation problems you had.
Note: It is not an affirmative defense to say you had trouble with our fax machine getting yourcancellation form submitted "on time". You need to be using the United States Postal Service asyour primary vehicle of notification, so that it has an official "time and date" stamp on it. If youare "late" with regard to dates for cancelling, then late means the terms and conditions apply.There are no exceptions to the terms and conditions for cancellation and refunds andreplacements as listed here.
Note: You can "swap" or replace someone for a paid position. There is no additional cost for replacements. Just make sure you promptly do this on agency stationary and get it faxed and mailed in ASAP. Names associated with any NGCRC voucher for future training can also be easily changed by simple written request from an agency or individual.
As always the NGCRC will provide prompt refunds in cases where a trainee must cancel and contacts us to that effect, with sufficient advance notice, before the conference. However, because I.D.'s, credentials, and materials have already been prepared at time of the receipt of registration, and other related expenses will have already been incurred by the NGCRC on behalf of the registered trainee, a $75.00 fee will be assessed for any cancellation. If you need to cancel your registration, therefore, the NGCRC is responsible only for your registration fee refund minus the $75.00 cancellation fee. Further, there is a long-standing policy in a number of organizations providing training such as this to limit the amount of the refund: thus, if the cancellation request is received on or before May 21st, 2022, we will refund the entire registration fee minus the $75 cancellation fee.
However, if the cancellation request is received after May 22, 2022 and on or before June 21st, 2022 only 50% of the amount will be refundable (minus the additional $75 cancellation fee); and if the cancellation request is received on or after June 22nd, 2022, there are no refunds allowed. There are no special exceptions such as health, sickness, court duty, etc. It is important that you follow the format of the cancellation request: the cancellation request must be in writing, a phone call will not suffice; the written request must be mailed to the NGCRC, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468; and please fax us a copy as well (708) 258-9546, in the request please state who we should make the refund check payable to. No cancellations will be accepted by Email service or over the internet: U.S. Postal Service and fax are the two methods you need to use.
Replacements: replacements are allowed at any time. Should someone who has been registeredfor the conference be unable to attend, the agency may send a replacement at no extra cost.However, if you intend to do this, please notify us in writing so that the notice is received oneweek in advance to be able to have the proper ID Badge ready at time of registration. If you waituntil the last minute, then it is still possible to send a replacement: but we would have to maketheir ID BADGE on-site at the Conference location. If you do want to send a replacement, kindlyfax that request to (708) 258-9546 and follow-up with a phone call to (708) 258-9111. On-sitereplacements are also allowed.
The NGCRC refund policy supercedes any credit card policy if the person so registered for theconference has paid conference fees by means of a credit card.
No-Shows Non-Refundable: Those who are registered, but do not show up for the conference arenot eligible for a refund.
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CANCELLATION AND REFUND REQUEST FORM:
Please Print and Execute this Refund Form if you Want a Refund:
REFUND FORM:
My name is _________________________ Today’s date is _______ . I paid $_______ for registration for the NGCRC's 2021 Twenty Fourth Gang Specialist Training Program, and I will not be able to attend, and I am requesting a refund.
I understand that if this form is received by the NGCRC before May 21st, 2022 I am entitled to a full refund minus the $75 cancellation fee.
I understand if the cancellation request is received after May 22nd, 2022 and on or before June 21st, 2022 only 50% of the amount will be refundable (minus the $75 cancellation fee); and if the cancellation request is received on or after June 22nd, 2022, there are no refunds allowed
Please make the refund check payable to _________________________
Mail it to:__________________________________________________
Note: Refund Form must be “received” by fax or U.S. Postal Service on or before designatedeligibility dates.
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After June 22nd, 2022 no REFUNDS ARE ALLOWED. However, you can have a free "replacement". Just complete the replacement form provided here.
Replacement and Cancellation Form
Name of registration being cancelled:_____________________________________________
Name of Replacement for the above cancellation:____________________________________
Attach new registration form for the replacement and fax this on your letterhead to NGCRC:(708) 258-9546
POLICY WITH REGARD TO ON-SITE REGISTRATIONS:
1. Please beware that the NGCRC may not accept your on-site registration due to a lack of space (it is expected that the registrations will close early this year). One of the things the NGCRC does is prepare a very elaborate and valuable "goody bag" for all persons attending the conference, and we spend a great deal of effort and manpower in preparing exactly the number of bags needed. We cannot create more bags for unexpected “new arrivals”. If you are planning on registering onsite, even for a one day pass, you should call in advance to make sure we have room.
2. Everyone who is registered for this conference receives POSITIVE PROOF of their registration in the form of a confirmation letter from the NGCRC. If you have never received one of these letters from the NGCRC confirming your registration for the conference, then it is clear: you may not be registered for the conference.
3. Because of past abuses: the NGCRC will no longer accept promises of payment from agenciesor individuals on-site. You will not be able to show up with a Purchase Order and register onsite.
REGISTRATION COSTS:
Note that the cost schedule refers to when exactly the payment is actually made for the training registration. There have been no increases in costs for the NGCRC Training Conference; the costs for 2022 remain the same as in 2021.
Thus the earlier the registration is processed the cheaper the registration cost. This sliding scale provides an incentive to register early in case "slots" for the training conference fill up early; as we do expect them to fill up early; we may at some point therefore not accept additional registrations if space is filled. Watch this Website for the notice of whether slots are available.
REGULAR REGISTRATION PERIOD:
Paying on or July 31, 2022: Non-Certification $800, Certification $850
ONSITE REGISTRATION: An Onsite Registration is any registration made on or after August 1, 2022.
Paying On-Site (If slots are available): Non-Certification $950, Certification $1000
Special Notice on On-Site Registration: (1) it is best that you get an advance "approval" from the NGCRC for any intention of trying to register for on-site registration, this is true for several reasons, including the lack of space, (2) because space is limited and we will not admit you automatically you are urged to notify the NGCRC in writing of your intent to register on-site, further that the NGCRC have this notification on or before July 15, (3) get your "clearance code" to register on-site, as we cannot guarantee any space available for "walkins".
Multiple Registration Discount:
Any agency registering three persons, simultaneously, is eligible for a $100 discount off the total training cost (by which we mean a $33.33 discount for each of the three). Additional discounts would apply for those agencies registering four or more persons (simultaneously) for training. An agency registering more than three persons, simultaneously, will qualify for a Group Discount Code. Call the National Gang Crime Research Center to inquire about group rates (708 258-9111). The Group Discount Code provides a sliding-scale group rate discount. There is no retroactive value: if you do not apply for a Group Discount Code in advance of registration then you are not eligible for it. Inquire about your eligibility for other discounts (e.g., if you were registered for some other gang training conference that had to be cancelled if they are reputable organizations the NGCRC might have established discount incentives we can offer persons who were not able to attend due to the conference being cancelled --- the NGCRC works with a lot of such organizations.....so just inquire to see if you are eligible for a discount, sometimes we can help, sometimes we can't....it depends on what organization cancelled out on you.....the one thing you can always count on is that the NGCRC will never cancel on you).
There are no multiple registration discounts for the One Day Pass.EXHIBITORS:
Various exhibitors are expected at the Conference, including books, materials about gangs. If you are a company that wants to exhibit, call the NGCRC for details, (708) 258-9111. Vendors are not allowed to attend training sessions. Vendors get about 20 hours of exhibit time (from 9am Monday until noon Wednesday).
PICKING UP YOUR REGISTRATIONMATERIALS:
Trainees need to pick up their registration materials, these include: I.D. Badge, Evaluation Form,Conference Proceedings, and related materials distributed to trainees. You pick up yourregistration materials at the Training Site: the hotel, ask for the NGCRC Operations Center room,or follow conspicuously posted signage.
Trainees may pick up their registration materials during the evening of Sunday, July 31, 2022. That is early registration. This will start at 3:00 p.m. and last until 10:00 p.m.
Trainees may also pick up their registration materials during the early morning registration period (starting at 6:00 a.m. on Monday August 1, 2022). That is the regular registration.
Trainees may also pick up their registration materials at any time during the training schedule bycoming to the Operations Room at the Training Site. That would cover anyone arriving for lateregistration.
THE REGULAR TRAINING TIMESCHEDULE
Here is the Monday (August 1, 2022), Tuesday (August 2, 2022), Wednesday (August 3, 2022) training schedule (August 1-3, 2022): training sessions 8:00 am-noon, 1 hour lunch break, training sessions 1:00 pm-5:00 pm. Thus, a total of 24 training hours are logged in during the regular training schedule. We do, of course, offer "pre-conference" sessions for credit (on Sunday afternoon: mostly for those new to gang training). The full schedule is provided at: https://www.ngcrc.com/schedule.html
Some evening functions (after 5:00 p.m.) are also going to be scheduled. There are also "early riser" sessions: for those who want a session before 8am. There will even be "noon sessions": we are doing this to accommodate travel arrangements where persons may arrive late, or where they may have to leave the training site to return early. Dress code: informal. All training rooms are airconditioned.
THE NGCRC IS A FAMILY FRIENDLYENVIRONMENT:
The NGCRC, unlike most other conferences, is "family friendly". If you have a spouse or children who may need to visit with you during your training time period, the NGCRC has established the "family friendly policy" of providing Conference Identification Badges to family members (spouses, children, etc). This allows them to come in and have coffee and donuts with you, etc. Thus, you are not "isolated" from your family. To receive I.D. badge credentials for your family members, just ask for "Family ID Credentials" in a fax or written letter to the NGCRC: Give their names. When you register, to pick up your own Registration Materials, you will find their "Family ID's" in your own registration kit. They will be allowed into the "secure areas" so they may contact you. These "family members" will not receive "Goody Bags" or conference materials, but they will be allowed past the security check points and will therefore be able to pass without delay or hindrance to meet with you if necessary. Some restaurants and eateries give NGCRC trainees a discount (no discount on liquor, food only), and all you have to do is show your Conference Identification Badge.
Enhancements --- EARLY, NOON, andEVENING SESSIONS:
To accommodate those individuals who want to leave early on Wednesday August 3rd (2022), and still allow them to accumulate their 24 hours of training, we are this year planning to offer some early morning, lunch time, and evening sessions. The current plan is to have a few such sessions available for this purpose. This will provide at least four (4) hours of training outside of the regular training schedule, which will allow persons who need to leave at noon on Wednesday to do so.
Rooms are available at the Hotel at the same rate for Friday nights and Saturday as well, at the same rates, if anyone is interested in getting cheaper flights by staying an extra day or so: just ask the hotel registration personnel. You should be able to get the same rate for two days prior and two days after the 1-3 August 2022 time frame. If you have trouble with the hotel, feel free to call the NGCRC and ask for the "hotel liaison" to see if there is anything we can do to help. Sometimes the "block of bumper rooms" sells out (bumper rooms are those before and after the conference).
You basically "pick and choose" your own custom-made training schedule. You can takeyour pick from a number of different session choices. There are typically six or seven sessionsgoing on at any particular time. So, you just "vote with your feet". The full schedule of coursesby room numbers, and day/time slots will be posted at this website prior to the conference. Youcan therefore study it and more effectively use your training time prior to arrival.
DRESS CODE:
We have had a number of questions about "dress code" from persons registered to attend the conference. We can clarify this now: there is no dress code. Dress casual, it is summer time. If you want to dress more formally, that's okay too. Your laminated military-style identification badge for the conference gives you access to the building locations you need access to.
USE OF COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND MATERIALS AT THE NGCRC GANG TRAINING CONFERENCE: SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS AND SPECIFIC PROHIBITIONS
1. BACKGROUND
The National Gang Crime Research Center's annual gang specialist trainingconferences often relate sensitive information and/or data via various forms ofcommunication, and are attended by undercover officers.
2. DEFINITIONS
A. Communication Devices: Are defined as digital or film cameras, digital or videotaperecorders, digital or tape voice recorders, cellular telephones capable of transmittingvisual images or recording audio memos, and apparatuses capable of transmitting orrecording textual messages.
B. Materials: Are defined as any spoken words of an instructor, any MS PowerPointslides, any photocopied handouts, any official and unofficial publications, and the visualidentity (facial recognition) of any undercover agents.
C. Originator: Is defined as the person, persons, organization, or agency responsiblefor the authorship (i.e., preparation, presentation, publication, and/or utterance) of anyof the above materials.
3. POLICY
This policy is, therefore, established for the use and protection of the aforementioned.
A. Communication devices capable of recording are prohibited from use within thetraining area--noting the following.
(1) Except as employed by NGCRC staff or security personnel.
(2) Except as authorized by the NGCRC Director or Security Staff Chief.
B. Communication devices capable of transmission are prohibited from use within thetraining area--noting the following.
(1) Except as necessary to remain in contact for official business related to one's employment.
(2) Cellular telephones and pagers may remain on, but must be set at the leastdistractive alert setting possible [such as "vibrate"].
(3) All conversation or messaging will be conducted in the hallways and not inclassrooms during class sessions.
C. An originator's written permission must be obtained before quoting, paraphrasing, orotherwise referencing any portion of the above-mentioned materials under the following conditions.
(1) When within any journalistic context.
(2) When within any mass media context.
(3) When within any proceedings of an official nature
4. VIOLATIONS
Any violations of this policy shall be grounds for immediate and permanent expulsion of said persons violating this policy from the conference.
The Gang Prevention - Intervention - Counseling Networking Reception:
(26) “Gang Prevention - Intervention - Counseling Networking Reception”. This is hosted by Dr. Douglas Semark and Robert Mulvaney, NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Special Note: 5pm-6pm, Monday, August 1, 2022. You need a ticket for the event, you get the ticket by signing up for it on your registration form. The ticket will be waiting for you in your registration packet you receive when you pick up your conference ID credentials.
Session Credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gangs and Mental Health.
Special Procedure for Sign Up: You need to check the “box” on your registration form in order to qualify to attend this event. It is a “ticketed” event. You get the ticket by signing up for it on the registration form itself or by using the ticket request form at the website, or by sending in a request to that effect..
Abstract
The gang intervention/prevention reception is a special event at the NGCRC and it has a long history of also being a valuable networking session. Come hear some analysis of the current state of affairs in gang prevention and learn about some people who are really making a difference in the world. This is also the time and venue in which the “NGCRC Spirit of Excellence Awards” are made. There are also door prizes in a random drawing based on your ticket to the event. You need to have a ticket to attend this event. The only way to get a ticket is to sign up for it in advance on the registration form itself.
Bios
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; works with various agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding, including Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles and the UCLA/Rand Prevention Research Center. He is currently the Director of the Gangfree Life Academy®.
Robert Mulvaney is a long time NGCRC staff member. He is a journal editor with the NGCRC, he has worked on numerous NGCRC research projects over the years. He has a Master's degree and much experience in the field of corrections. He has also received certification from the Office of Substance Abuse Services (OSAS).
THE CHRISTIAN GANG SPECIALIST RECEPTION:
This is available only to persons registered for the conference. This will be held during an "off time" in the regular conference schedule (lunch time). If you answered "YES" to the question on your registration form "I am interested in networking with Christian gang specialists while at this conference", then your registration I.D. Package Folder contains a special ticket that allows you into this reception. If you answered "NO" or left the quastion blank, it was assumed you are not interested. If you fall into the latter category, the Session Attendance Simulation Survey will ask you a second time if you want to be added to the group of persons who will attend this special networking reception. As we need to plan on how many are attending, no "walk ins" will be allowed. And as is the NGCRC tradition, of course, there are "door prizes" at this reception.
The format this year will likely be a light luncheon format (we are still working out specific arrangements: so stay tuned to this website for further details and developments). As always, there is no extra "charge" for signing up for receptions that may also provide you with food, beverages, etc. It is something you are automatically entitled to as a part of your conference registration fee. We will modify this announcement as needed. The Christian Gang Specialist Networking Reception is scheduled for Noon, Tuesday, August 2, 2022. This years host is Robert Mulvaney. Door Prizes Provided.
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The Christian Gang Specialist Network Reception Ticket Request Form
I am registered for the Conference. Please Sign me up for the Christian Gang Specialist Network Reception.
Name:__________________________________________
Address:________________________________________
City, ST, ZIP:____________________________________
Fax and mail this to the NGCRC: Fax (708) 258-9546.
Mail: NGCRC, 2020 Conference Processing Center, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468-0990
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The Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Corrections Network Reception:
This is available only to persons who work in law enforcement, prosecution, or corrections agencies. How do you sign up? Through the Registration Form itself or use the special request form below. If you do, you are in and a ticket will be in your registration file folder when you arrive at the conference. No ticket, no entrance to the event.
Reception Hosts: TBA.
At this year's training conference we are sponsoring a "Agency Patch Exchange" withinthe networking function designed for corrections and law enforcement personnel. If youare interested, please secure some of your agency's patches and bring them with you. Wewill have a time set aside for this at the Corrections/Law Enforcement Network function.So bring your appetite and your patches and have a great time! As always, there is no extra"charge" for signing up for receptions that may also provide you with food, beverages, etc.It is something you are automatically entitled to as a part of your conference registrationfee.
You need to bring agency identification (B's and C's: badges and credentials) in addition to your ticket to the event.
And as is the NGCRC tradition, of course, there are "door prizes" at this reception. The Corrections/Law Enforcement Reception is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2022.
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The Corrections/Law Enforcement Network Reception Ticket Request Form
I work in Law Enforcement, Prosecution, or Corrections. Please Sign me up for the Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Corrections Network Reception.
Name:__________________________________________
Address:________________________________________
City, ST, ZIP:____________________________________
Fax and mail this to the NGCRC: Fax (708) 258-9546.
Mail: NGCRC, 2022 Conference Processing Center, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468-0990
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The Veterans Reception: For Vets Only, by Dr. Todd Negola, NGCRC Staff; and NGCRC staff; and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, and NGCRC staff.
One (1) hour Scheduled for Monday August 1nd, noon.
Session Credits: Gang Investigation Skills.
Abstract
This is a special reception for vets only. It is held during the lunch hour on Monday. The purpose is to express appreciation to veterans for their service in the defense of freedom. If you are a vet, come and attend, find a warm, friendly environment. Door prizes. Great chances to network and mingle. Learn something new, meet somebody new. Sponsored by the NGCRC staff, you will feel appreciated here.
Bios
These men are are long time staff of the NGCRC, and are well known for their gang expertise. Todd is also a psychologist whose practice is with vets through the VA. Fred is an investigator with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Lee is a vet who still fits into his issued uniform and teaches gang mapping technology, among other topics.
No ticket is required for the Veterans Reception.
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CODE FOR THE LAMINATED MILITARY-STYLE IDENTIFICATION BADGES USED AT THIS CONFERENCE:
Some badges have unique identifiers that will help you. Watch for these.
A RED star on the Identification Badge indicates someone on the NGCRC's Goodwill Ambassador Staff; they also wear special easily identifiable uniforms; see them if you have any issue, or to report any problems with equipment inside the training rooms.
A BLUE star on the Identification Badge indicates someone who is a trainer or presenter.These are certainly people you need to network with.
A PLATINUM star on the Identification Badge indicates the person is a current or former Reviewing Editor of the Journal of Gang Research, the official publication of the NGCRC.
A GREEN star on the Identification Badge indicates someone who works for the NGCRC: these are NGCRC staff, they can HELP YOU; ask them if you have any questions.
A GOLD star on the Identification Badge indicates someone who is receiving a Thrasher Award this year at the Awards Ceremony.
Some Typical Questions and Answers:
Q: This is a lot of information, is there anything short and sweet, like a 6-page brochure I can print off from a PDF file? I just need a short summary to show my training supervisor.
A:Click here for the Six Page Brochure Version in PDF Format.
Q: Can I spend more than four (4) hours in my track area?
A: Yes, of course, if your track area, for example is "Gang Crime Investigation Skills" or"Gang Prevention Skills", then you are going to find you have a heck of a lot of choices;you may be able to log in 24 hours directly in your area of concentration (e.g., your trackarea).
Q: We have 24 hours of training, and if 4 of those hours have to be in the coursesspecifically approved for the track, then what do I do for the other 20 hours?
A: The other 20 hours are electives: you can spend then anyway you want to, vote withyour feet: if you are eligible to attend a session, then attend it. Remember and please notethat some sessions are restricted to law enforcement. But most are not restricted. You canattend anything you want to attend.
Q: I am bringing my wife and three school age children, should I ask for family credentials for allof them?
A. Sure, if you want to. The advantage to the family members is that they can get restaurantdiscounts with their ID cards.
Q: Can the NGCRC guarantee that I will be able to attend everything I want to attend?
A: No, and obviously not for the simple reason that these courses are NOT REPEATED;the courses are offered once and that is it; you have to make HARD CHOICES between 2or 3 or more different courses, all of which are attractive --- and so, like we said before oneperson could never attend all of the courses we offer. We have at least six or seven coursesgoing on at once: these are not repeating courses. If you want to attend two sessions thatare going on simultaneously, then you would have to decide which you wanted most. PlanB: split your time between two equally attractive courses.
Q: What is the seating style at the NGCRC conference, are there desks to write on?
A: There are no desks to write on, that is often called "student style seating". We use what is called "auditorium style seating". You get a chair, but no table to write on. You might want to consider bringing your posse box to have on your lap, so you can write on that. We do no have desktops to write on.
Q: Do you have to be a returning participant with certification to attend this conference forcertification?
A: No.
Q: When I see the NGCRC Training Conference referred to as "Gang College", does that phrase mean that the training converts to, or is equivalent in any respect to, college credit towards a college or university degree program?
A: No. The NGCRC has in its two decades of experience in training actually embedded the opportunity to complete college or university credit as a supplemental part of the training program, but we found that there was very little interest in that option, and we have not offered the college credit option for years. Do some professors who work with the NGCRC offer partial course credit, for example towards some college credit course, yes, that is certainly possible, but it would not be open to the public, it would be available only at the local college or university in question; it is not something you can sign up for with the regular registration application form. The NGCRC continues to work with a number of faculty members from different institutions of higher learning where criminal justice students are provided an opportunity to attend the NGCRC training conference. Has the NGCRC offered CEU's (Continuing Education Units) for some of its courses in the overall training program, yes, but we make no guarantee of offering this because again we found that few people wanted to take advantage of this enhancement option. Does the NGCRC training program include "cross training" by other accrediting bodies, yes, the Mental Health First Aid course would be a good example of this. The NGCRC cannot assure you that you will ever be able to receive college credit of any kind for the training it offers.
Q: What is the seating style, student seating with tables, or theater style?
A: The seating style is threater style. No tables to write on. You can bring a clip board or writing tablet to make it easier to take notes while seated in a chair.
Q: I hear a lot of the hotels in Chicago require a deposit for "incidentals"?
A: Yes, Chicago is a big city, big city hotels do this. Incidentals refers to phone calls, room service, the liquors/goodies in the fridge. You can always tell the front desk they can take out the phone and the fridge and make a note that there will be no room service for your room.
Q: I am a defense attorney or journalist, can I attend and exploit your environment for my personal benefit?
A: No. We rent out the entire floors of training rooms to make sure we have full control of who even can enter our floors and walk in the halls and exhibit areas. We have security to enforce the policy that to be on our training floors you need to have Official NGCRC Conference Identification --- it is a military style laminated badge that must be worn at all times while in conference areas or conference training rooms. We advise you to remove and conceal your ID badge if you are leaving the building for any reason. Bring it with if you are going to a store or restaurant that gives a discount for NGCRC attendees.
Q: Do you need to have any specific educational qualifications to attend this conference?
A: No (but you must be 18 years of age or older at the time you register).
Q: Are some of the sessions restricted in attendance?
A: Yes, a few are. The course listings provide that information, if they say they are restricted it will specifically say that in writing and specify the nature of the restriction, for example if a session says "Attendance Restrictd to Police Only" that means you need to be a police officer to attend.
Q: What if there is a course that gives credit for the training track I signed up for and it is also restricted in attendance to say, police only?
A: Signing up for a track just mans you are specifying the training track for your training, it does not mean ipso facto that you have any special rights to attend any and all sessions that give credit for your type of track. It is what it says it is: if it is a session that says "police only" and you are not police, you cannot attend. Further, if it is discovered that you were not eligible to attend the session, and did not have pre-approval in writing from the instructor to attend exempting you from the restriction, then be advised you may not be granted credit for aattending a session you were not actually eligible to attend.
Q: What do I do if I am in that situation of finding my top two courses being offered at thesame time?
A: Well it is possible to get credit for partial attendance at a session, you can indicate onyour Conference Evaluation Form that you attended the session, but mark on it that youwere there for 30 minutes or 1 hour, etc. But normally we do not run courses in the sametrack up against each other.
Q: What I would like to do is sample from a large number of different areas of expertiseafter I knock out my minimum of four hours in my track area, but how do I know whichclasses or courses or sessions "count" towards my track area?
A: Just look at the "Session Credits" line of information inside each session. This providesthe types of tracks that the session is geared towards. If your track is listed in the SessionCredits, then that course will count towards the minimum of four (4) hours you have toaccumulate in your one track area. You can obviously spend a lot more than four (4) hoursin some of the tracks, that is up to you.
Q: Is the NGCRC training "Accredited" by any board of higher education?
A: No. The term "accredited" normally applies to college/legal/continuing education credits. In past years the NGCRC has offered college credit and CEU's, from obviously accredited universities. Similarly, the NGCRC training has been approved and accepted by the accrediting body in some states for attorneys or prosecutors (State Supreme Court), but again, this is such a rare interest area, we do not seek it out and we do not offer it as one of the features of our training program. If you know someone who should "accredit" gang training, write to us with your concerns as we feel we should be on "their" board due to our leadership in this field for over a decade. We do not have a "static" program, our program is new and expanded every year: with new material added on a constant basis for over one hundred different courses, this is not a typical "gang training program" (where the typical gang training program has a few, a dozen or so, choices of sessions or courses to take: we have much more material and much more diversity).
Q: Does the NGCRC offer "CEU's" or Continuing Education Units in 2022?
A: No. We are not continuing this because there was little interest.
Q: Does the NGCRC offer Continuing Legal Education Units in 2022?
A: No.
Q: Does the NGCRC have any "digital training platform" in case I don't want to go to a face-to-face classroom?
A: Yes. Go to: https://ngcrc.com/videopage.html
THE TRAINING SITE:
The Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel
This hotel is in a classy part of the north Loop. It is situated in the "Gold Coast" area of north Michigan Avenue (the shopping district) by Chicago's Water Tower. The "Water Tower" is Chicago's famous landmark. The Westin Hotel is known as a favorite hotel for sports celebrities when they stay in Chicago. It is easy to get to, conveniently located, well known, and has many amenities to offer. It has scored favorably in the annual evaluations the NGCRC has conducted as well (the Conference Evaluation Form asks attendees to evaluate a lot of things, including the experience with hotel).
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
The site where the training is occurring is the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago hotel.
The reservations link for the discounted rates is: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1642091255314&key=GRP&app=resvlink
The Westin Michigan Avenue is located at 909 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The toll free number for the Central Reservations Call Center is: 1 (888) 627-8385. When making reservations, the "code" for the conference is "NGCRC Gang Conference". They need that "code" to give you the reduced hotel rates.
The cut-off date for getting the rates here is July 18, 2022: Singles $205, Double $205.
Trainees will, as in past NGCRC training conferences, be able to pick up their "goody bags" the evening before training begins. Opening Ceremony is 0700 Monday in the Chicago Ballroom; actual Training begins 8am Monday morning, August 1, 2022. However, you will be able to pick up your registration materials, your Identification Badge, the final schedule, and your "goody bag" the night before: we expect to be able to start giving out registration materials about 3pm on Sunday, July 31, 2022. We will be open to provide this service until about 8:00 p.m. Just go the the NGCRC Operations Center (The Garfield Park Room is the NGCRC Operations Center) to pick up your materials. Signs will be prominently displayed.
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For special deals on dining and entertainment while in Chicago, you might want to check a reliable source that Chicagoans use: www.190north.com
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The 2022 NGCRC 25th Gang Specialist
Training Conference:
The Preliminary or Advance
Curriculum and Detailed Course Offerings
for August 1-3, 2022
Please note that the 2022 program is just now getting started and the curriculum is still adding courses.
This is an advance listing of the courses already approved for inclusion in the Official 2022 Curriculum. We expect to be adding more sessions to this curriculum on a regular basis.
The full conference information is available at https://ngcrc.com/2022.conference.html
There are N = 108 sessions are now listed below.
Last updated: July 1, 2022
(1) “A Brief Introduction to Some of the Basicsof Graffiti Identification and Analysis: An Instructional Workshop (Part 1 of a 3 Part Series)”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Interview/Interrogation Skills; Gangs and Drugs;Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators, Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills, Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention and Intervention Services, Gangs and Mental Health,Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention, Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Abstract
This course will not only assist the attendee with gang identification and gang recognition skills, it will provide an opportunity to analyze different scenarios to develop the skills of a graffiti detective!
Bio
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, parole officer and STG specialist. In addition he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted Gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
(2) “The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Gang File”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, CTAP/NCIC, Clarksburg, WV.
Two (2) hours
Session credits (the training tracks that the session gives credit for): Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Homicide Investigation Skills; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Special restriction: Sworn law enforcement and corrections ONLY.
Abstract
This session is an officer safety and investigative tool offered by the NCIC for all levels of law enforcement. It provides near instantaneous information about a suspect’s recorded gang affiliation, personal identifying information, and the officer caution indicators in relation to individual gang members. The NCIC Gang File can convey two categories of information, Gang Group Reference Capability (GRC) and Group Member Capability (GMC). This segment of training will focus on retrieving information from the Gang File with an emphasis on how it can be used for investigative purposes and officer safety.
Bio
Mr. Grant Smith is a member of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) external training staff. Mr. Smith is a retired police officer with twenty-two years of law enforcement experience. For twelve of the twenty-two years, he was assigned to a multi-jurisdiction and multi-agency narcotics and violence crime task force as a task force agent and supervisor. Other law enforcement experience includes time in the Patrol Division, Investigations Division, and as a Special Response Team as a team leader. He also served as an investigator on the county’s Child Sexual Abuse Task Force. Additionally, he was a member of the department’s Counter Drug Reaction Team, and the department’s Police Honor Guard. Immediately upon retirement from the police department, Mr. Smith served as a member of a forensic team with the Combined Explosive Exploitation Cell (CEXC) in Baghdad, Iraq.
As an FBI training instructor, Mr. Smith conducts training for municipal, county, state and federal agencies. He is also part of the FBI’s New Agent Training Team in Quantico, VA and participates in CJIS internal training. In 2015, Mr. Smith was the recipient of the Frederic Thrasher Award for Superior Service in Law Enforcement Training. Mr. Smith is a United States Navy Veteran.
(3) “Cultivating Confidential Informants (CI’s) Without the Proffer”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; Raj Jaswal, Constable, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver, CANADA; Christopher M. Felton, MS, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: International and Transnational Gang Problems; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Abstract
Attend this session to learn about the differences and commonalities inside law enforcement gang investigations with experts from both the U.S. and Canada. Chris is a USA based officer and this session builds upon his work on developing confidential informants (CI’s) in those situations or conditions when we are not in a position to offer the confidential informant a formal proffer. Attend this session to gain insights into how to develop more effective CI’s in gang crime investigation.
Bios
Keiron holds a Bachelor of General Studies Degree from the Open University of British Columbia, a Masters of Science Degree in Policing and Public Order Studies from the University of Leicester, a Diploma in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University and a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Royal Roads University. This academic achievement comes with 22 years of operational experience with a large Criminal Justice Agency. In addition, Keiron has provided consulting services that included the Royal Saudi Arabian Police and the Peoples Republic of China Police. He has instructed at the JIBC-Police Academy for three years in Professional Patrol Tactics and continues as a guest lecturer. In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Royal Roads University, and at Douglas College in the Criminology Program. He is a regular guest instructor for the policing program at Simon Fraser University and is the author of the textbook “Legal and Regulatory Influences for Public Safety Communications”. He is currently a Doctorate Candidate at the London Metropolitan University in London, England.
Constable Raj Jaswal has worked within the criminal justice system for the last 13 years in a frontline and investigative capacity as a member of the Vancouver Police. He has worked in gang intervention, suppression, major projects and intelligence gathering for the last decade. He has developed considerable expertise working in the South Asian community. In 2014 he was recognized for his work to curb gang violence in South Vancouver. He is one of a select few in Canada who is a certified instructor in criminal vehicle interdiction training that targets the traveling organized crime member. He has a genuine passion for combining his practical experiences with educational training.
Christopher M. Felton, MS is a detective sergeant from the Fort Wayne (IN) Police Department’s Gang and Violent Crimes Unit. Additionally, Det. Sgt. Felton is the team coordinator for the department’s Peer Support/Critical Incident Stress Management Team, represents the department on the Indiana Statewide CISM Team Network, and is a member of the Northeast Indiana Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Det. Sgt. Felton holds two master’s degrees (A Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration on Forensic Psychology and a Master of Philosophy) and is a Ph.D. candidate currently writing his dissertation for his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice - Law and Public Policy. Det. Sgt. Felton is also an adjunct professor at two local universities where he teaches courses revolving around forensic psychology, and teaches police mental health to police officers.
(4) “Introduction to Gangs and Deviant Groups”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC.
Two (2) hours
Note: This course will be taught only on Monday, August 2nd.
Session Credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Advanced Gang Identification; Gang Prevention Skills; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
Considering everything from a fraternity to a church group, it is better to be in than out. Animals and human beings alike are social and influenced by group norms, values, and activities. From the outside looking in, mainstream America frequently questions why our youth are drawn to gangs and criminal behavior.
This presentation is designed to develop a fundamental knowledge of the origins, development, and continued prosperity of gangs and deviant subcultures. Attendees will receive a broad overview of the major gang influences in today’s culture and why gangs, despite our best efforts, continue to adapt and evolve while maintaining surprising influences on our youth and adults. This introduction to gangs will serve as a foundation of knowledge upon which additional presentations at the National Gang Crime Research Center will expand.
Bio
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
(5) “The Use of Drones By Gangs To Smuggle Contraband into Correctional Institutions: Part 1 of 3”, by George Knox, Ph.D. and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/dronepaper.pdf
Abstract
Gangs and STG’s have a long history in trying to control the smuggling of drugs and cell phones into prisons. The use of drones to smuggle contraband into correctional institutions began in earnest in 2013. That’s when four offenders were arrested in a drone smuggling incident at the Calhoun State Prison in Morgan, Georgia. This is a 3 part series of a narrated power point video presentation. Part 1 covers gang involvement with inmate economic rackets and smuggling contraband, and new FAA regulations. The problem of gangs/STG’s using drones and a detailed historical chronology of examples of prison drone smuggling is provided.
Bios
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
(6) “Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Why Bother?”, by Lt. Vincent Perillo, Will County Sheriffs Office, Joliet, IL.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Motorcycle Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Internet Investigation; Advanced Gang Identification.
Restricted: Attendance for Law Enforcement and Corrections/Prosecution Only.
Abstract
Law enforcement have said, “why bother working the MC gangs”? They don’t cause problems, they’re just a bunch of old guys riding bikes. Over several decades, OMG’s have been involved in mass fights, shootings, drug activity and more criminal activity is well documented. As the potential for more violence and criminal activity continues to build, those in law enforcement need to have the tools to recognize some of the concerns with motorcycle clubs.
Bio
Lt. Vincent Perillo has worked for the Will County Sheriff’s Office since 2004. Started gang documentation in 2006, and became the Will County Adult Detention Facility’s first intelligence Unit Supervisor in 2011. Member of the Midwest Cycle Intelligence Organization (MCIO) since 2012. Member of the International Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association (IOMGIA) in 2017. Conducted street gang training since 2012 and motorcycle club training since 2017. Presented at Midwest Gang Investigator’s Association (MGIA), Police Training Institute (PTI), National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC), several schools in Will County, St. Joseph’s Hospital staff in Joliet, and all new Will County Patrol Deputies since 2015.
(7) “Tactical Interviewing: Interviewing the Criminal Mind”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Gang Interview/Interrogation Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
Traditional interviewing and communication protocols are commonly successful with those who do not frequent criminal circles. However, when dealing with “experienced criminal gangsters,” they are well prepared to elude even the best interviewer/interrogator. Whether you are a mental health professional, an educator, intelligence analyst, or a law enforcement officer, being up-to-date on how to conduct an interview with the most savvy of criminally minded is the most essential tool.
This seminar is intended to explore the concept of Tactical Interviewing (TI). TI is a concept being developed and researched by the National Gang Crime Research Center to better aide those who deal directly with the criminally savvy gangster. Tactical Interviewing involves an exploration in Forensic Psychology, Criminal Profiling, and Lie Detection that are combined to illustrate the taxonomies most commonly seen of a liar. With a better understanding of how the criminal mind works and how they develop their lies, you are better equipped to confront them successfully and more productively.
Bio
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
(8) “Gang/STG Intelligence: What We Know from the U.S. County Jails”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Note: is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE.
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American county jails. It covers the kinds of challenges that jail correctional officers face in the real world. Examined in detail are those aspects of gang life that impact on safety and security (fights, threats, attacks, homemade weapons, racial conflict, etc). Attendees will learn get a detailed briefing on what is going on with regard to gangs in the context of American county jail facilities. Upon completion attendees will have a better understanding of the national picture of dealing with gangs in the jail environment.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
(9) “The MS-13: A Workshop to Discuss the Impact and Response to the Violence by Foreign National Gangs in U.S. Communities", by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: International and Transnational Gang Problems; Gang Profile Analysis; Gangs and Organized Crime; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prevention Skills.
Abstract
MS-13 has spread across the country. This workshop will look at various ways the group uses symbols, tattoos, graffiti and horrific displays of violence (including murder and violent acts including dismemberment). Participants will be broken into smaller groups and encouraged to discuss/list ways to combat this activity in our communities. This will not be a political discussion, but an open group discussion to solicit ideas on appropriate ways to combat the violence this group lends itself to.
Bio
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, prole officer and STG specialist in addition, he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
(10) “Operant Conditioning: A Path to Gang Violence”, by Philip J. Swift, Ph.D., Municipal Courts, City Marshall Division, Fort Worth, TX.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
This session will explore the effect of intentional and accidental operant conditioning on the predictability of violent behavior. It will discuss how operant conditioning influences gang violence and mass murders. Intentional operant conditioning as a way of grooming new gang members as well as the “accidental operant conditioning” i.e., violent media, which predisposes individuals, including gang members, to violent behavior will be explored. This session concludes with a discussion about approaches that can be used to “repair” the effects of violent operant conditioning.
Bio
Mr. Swift, Ph.D. is a husband, father, and a 22-year law enforcement veteran. Since April of 2018, Mr. Swift has served as the Fort Worth City Marshal. Prior to becoming the City Marshal, Mr. Swift rose to the rank of Captain in the Denver Sheriff Department. During his law enforcement career he served as a City Marshal, Director of Security, Watch Commander, FTO Commander, Gang/Intelligence Unit Commander, K-9 Unit Commander, Internal Affairs Bureau Investigator, Conduct Review Office Sergeant, Emergency Response Unit member and Sergeant, Court Services Sergeant, and as Adjunct Training Academy Instructor. Mr. Swift holds a MS and Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology from Walden University and has also received dual MBA’s and a BS in Criminal Justice from American International University. Mr. Swift is a published author (Gangs, Outlaw Bikers, Organized Crime & Extremists; Looseleaf Law Publishing), a contributor to Inside Police Psychology: policepsychologyblog.com, and is frequently asked to speak locally and nationally on topics related to gang, criminal, inmate, and law enforcement culture, forensic psychology, and jail gang investigations.
(11) “Bigger than Black and Blue: Candid Conversations About Race, Equity, and Community Collaboration”, by Robert T. David Sr., Youth Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator, Danville, VA and Scott C. Booth, Chief of Police, Danville Police Department, Danville, VA.
90 Minutes (1.5 hours)
Session credits: Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Gang Prevention Skills.
Abstract
This session will discuss how community policing combined with a relationship focused gang intervention strategy drastically lowered violent crime rates I Danville, Virginia. The session will discuss how the combined strategies cultivated peace in the community while the rest of the country began to grapple with a series o African American deaths at the hands of police. Bigger than Black and Blue: Candid conversations about race, equity, and community collaboration will be a benefit to those who desire an opportunity to hear two distinct, but synchronous voices that articulate their unique perspectives about the complex relationship between African American communities and law enforcement.
Bios
Robert T. David Sr., Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator. 2020 recipient of th Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Excellence in Gang Intervention. M.A. in addiction and professional counseling. Creator of Project Imagine the Virginia Municipal League President award winner of most innovative program.
Chief Scott C. Booth has been in law enforcement for over twenty-eight years and is currently the Chief of Police in Danville, Virginia. Chief Booth first joined the Richmond Police Department, where he served for 19 years, rising to the rank of major. In August of 2015, he joined the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority in Washington, DC, where he served as the Chief of Police. In February 2018, he became the chief in Danville, Virginia, where he has focused on community engagement and reducing violent crime, specifically gang crime in the community. Since his tenure started, Danville has reduced overall violent crime by 64 percent. Chief Booth has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond in Human Resource Management and Leadership Studies and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a graduate of the 268th session of the FBI National Academy and the 48th session of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police.
(12) “Leaving the Gang: Recognizing the Psychological and Social Risks for Juvenile and Young Adult Former Gang Members”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Female Gangs/Female Gang Members; Dealing With Gang Members on Probation/Parole; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Prevention Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services.
Abstract
Using data from a longitudinal study and qualitative interviews with former gang members, this presentation will consider continuing risks and the type of support that prior gang members may need. The presentation will consider the implications of the research findings for gang intervention.
Bio
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
(13) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 1 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Note: This is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. Available for viewing now.
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: special housing for informants; racial conflicts and race relations; contraband cell phones; overcrowding and stress and trauma on the job; suicide problems by inmates and staff; the “VID” factor and PTSD; exposure to trauma and stress on the job; increased radicalization of inmates; religious extremism; gang/STG abuse of religious worship; review of the largest white racist extremist gangs; Islamic gangs and gangs that seek to control religious services; the concept of gang density and its three measurement components; gang recruitment behind bars; inmate complaints about gang recruitment; extent of recruitment in prisons today.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
(14) “A Brief Introduction toSome of the Basics of Midwest Graffiti Identification and Analysis: An Instructional Workshop (Part 2 of a 3 Part Series)”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Interview/Interrogation Skills; Gangs and Drugs;Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators, Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills, Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention and Intervention Services, Gangs and Mental Health,Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Abstract
This course will not only assist the attendee with recognition skills, it will provide an opportunity to analyze different scenarios to develop the skills of a graffiti detective! This session will assist the attendee to understand Midwest graffiti.
Bio
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, parole officer and STG specialist. In addition he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted Gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
(15) “Exploring the Relationship Between Psychopathy and Gang Membership: Implications for Offender Management and Interventions”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Female Gangs/Female Gang Members; Dealing With Gang Members on Probation/Parole; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Prevention Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services.
Abstract
The relationship between psychopathy and long-term gang membership has been established by a number of academic papers. This presentation will give an overview of psychopathy before exploring its relationship to gang membership. It will also consider the implications of working with individuals who have psychopathic traits.
Bio
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
(16) “An Introduction to Understanding Prison Gangs”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Advanced Gang Identification; Gang Prevention Skills; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
It has been stated over and over again that those who control the prisons, control the streets. Prison gangs remain a serious threat to personal safety through their intricate work while incarcerated as well as their connections and counterparts on the streets. This presentation will provide a visual tour of prison/street gang tattoos, group photographs, and confiscated material, providing key intelligence to law enforcement, educators, researchers, and correctional staff. Also included is a basic introduction to prison gang identification and gang activity in prison. A brief investigation into the criminal personality and profile that underlies gang existence and activities will be included. By focusing on the major prison gangs influencing our correctional institutions today, it is intended that the participant will have a fundamental understanding of prison gangs, their activities in prison, and reasons for their existence.
Bio:
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
(17) “Getting Published: How to Publish Your Gang Related Research 2022", by Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D., Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO.
One (1) hours
Session credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services.
Abstract
This session examines how an academic or criminal justice practitioner can share their knowledge of the gang by publishing articles in the criminal justice literature. Selecting a subject, formatting, cover letters, and publishing venue selection are covered. What is the difference between a trade magazine or edited journal and a refereed journal? How do you write a book proposal? Getting published can help advance your career, attend this session to learn more about how to become a published author.
Bios
Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D. is a Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office after serving from 1977 to 2006. He is rated as a gang expert by the National Gang Crime Research Center. He has written extensively and presented classes on gangs, white supremacist groups and police management topics in the United States and Canada. Dr. Etter earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wichita State University and his Doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Etter is the author of numerous books, book chapters, edited and refereed articles. His latest book is: Gangs and Organized Crime which he authored with Dr. George W. Knox and Dr. Carter F. Smith.
(18)“Understanding and Preparation for the Interview of a Suspected Gang/Threat Group Member: A Workshop on Asking, Listening and Assessing Information”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators, Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills, Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention and Intervention Services, Gangs and Mental Health, Gang Prevention Skills, Gang Problems in K-12 Schools, Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists, Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation & Parole; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.
Abstract
This session will be in the form of a workshop to facilitate discussion on the importance of being prepared, asking the right questions, listening skills to understand what is really being said, and understanding the importance of the gang debriefing process.
Bio
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, parole officer and STG specialist. In addition he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted Gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
(19) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 2 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Note: This is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — available to view now through the VIDEOPAGE.
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: measuring the three aspects of gang density; how gang importation is added with joining inside; extent to which prisons report white inmates have a separate gang; names of the largest gangs in American prisons; the prevalence of reports of military trained gang members; names of the largest motorcycle gangs behind bars; reports of gang leaders influencing politicians; pressure to play down the gang problem; political corruption over time: 1994 to present; whether gangs that exist inside operate by the same name outside of prison; comparing street gangs and prison gangs; the extent to which gangs/STGs cause management problems; the problem of housing all members of one gang together.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
(20) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 3 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Note: This is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — available for viewing now through the VIDEOPAGE.
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: gang/STG member control of inmate economic rackets; cash seized from gang inmates; stronger gang affiliation after serving time; STG’s smuggle in contraband cell phones, make more improvised weapons; extent of formal gang training for prison staff today; threats and assaults against staff from prison gang members; the 2015 New York correctional union protest billboard portends the future — more protest billboards; whether inmate classification systems take gang membership into account; gangs extort money from inmate workers; whether Islamic inmates have separate gangs; are gang members more lawsuit oriented than non-gang members; the three types of prison riots; best estimate for latent terrorists; who wants tougher laws and zero-tolerance; the scarcity of gang renouncement programs; could improving race relations help reduce gang violence in prison; what support exists for no human contact status; large support exists for telephone and mail monitoring.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
(21) “Gangs, Guns and Drugs in Canada”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: International and Transnational Gang Problems; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Abstract
In this presentation the audience will learn about the structure of policing in Canada and the impact this has on Gangs, Guns, and Drugs. This presentation will include a discussion on the impact that Canada has in its law enforcement and policies on the U.S. with a focus on the importation of marijuana into the U.S. and the exportation of guns and cocaine into Canada from the U.S.
Bio
Keiron holds a Bachelor of General Studies Degree from the Open University of British Columbia, a Masters of Science Degree in Policing and Public Order Studies from the University of Leicester, a Diploma in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University and a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Royal Roads University. This academic achievement comes with 22 years of operational experience with a large Criminal Justice Agency. In addition, Keiron has provided consulting services that included the Royal Saudi Arabian Police and the Peoples Republic of China Police. He has instructed at the JIBC-Police Academy for three years in Professional Patrol Tactics and continues as a guest lecturer. In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Royal Roads University, and at Douglas College in the Criminology Program. He is a regular guest instructor for the policing program at Simon Fraser University and is the author of the textbook “Legal and Regulatory Influences for Public Safety Communications”. He is currently a Doctorate Candidate at the London Metropolitan University in London, England.
(22) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 4 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Note: This is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — available for viewing now through the VIDEOPAGE.
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: 3rd component of gang density; few prisons have programs to help gang/STG inmates quit the gang; small percentage who quit gang life while in prison means basically the first two components of gang density have the greatest weight; gang density adjustment to 63.8% in U.S. prisons is the only estimate with the rigorous three point or triangulated measurement approach; review of the use of 20 strategies to control gangs/STGs; the issue of bus therapy; overwhelming majority of prisons want Congress to pass legislation enabling prisons to jam cell phone signals; new development — about 1/3 of U.S. prisons now report drones have been used to smuggle in contraband (cell phones, drugs); also new — 37.9% of prisons now provide inmates with internet access or email; almost all recognize internet access for inmates creates a new type of danger; few prisons (13.8%) allow prisoner to prisoner email; low grade for federal leadership in responding to the gang problem in the last year; 89.7% expect the gang problem in corrections to increase in the next few years; 79.3% expect the problem of inmate violence from gang members to increase; three-fourths expect an increase in gang members abusing religious rights; 72.4% expect an increase in gang members assaulting correctional officers; and 44.8% expect an increase in radical militancy among inmates.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
(23) “Understanding the Narrative Offending Roles and Emotions of Juvenile Gang Members: Implications for Gang Programs”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members on Probation/Parole; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Prevention Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services.
Abstract
This presentation will share the results from a study to investigate how adolescent males with a history of violent offending and gang membership view their roles when they orchestrate an offence. Four separate roles and motivations were identified for the sample, suggesting that standardized intervention programs may not be effective. Implications and suggestions for gang interventions will also be discussed.
Bio
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
(24) “Gang Prevention - Intervention - Counseling Networking Reception”. Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., is the host; assisted by Robert Mulvaney, NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Special Note: 5pm-6pm, Monday, August 2, 2021. You need a ticket for the event, you get the ticket by signing up for it on your registration form. The ticket will be waiting for you in your registration packet you receive when you pick up your conference ID credentials.
Session Credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gangs and Mental Health.
Special Procedure for Sign Up: You need to check the “box” on your registration form in order to qualify to attend this event. It is a “ticketed” event. You get the ticket by signing up for it on the registration form itself or by using the ticket request form at the website, or by sending in a request to that effect..
Abstract
The gang intervention/prevention reception is a special event at the NGCRC and it has a long history of also being a valuable networking session. Come hear some analysis of the current state of affairs in gang prevention and learn about some people who are really making a difference in the world. This is also the time and venue in which the “NGCRC Spirit of Excellence Awards” are made. There are also door prizes in a random drawing based on your ticket to the event. You need to have a ticket to attend this event. The only way to get a ticket is to sign up for it in advance on the registration form itself.
Bios
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; works with various agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding, including Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles and the UCLA/Rand Prevention Research Center. He is currently the Director of the Gangfree Life Academy®.
Robert Mulvaney is a well-known gang expert and is on the staff of the NGCRC.
(25) “Comparison of Prison Gangs in the U.S. with Other Prison Gangs Around the Globe”, by Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D., Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, Houston, TX.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; International and Transnational Gang Problems; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs.
Abstract
This session will look at prison gangs and their development from a perspective of American exceptionalism. It will cover the race-based nature of most American prison gangs over the years, focusing on White Nationalist/Supremacist gangs, Hispanic gangs, Native American gangs, and will look at their evolution over the past decades. Once the foundation of most modern American prison gangs is established, the session will compare inmate governance and inmate-staff relations in other prison systems to that of the United States. It will also compare the evolution of gangs in other countries with that of the United States.
Bio
Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D. is Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Sam Houston State University. His areas of interest include global organized crime and gangs, history of crime and punishment, mass murder and serial homicide. His many books include, Power on the Inside: A Global History of Prison Gangs (2020), Fire in the Big House: The Worst Prison Disaster in American History (2019), The Illicit Economy in Turkey (with Mahmut Cengiz)(2019), An Eye for An Eye: A Global History of Crime and Punishment (2015) and Convict Cowboys: The Untold History of the Texas Prison Rodeo (2016). His books have been translated into Chinese, Persian, Croatian and Turkish. He has been an instructor at the Zhejiang Police College from 2009 to 2019 and at the International Law Enforcement Academy (Roswell) from 2001-2009. In 2020, Dr. Roth was awarded the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Excellence in Gang Research.
(26) “The Christian Gang Specialist Reception”, by Robert Mulvaney, NGCRC Staff..
One (1) hour
Note: this is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2, 2022, noon.
Session credits: Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills.
Abstract
This is available only to persons registered for the conference. This will be held during the “lunch hour” (12pm - 1pm) on Tuesday, August 2rd, 2022. If you answered "YES" to the question on your registration form "I am interested in networking with Christian gang specialists while at this conference", then you receive a special TICKET inside your registration materials. If you answered "NO" or left the question blank, it was assumed you are not interested. If you would like to change your mind, then you must do so prior to showing up at the conference: you can do it simply by mailing the NGCRC Conference Processing Center a letter or memo to the effect “if I was listed as NO or BLANK for the Christian Gang Specialist Reception, I wish to modify my registration data to reflect the new code of YES for attending this gang specialist networking event”. As we need to plan on how many are attending, no "walk ins" will be allowed. And as is the NGCRC tradition, of course, there are "door prizes" at this reception. Come prepared for some amazing testimony. This is open to anyone for any certification or non-certification registration, you need not be signed up for the Faith Based Programs certification option to attend this session, but you do need to sign up for it in advance. We have been doing the Christian Reception since 1997. It is part of the strong positive tradition of the NGCRC to provide unique training and networking opportunities to those who attend the NGCRC training conference.
Bio
The host of the 2022 NGCRC Christian Gang Specialist Reception is NGCRC staff Robert Mulvaney assisted by George Knox (NGCRC staff). The format this year will be a sandwich luncheon format with the opportunity to give testimony, door prizes, etc.
(27) “The Use of Drones By Gangs To Smuggle Contraband into Correctional Institutions: Part 2 of 3”, by George Knox, Ph.D. and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/dronepaper.pdf
Abstract
Part 2 in this series provides recent findings from national jail and prison surveys about drones and smuggling. Financial factors are examined with a look at drone incidents in the federal prison system (BOP). An intensive profile analysis is provided for specific drone investigation and prosecution cases — Operation Cellmate (2014-2017) and the Muzzicato case (2019-2020).
Bios
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
(28) “Gang Threat Awareness: An Attempt to Assist with the Overall Violence Proofing of a Learning Environment”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Prevention Skills.
Abstract
What are some early signs of gang involvement that parents/teachers/counselors/juvenile workers can become aware of? What can a parent/teacher/juvenile worker/others do? The allure of the gang is very difficult to deal with. They will convince the newcomer that they are family and they will protect them against rivals/bullies. This session will outline some steps in recognizing gangs/threats in your unique environment and actions you can take to improve overall safety.
Bio
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, parole officer and STG specialist. In addition he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted Gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
(29) “The Criminal Mind and the Gangster”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Homicide Investigation Skills; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
The Criminal Mind; is it biology, sociology, psychology, or choice? This presentation will dive deep into the mind of the criminal and the criminal gang member. The concepts of Sociopathy, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and Psychopathy serve as the framework for this exploration. Candid interviews and videotaped vignettes will illustrate some of the thought processes that have served these individuals in forsaking others to get their individual needs met. Attendees will examine how the criminal mind operates and how such individuals have managed to manipulate even the most innocent of victims. Perhaps even more importantly, law enforcement and mental health professionals will learn ways to protect themselves against con games and strategies utilized by this profile.
Bio
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
(30) “A Brief Introduction to Some of the Basics of West Coast Graffiti Identification and Analysis: An Instructional Workshop (Part 3 of a 3 Part Series)”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Interview/Interrogation Skills; Gangs and Drugs;Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators, Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills, Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention and Intervention Services, Gangs and Mental Health,Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention, Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Abstract
This course will not only assist the attendee with recognition skills, it will provide an opportunity to analyze different scenarios to develop the skills of a graffiti detective! This session will assist the attendee to understand West Coast graffiti.
Bio
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, parole officer and STG specialist. In addition he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted Gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
(31) “Burnout in Blue: Exploring Burnout in Law Enforcement and Related Careers”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Counseling Skills.
Abstract
Although rarely discussed and infrequently acknowledged, burnout is a common phenomenon. This course is developed for law enforcement and related audiences to explore the unique and rarely understood stressors inherent in this career arena. The theoretical underpinnings of burnout will be introduced, including exploration into the physiological and psychological processes of this experience. Attendees will then be presented with responses, research, and new tactics that have been developed to help advance resilience and coping skills development. This course is vital for everyone, whether novice or seasoned veteran, because burnout will affect all professionals, either directly or indirectly. Participants will leave with practical knowledge which may add years to their career and longevity.
Bio
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
(32) “Modern Policing - Under Fire: The Fall of Rome: The end of law enforcement as we know it?”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gangs and Mental Health; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gangs and the Mass Media
Abstract
Arguably, modern law enforcement is under attack and potentially facing extinction, as we know it. Sociological trends such as Black Lives Matter, viral videos, the Ferguson Effect, the “thin blue line” administrative philosophies combined with preliminary hard data about dwindling enrollment, low morale, scapegoating and politician “policing” are setting the stage for the fall of modern policing. The fall of Rome was largely attributed to systemic factors that are largely mimicked by our present political culture. Could this spell the demise of modern policing? This presentation intends to explore the psychological and sociological risk fac tors for policing as we know it.
Bio
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
(33) “Stress and Gang Investigators: Transitioning from Work to Home”, by Christopher M. Felton, MS, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne, IN.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Abstract
It is no secret that suicide is the leading cause of death for police officers. Alcoholism, divorce, etc, are all too prevalent as well. Cumulative stress faced by gang investigators can be especially challenging: the demands of suppressing rising violent crime, managing informants, always targeting/interacting with society’s worst, extra scrutiny from command and courts, deadlines and targets handed down from superiors, working in small units full of Type A personalities, etc. And then you are expected to go home to the family and instantly switch it off; to transition back to a ‘normal’ person. This session will provide investigators with knowledge of cumulative stress and healthy coping mechanisms aimed at helping them manage the emotional rollercoasters they ride every day and transition from work to home. Armed with this info, investigators can lead better, more productive lives both as officers and ‘normal’ people, as well as be prepared to recognize fellow investigators who may be suffering in silence.
Bio
Christopher M. Felton, MS is a detective sergeant from the Fort Wayne (IN) Police Department’s Gang and Violent Crimes Unit. Additionally, Det. Sgt. Felton is the team coordinator for the department’s Peer Support/Critical Incident Stress Management Team, represents the department on the Indiana Statewide CISM Team Network, and is a member of the Northeast Indiana Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Det. Sgt. Felton holds two master’s degrees (A Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration on Forensic Psychology and a Master of Philosophy) and is a Ph.D. candidate currently writing his dissertation for his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice - Law and Public Policy. Det. Sgt. Felton is also an adjunct professor at two local universities where he teaches courses revolving around forensic psychology, and teaches police mental health to police officers.
(34) “Stopping the Preschool to Prison Pipeline: The Importance of Gang Prevention”, by Elvis Slaughter, MSCJ, Retired Sheriff’s Superintendent, former fire and police commissioner, criminologist, and author of ten books, including Preschool to Prison: Is It Determined by the School, Environment, or Parent?
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing with Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services.
Abstract
This session, “Stopping the Preschool to Prison Pipeline”, explains the factors that could lead children, teenagers, and adults to crime and gangs and provides research-based solutions that help deal with criminal behaviors. The best and most effective time to stop the cradle-to-prison pipeline is as close to the beginning of the pipeline as possible, based on the growing body of research. Early intervention not only helps prevent the onset of delinquent behavior, but it also supports the development of youth assets and resilience.
Bio
Criminologist Elvis Slaughter served as a fire and police commissioner, and is a retired Cook County Sheriff’s Superintendent with more than thirty years’ experience in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement. Slaughter holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Corrections. He has authored several articles and ten books, which include Safer Jail and Prison Matters, Mentally Ill Inmates and Corrections, and Preschool to Prison. Elvis is a speaker, security consultant, and correctional auditor. He is also a member of the American Jail Association, American Correctional Association, Hammond Police Citizen Advisory Commission, National Sheriff’s Association, Illinois Sheriff’s Association, and former president of he Illinois Academy of Criminology. Elvis taught criminal justice at the college level.
(35) “Protecting Health Care Facilities From Gang Violence”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Prevention Skills; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This session will explore the challenges of dealing with the situation where members from rival gangs erupt into gang conflict and violence in a health care facility, more often than not an emergency room at a trauma hospital. There is also the matter of managing staff and visitors to the same building or area within the health care facility who may have gang ties. If they are all in the same treatment area and representing rival gang factions, then their conflict may erupt into violence even in a waiting room. Attendees in this session will learn about specific protocols of hospital lockdowns and other measures that can be put into place to de-escalate and prevent further gang violence.
Bio
Keiron holds a Doctorate Degree in Policing, Security and Community Safety from Metropolitan London University, a Masters of Science Degree in Policing and Public Order Studies from the University of Leicester, a Bachelor of General Studies Degree from the Open University of British Columbia, a Diploma in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University and a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Royal Roads University. This academic achievement come with 29 years of operational experience with the last 15 years exclusively in gang suppression with a variety of police gang units. Keiron has provided consulting services that included the Royal Saudi Arabian Police and the Peoples Republic of China Police. He has instructed at the JIBC-Police Academy for three years in Professional Patrol Tactics and continues as a guest lecturer. In addition, he is a faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where he teaches Organized Crime. He is a regular guest instructor for the policing program at Simon Fraser University and is the author of the textbook “Legal and Regulatory Influences for Public Safety Communications”.
(36) “Correctional Intelligence and Street Crime Investigations”, by Captain Philip J. Swift, Ph.D., Municipal Courts, City Marshall Division, Fort Worth, TX.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Prosecution.
Restriction: Attendance of this class is restricted to law enforcement/corrections staff, probation/parole officers, and judicial investigators.
Abstract
During this training session, attendees are introduced to criminal intelligence gathering techniques that are leveraged in a correctional setting and the legalities of collecting and sharing it with outside agencies. A case study of the 211 Crew, MSK, and MSN investigation and prosecution is highlighted to discuss the value of correctional intelligence sources, corroboration with jail/correctional staff to “street crime” investigations, and the prosecutions. The shortcomings and successes of this investigation, from a human and technological intelligence standpoint, is reviewed and attendees learn how to avoid similar pitfalls.
Bio
Mr. Swift, Ph.D. is a husband, father, and a 22-year law enforcement veteran. Since April of 2018, Mr. Swift has served as the Fort Worth City Marshal. Prior to becoming the City Marshal, Mr. Swift rose to the rank of Captain in the Denver Sheriff Department. During his law enforcement career he served as a City Marshal, Director of Security, Watch Commander, FTO Commander, Gang/Intelligence Unit Commander, K-9 Unit Commander, Internal Affairs Bureau Investigator, Conduct Review Office Sergeant, Emergency Response Unit member and Sergeant, Court Services Sergeant, and as Adjunct Training Academy Instructor. Mr. Swift holds a MS and Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology from Walden University and has also received dual MBA’s and a BS in Criminal Justice from American International University. Mr. Swift is a published author (Gangs, Outlaw Bikers, Organized Crime & Extremists; Looseleaf Law Publishing), a contributor to Inside Police Psychology: policepsychologyblog.com, and is frequently asked to speak locally and nationally on topics related to gang, criminal, inmate, and law enforcement culture, forensic psychology, and jail gang investigations.
(37) “The Use of Drones By Gangs To Smuggle Contraband into Correctional Institutions: Part 3 of 3”, by George Knox, Ph.D. and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/dronepaper.pdf
Abstract
Part 3 provides two more important drone investigation and prosecution case studies — th Kinser case (2018-2020) and the Fort Dix case (2018-2020). The less successful prosecution case involving the 107 Hoover Crips case in the incident at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary is reviewed. Possible covert indicators of drone smuggling are reviewed along with a listing of the most common types of contraband smuggled into prisons. Drone countermeasures and assistance to correctional agencies is discussed. A short 20-question quiz covers the full 3-part training video series.
Bios
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
(38) “The NCIC Violent Person File”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, CTAP/NCIC, Clarksburg, WV.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Homicide Investigation Skills; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Special restriction: Sworn law enforcement and corrections ONLY.
Abstract
The Violent Person File or VPF is a NCIC file designed specifically for officer safety. The VPF contains information of individuals who have been convicted of a violent offense, felony or misdemeanor against any law enforcement officer. It also will identify individuals that have made credible threats of physical violence towards members of the criminal justice community. A positive response from the VPF will identify and alert law enforcement that the individual they are encountering may have the propensity for violence against law enforcement. The information can be retrieved from the NCIC system using a suspect’s name and date of birth, suspects known vehicle or driver’s license information. The VPF is automatically cross searched with every NCIC Wanted Person query.
Bio
Mr. Grant Smith is a member of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) external training staff. Mr. Smith is a retired police officer with twenty-two years of law enforcement experience. For twelve of the twenty-two years, he was assigned to a multi-jurisdiction and multi-agency narcotics and violence crime task force as a task force agent and supervisor. Other law enforcement experience includes time in the Patrol Division, Investigations Division, and as a Special Response Team as a team leader. He also served as an investigator on the county’s Child Sexual Abuse Task Force. Additionally, he was a member of the department’s Counter Drug Reaction Team, and the department’s Police Honor Guard. Immediately upon retirement from the police department, Mr. Smith served as a member of a forensic team with the Combined Explosive Exploitation Cell (CEXC) in Baghdad, Iraq.
As an FBI training instructor, Mr. Smith conducts training for municipal, county, state and federal agencies. He is also part of the FBI’s New Agent Training Team in Quantico, VA and participates in CJIS internal training. In 2015, Mr. Smith was the recipient of the Frederic Thrasher Award for Superior Service in Law Enforcement Training. Mr. Smith is a United States Navy Veteran.
(39) “Understanding the Relationship Between the Individual, Gang Membership, and Desistance from Crime for Adolescent and Youth Adult Males”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England; and Professor Maria Ioannou, University of Huddersfield; and Dr. Laura Hammond, Birmingham City University.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members on Probation/Parole; Gang Counseling Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.
Note: This is scheduled for the videopage digital video training platform. It is available now.
Abstract
This presentation will use different research methods to explore the relationship between young people and gangs. Firstly, it will summarize research into the offending frequencies for current, prior and non-gang affiliated offenders using longitudinal data from the US Pathways to Desistence Study. This found that although gang leavers continued to offend, they had significantly different attitudes and scored lower on negative psychological traits than those who remained. Second, it will consider how young people view themselves by a narrative analysis of at-risk young people taking part in a UK gang intervention. The findings suggest that future interventions should consider broader social and psychological risks, rather than gang membership per se, to assess an individual’s risk of recidivism. This session will help those who work with youth gang members to identify those individuals who would be more open to attitudinal changes, including respect for the law, within programmes.
Bios
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
The presentation is co-authored with Dr. Maria Ioannou, a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and Reader in Investigative Psychology and Course Director for the Msc in Investigative Psychology at the University of Huddersfield. Maria has been involved in the assessment of intervention programmes for reducing/preventing a range of different forms of criminality.
And Dr. Laura Hammond, Senior Lecturer and Assistant Course Director for the M.S.c. at Huddersfield and who has worked with academic groups, and law enforcement agencies around the world on a range of consultancy and criminal legal cases.
(40) “Reducing Gang-Related Violence in Correctional Institutions”, by Elvis Slaughter, MSCJ, Retired Sheriff’s Superintendent, former fire and police commissioner, criminologist, and author of ten books, including Safer Jail and Prison Matters: Effective Ways to Manage and Reduce Violence in Correctional Facilities.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing with Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators.
Abstract
The information that officers do or do not have usually determines their efficiency in dealing with everyday issues in their lives and in their professions. This session provides career law enforcement officers and correctional agencies with effective answers to the challenging gang violence that correctional institutions face daily. It provides distilled information designed to assist correctional institutions and law enforcement agencies in improving their leadership and management skills and preventing gang violence. This session is for everyone in criminal justice, including corrections, police, probation, parole, college students, professors, and the officer who wants to be a game changer and stay on top of their game.
Bio
Criminologist Elvis Slaughter served as a fire and police commissioner, and is a retired Cook County Sheriff’s Superintendent with more than thirty years’ experience in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement. Slaughter holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Corrections. He has authored several articles and ten books, which include Safer Jail and Prison Matters, Mentally Ill Inmates and Corrections, and Preschool to Prison. Elvis is a speaker, security consultant, and correctional auditor. He is also a member of the American Jail Association, American Correctional Association, Hammond Police Citizen Advisory Commission, National Sheriff’s Association, Illinois Sheriff’s Association, and former president of he Illinois Academy of Criminology. Elvis taught criminal justice at the college level.
(41) “The Veterans Reception: For Vets Only”, by Dr. Todd Negola, NGCRC Staff; and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN..
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Gang Investigation Skills; Gangs and Mental Health..
Note on scheduling: This will be held on Monday, August 3rd at noon time.
Abstract
This is a special reception for vets only. It is held as a noon time event (12:00pm - 12:55pm) on Monday. The purpose is to express appreciation to veterans for their service in the defense of freedom. If you are a vet, come and attend, find a warm, friendly environment. Door prizes. Great chances to network and mingle. Learn something new, meet somebody new. Sponsored by the NGCRC staff, you will feel appreciated here.
Bios
These men are long time staff of the NGCRC, and are well known for their gang expertise. Todd is also a psychologist whose practice is with vets through the VA. Lee is a vet who still fits into his issued uniform and teaches gang mapping technology, among other topics.
(42) “Veterans Issues for Law Enforcement”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Gangs and Mental Health; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Abstract
Veterans issues have been in the news since WWII Veterans returned home, isolated themselves and some formed the basis for Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs/Gangs. Today, those who were called to serve, answer the call in Law Enforcement and many other noble careers. Some, however suffer the toils of war and combat until death. Few, turn to criminal activity. Being well trained and well armed poses inherent risks to an unwitting and ill-prepared community. Adding to this, issues such as TBI and PTSD, complicate matters further. This presentation is designed to prepare law enforcement and the community with awareness of Veterans issues that may affect us all in some way. With current models of Crisis Intervention Teams, this presentation will expose attendees to a variety of issues, concerns, and answers.
Bio
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
(43) “Prosecuting MS-13 Leaders for Transnational Terrorism Offenses? The Ranfla Nacional and ‘Blue’ Federal Prosecutions as a Paradigm Shift in the Federal Government”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Gangs and Organized Crime; International and Transnational Gang Problems; Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills.
Abstract
In the summer of 2020, President Trump announced a large takedown of MS-13 gang members in a nationwide federal-state investigation. Along with the usual charges for MS-13 members, he announced the first terrorism-related charges against an MS-13 leader in the United States. The terrorism prosecution of Armando Eliu Melgar Diaz, aka “Blue”, signified an administration shift towards larger scale investigation and prosecution of MS-13 on an international scale. In January 2021, with the subsequent investigation and prosecution of the Ranfla Nacional, the board of directors of MS-13 residing in El Salvador and Mexico, the Department of Justice (DOJ) fully embraced that administration shift towards using terrorism charges against the MS-13 organization. AUSAs Steve Nelson and Stew Young will discuss this new tactic by the DOJ, using publicly available resources to illuminate the prosecution of MS-13 leaders for terrorist offenses both extraterrorially and within the United States. This presentation will further expound on the potential uses of these charges for other violent street gangs that have an international presence, including 18th Street.
Bios
Steve Nelson is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as the Anti-Gang Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. He earned his J.D. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utah and serves as an Associate Instructor of Political Science at the University of Utah, and has taught over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students in his teaching career.
Stewart M. Young is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. He previously served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. He earned his J.D. from Stanford University, clerked for judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the District of Utah, and was a full-time faculty member at the University of Wyoming College of Law.
(44) “Training for Trainers: The Development of Your Own Gang Presentation”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gangs and the Mass Media.
Abstract
Have you ever wished to stand center stage and conduct a gang presentation or training? Friends, colleagues, community agencies, and collaborating agencies will ask for your opinion and expertise about gang and crime-related issues as a result of your attendance at the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Annual Conference. This program is aimed to assist you in sharing this knowledge by preparing you to create and deliver your very own gang training.
A central mission of the National Gang Crime Research Center is to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge, research, and awareness to interested parties and to develop collegial networks. This training is designed to help the audience prepare and deliver a responsible and professional message in a meaningful and impacting manner. This presentation will explore the fundamental concepts of subject matter expertise, research outlets, outline development, use of technology to deliver a message, ethical and professional responsibilities, maintaining an audience’s attention, and incorporating feedback into future presentations.
Bio:
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
(45) “The Law Enforcement, Prosecution, and Corrections Networking Reception”, by Robert Mulvaney, Kenneth Davis, and Gregg Etter Sr., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Special Note: 5pm-6pm in the Millenium Park Room, Tuesday, August 3, 2021. You need a ticket for the event, you get the ticket by signing up for it on your registration form. The ticket will be waiting for you in your registration packet you receive when you pick up your conference ID credentials.
Session credits: Corrections/STG Gang Intelligence; Dealing with Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prosecution.
Abstract
This session is the official meeting of the Law Enforcement/Corrections Networking Reception sponsored by the National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC) and hosted by Robert Mulvaney, Kenneth Davis and Gregg W. Etter Sr. You are invited to bring your agency patches as you can be part of a National Patch Swap. Valuable door prizes are given to session participants. Many people return to the NGCRC conference as this is an incredible networking opportunity.
Bios
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, parole officer and STG specialist. In addition he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted Gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr. is a faculty member with the Dept. of Criminal Justice, University of Cental Missouri.
(46) “The Need for Insider Research: The Opportunities and Challenges of Doing Research Within Your Own Agency”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Abstract
This session will explore the challenges, both practical ad ethical with conducting research projects from within the studied group. This session will briefly explain qualitative and quantitative methods that can be drawn upon for research design. Moreover, the session will encourage participants to engage in work related research projects that are robust and defendable. This session will further discuss the current research by the presenter which as serving as a gang police officer interviewed 17 stakeholders, including 5 “former” gang members, 245 hours of field observations with gang units in Canada, United States and the U.K., and a content analysis of newspapers. This session will be of value to professionals considering research from their own agencies, perhaps as a way to satisfy a Ph.D. dissertation project, and certainly to any graduate or undergraduate students involved in gang research.
Bio
Keiron holds a Bachelor of General Studies Degree from the Open University of British Columbia, a Masters of Science Degree in Policing and Public Order Studies from the University of Leicester, a Diploma in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University and a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Royal Roads University. This academic achievement comes with 22 years of operational experience with a large Criminal Justice Agency. In addition, Keiron has provided consulting services that included the Royal Saudi Arabian Police and the Peoples Republic of China Police. He has instructed at the JIBC-Police Academy for three years in Professional Patrol Tactics and continues as a guest lecturer. In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Royal Roads University, and at Douglas College in the Criminology Program. He is a regular guest instructor for the policing program at Simon Fraser University and is the author of the textbook “Legal and Regulatory Influences for Public Safety Communications”. He is currently a Doctorate Candidate at the London Metropolitan University in London, England.
(47) “The Proud Boys: A Gang Threat Analysis - Part 1 of 2”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gang Profile Analysis; Domestic Counter-Terrorism; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/proudboysprofile.pdf
Abstract
The Proud Boys history (2016-2021) has been one of recurrent violent criminal behavior. It has many of the features commonly found in gang life (special rules for behavior, initiation rites, secret codes and language, color patterns, symbols, clothing preferences, etc). It is shown that independent gang research has previously detected the presence of the Proud Boys as a gang or STG problem in the 2019 national survey of gang problems in U.S. jails. There are many other established and emerging white racist extremist gangs in the U.S., but the Proud Boys are not known to have established any kind of positive alliance with any of them. It would be more reasonable to predict that if the Proud Boys are imprisoned and ended up side-by-side with other STG’s, especially white racist extremist gangs, that they might be among the first to want to do harm to Proud Boy inmates. The militaristic culture of the Proud Boys is examined as well as the historical issue of gangs having a connection to the White House.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
(48) “A Gentle Introduction to Alt-Right Gangs: Reconceptualizing White Power Groups”, by Matthew Valasik, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Internet Investigation; Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs.
Note: This session is scheduled to be taught only on Monday, August 1, 2022.
Abstract
In the last few years, the explicit resurgence and rise of far-right groups into mainstream society can no longer be disregarded. The recurring aggregation of white power/alt-right street gangs (i.e., Proud Boys, 211 Bootboys, Rise Above Movement) with traditional white power groups (e.g., Ku Klux Klan, neo-Confederates, Christian Identity sects, neo-Nazis) or other far-right groups (e.g., Oath Keepers, Boogaloo Bois) is problematic. Yet, the cultural aesthetics, characteristics, and penchant for violence clearly identify groups, such as Proud Boys, Patriot Prayer, Rise Above Movement, and a range of others, as conventional street gangs. Their routinely boisterous and violent street presence is the same behavior that has been observed among traditional street gang research for nearly the past century. This session will seek to provide a foundation for law enforcement professionals to reconceptualize far-right groups as conventional street gangs, utilizing similar tactics to disrupt their criminal activities.
Bio
Matthew Valasik, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Louisiana State University. Matthew’s research interests include the socio-spatial dynamics of gang behavior (i.e., territoriality, group cohesion, and violence), including comparing the attributes of conventional street gangs with other deviant groups (i.e., ISIS, Skinheads, Alt-Right, White Power Groups), and problem-oriented policing strategies (e.g., gang units, civil gang injunctions) used by law enforcement. His work has been published in Journal of Criminal Justice, Social Science Research, Homicide Studies, Journal of Youth Studies, Criminal Justice Review, Crime & Delinquency, Crime Science, Critical Criminology, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Social Sciences, and Deviant Behavior. He is a recipient of the LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award, LSU Rainmaker Award, and LSU Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Award. His recent book Alt-Right Gangs: A Hazy Shade of White is co-authored with Shannon E. Reid, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at UNC, Charlotte.
(49) “Critical Incident Management and the First Responder”, by Todd D. Negola, Psy.D., Gang Consultant, NGCRC.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Homicide Investigation Skills; Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
11:21 A.M. April 20, 1999. Two teenagers, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, open fire at Columbine High School. If you were the first person to be faced with this crisis, what would you do? With all of the historical and current crises facing the world, can you honestly say that you feel prepared to be the first responder?
This presentation is targeted at anyone interested in learning what to do in the initial phase of a crisis. Why is this important? In 95% of all emergencies, bystanders or victims themselves are the first to arrive at the scene of a crisis. Therefore, it is essential that the responder be knowledgeable about common questions, dilemmas, and demands that may be asked of him or her. This knowledge, along with specific techniques for successful crisis negotiation and an awareness of exactly what should be avoided in a crisis, can save lives. These concepts and more will be addressed in this interactive and practical presentation. The overarching goal of this seminar is to teach any individual how to be a successful first responder to a crisis and ultimately help to prevent tragedies such as Columbine, which resulted tragically in the death of twelve students and one teacher before the gunmen took their own lives.
Bio
Todd D. Negola is a clinical/forensic psychologist who has worked with the National Gang Crime Research Center for over 20 years. He also serves as the Acting President of the Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association. He has been studying and researching gangs and criminal mindedness for over 25 years. He has worked with and studied juvenile and adult criminal populations, in and out of prison, both at the state and federal levels. He conducts training and consults with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as public and private educational institutions, community programs and mental health personnel. He has published research in the Journal of Gang Research, Addiction and Research, The Journal and co-authored a chapter in the book, Treating the Juvenile Offender. He has multiple television appearances, participated in nationally syndicated and local radio programs, teaches college courses and has consulted in gang documentaries. Lastly, he is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Research and Exemplary Scholarship in the Psychology of Gangs and is a Reviewing Editor for the National Gang Crime Research Center’s Journal of Gang Research.
(50) “Better Intel and Prevention: Monitoring Gang Problems in Bars and Nightclubs”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Gang Investigation Skills; Gang Prosecution; International and Transnational Gang Problems; Gang Prevention Skills.
Abstract
Many benefits stem from having a cooperative surveillance system in place to monitor gang members at bars and nightclubs. Bar, restaurant, and club owners do not want the violence that can come from gang members, so they are usually very cooperative. This session describes a community based gang prevention initiative that promotes public safety by denying members of gangs and organised crime group’s entry to bars and restaurants in Vancouver, British Columbia. Bar Watch and Restaurant Watch in partnership with the Vancouver Police and the CFSEU Gang Task Force have significantly reduced the gang violence around participating clubs and restaurants through partnership and exclusion policies. An examination of recent legal statutes and applicability to United States jurisdictions will be discussed. In addition, an examination of the spread of this program in other parts of Canada including legislative change to embody the program in statute. The program has been credited with reducing shootings and decreasing public fear. During this session the audience will also be given some background information about the gang situation in British Columbia and police efforts to combat it. Could some version of this program work in your community? Attend this session and find out.
Bio
Keiron holds a Bachelor of General Studies Degree from the Open University of British Columbia, a Masters of Science Degree in Policing and Public Order Studies from the University of Leicester, a Diploma in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University and a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Royal Roads University. This academic achievement comes with 22 years of operational experience with a large Criminal Justice Agency. In addition, Keiron has provided consulting services that included the Royal Saudi Arabian Police and the Peoples Republic of China Police. He has instructed at the JIBC-Police Academy for three years in Professional Patrol Tactics and continues as a guest lecturer. In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Royal Roads University, and at Douglas College in the Criminology Program. He is a regular guest instructor for the policing program at Simon Fraser University and is the author of the textbook “Legal and Regulatory Influences for Public Safety Communications”. He is currently a Doctorate Candidate at the London Metropolitan University in London, England.
(51) “Understanding Psychological Risk Factors and Building ‘Therapeutic Helping’ Relationships with Gang Involved Youth”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Edge Hill University, England; and William A. Campbell, Kentucky Juvenile Justice Training, Richmond, KY.
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Session credits: Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Counseling Techniques; Gang Prevention Skills; Gangs and Mental Health.
Note: This session is scheduled for the digital video-based platform, available now.
Abstract
This presentation will focus on the stages of building a therapeutic helping relationship and will explore how practitioners can utilize this system for working with young people. The session will also incorporate a summary of key psychological, social and developmental risk factors that can contribute to a young person’s recovery and desistance. It will focus on how support workers can recognize these risks and work with young people to better understand and address them.
Bios
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
William A. Campbell is employed with the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice as the Division Director of Professional Development-Training Branch. With 28 years of working with at-risk teens in numerous child care settings ranging from acute care care psychiatric, pediatric child care, private child care & juvenile justice. Originally, a Chicago native, William attended Western Illinois University (WIU) where he received his Bachelors in Communications. After leaving W.I.U. in 1985, he enlisted in U.S. Army and served 8 years and trained soldiers as a Field Artillery Specialist Weapons crew chief. After serving a tour of duty in “Desert Storm” he was stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division until he was honorably discharged in 1993. William joined the KY Department of Juvenile Justice’s Training Branch in 2007. He has assisted and trained new direct care employees during academy training. In early 2009, certified as an expert gang specialist. In 2010, he received the DJJ Professional Development Employee of the Year award. In 2011, became a trainer/presenter for the National Gang Crime Research Center and received his professional level certification as a gang specialist.
(52) “Psychopathy and Gang Membership”, Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members on Probation/Parole; Gang Counseling Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention and Intervention Services; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.
Note: This is scheduled for the digital video platform.
Note: You can get credit for this session by watching it now on the VIDEOPAGE and just filling out your evaluation form.
Abstract
The relationship between psychopathy and long-term gang membership has been established by a number of academic papers. This presentation will give an overview of psychopathy before exploring its relationship to gang membership for a single sample from adolescence to early adulthood, using longitudinal data from the Pathways to Desistance Study. Finally, the presentation will explore the relationship between psychopathy and the offending patterns of gang membership and will consider the implications of working with individuals who have psychopathic traits.
Bio
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
(53) “The Proud Boys: A Gang Threat Analysis - Part 2 of 2”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gang Profile Analysis; Domestic Counter-Terrorism; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.
Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.
Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/proudboysprofile.pdf
Abstract
The analysis takes a brief look at sixteen Proud Boys, most of whom were participants in the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The militaristic culture of the Proud Boys is examined as well as the historical issue of gangs having a connection to the White House. It is concluded that even the oldest gang classification scheme (Thrasher,1927) would define the Proud Boys as a political gang. Little evidence has emerged that the Proud Boys could be defined as a state supported gang. The Proud Boys are more akin to a hybrid or third generation gang. The prediction is that facing overwhelming evidence against them, most Proud Boys facing federal prison for the Capitol attack will plead guilty to reduced charges and the group will disappear into obscurity.
Bio
George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.
(54) “Understanding the Roles, Behaviors, and Risk Factors and Offending Behaviors of Adolescent Female Gang Members”, by Dr. Sally-Ann Ashton, Lecturer, Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Female Gangs/Female Gang Members; Dealing With Gang Members on Probation/Parole; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Prevention Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services.
Note: This session is scheduled for the video-based platform. Available now at the videopage.
Abstract
Using data from the Pathways to Desistance Study, this session will explore the psychological and environmental risk factors associated with female gang members in a sample of 28 participants with a mean age of 16.08 (range between 14 and 18 years of age). The presentation will also consider crime patterns of the sample, and the extent to which their offending differs from their non-gang affiliated counterparts. The session will inform those working with young women who are at risk of gang membership, mental health professionals, and those planning targeted interventions for female gang members.
Bio
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Lecturer in Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Superior Accomplishments in Gang Research. Sally-Ann has over 10 years of experience running training workshops in English prisons. She currently works with the Violence Reduction Unit at Mercyside Police and is responsible for the evaluation of intervention programs for young people at risk of violent offending and gang membership with Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities.
(55) “Exploring the Role of Military Veterans in the Policing of Gangs: Preliminary Research Results”, by Sally-Ann Ashton, Senior Lecturer, Edge Hill University, England, and Wilmer Moran, Corporal, Military Liaison, Office of Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Constables Office Precinct 1, Houston, TX.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.
Abstract
This workshop will share preliminary findings from a recent study to investigate the relationship between veteran status, life course trauma and policing style, with particular reference to the policing and management of gangs. The presentation will consider the role of military veteran LE officer and the policing of gangs from two perspectives. First, community policing, including the role of law enforcement in gang interventions. Second, managing gang crime and violence, with reference to officer safety
Bios
Sally-Ann Ashton is a Psychologist and Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in the psychological analysis of offending behavior at Edge Hill University, England. Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. She was a recipient of a Frederic Milton Thrasher Award in 2017 for superior accomplishments in gang research, and in 2020 for Superior Accomplishments in gang training.
CPL Wilmer Moran is the Military Liaison for the Office of Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Constables Office Precinct 1. CPL Moran is a prior service U.S. Army veteran with multiple tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom with both the regular and National Guard components of the Army. After achieving Non-Commissioned Officer status, CPL Moran attended Army Basic Instructor and Small Group Instructor training. As a police officer, CPL Moran is a TCOLE Mental Health Officer who has been assigned to the Mental Health Special Operations and Patrol Crisis Intervention Team. CPL Moral is a Field Training Officer and an instructor with his agency for the Mental Health Officer, 40 Hour Crisis Intervention, Cultural Diversity, De-Escalation, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Trauma Affected Veterans courses.
(56) “History of Gang Research: Ivory Tower Meets Street Corner Cop”, by Keiron McConnell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Criminology, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Crime Investigation; Gang Prosecution.
Abstract
This session will explore how the history of gang research has been translated into gang crime investigation and prosecution. It is really the matter of the applicability of the research findings to the policing function and legal process. Some ideas clearly have a more salient concern to law enforcement than others. Attend this session to gain insights on how the history of gang research since the time of Thrasher and the present has had a chance to get applied in the real world of gang crime investigation and prosecution.
Bios
Keiron holds a Doctorate Degree in Policing, Security and Community Safety from Metropolitan London University, a Masters of Science Degree in Policing and Public Order Studies from the University of Leicester, a Bachelor of General Studies Degree from the Open University of British Columbia, a Diploma in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University and a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Royal Roads University. This academic achievement come with 29 years of operational experience with the last 15 years exclusively in gang suppression with a variety of police gang units. Keiron has provided consulting services that included the Royal Saudi Arabian Police and the Peoples Republic of China Police. He has instructed at the JIBC-Police Academy for three years in Professional Patrol Tactics and continues as a guest lecturer. In addition, he is a faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where he teaches Organized Crime. He is a regular guest instructor for the policing program at Simon Fraser University and is the author of the textbook “Legal and Regulatory Influences for Public Safety Communications”.
A second well-known gang researcher has been invited to co-present with Keiron for this session and his information will be posted here when and if the formal paper work is completed.
(57) “National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Off Line Search”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, TSEU/NCIC, Clarksburg, WV.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Homicide Investigation Skills; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Special restriction: Sworn law enforcement and corrections ONLY.
Abstract
What is an NCIC “Off Line Search?” It CAN be a GAME CHANGER for an investigation! It is a special investigative technique available to ALL U.S. law enforcement agencies through the Criminal Justice Information Services Division. It is a proven investigative tool that will search the NCIC files, Interstate Identification Index, and Transaction Log database for investigative information not available with a standard On-line NCIC query. We will look at how the search works and several REAL law enforcement investigation successful conclusions with the use of the Off - Line Search. It is information that can assist in determining crucial information such as but NOT limited to: substantiating or discrediting an alibi, to place an individual at the scene of a crime or miles away from the scene, to track an individual’s movements.
Bio
Mr. Grant Smith is a member of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) external training staff. Mr. Smith is a retired police officer with twenty-two years of law enforcement experience. Twelve of the twenty-two years, he was assigned to a multi-jurisdiction and multi-agency narcotics and violence crime task force as a task force agent and supervisor. Other law enforcement experience includes time in the Patrol Division, Investigations Division, and as a Special Response Team (SRT) leader. He also served as an investigator on the county’s Child Sexual Abuse Task Force, Counter Drug Reduction Team, and was a member of the department’s Police Honor Guard. As an FBI training instructor, Mr. Smith provides NCIC training for municipal, county, state and federal agencies nationwide. He is also part of the FBI’s New Agent Training Team and also participates in CJIS internal training.
(58) “The Impact of Historical/Generational Trauma on Gang and Law Enforcement Interactions”, by Philip J. Swift, Ph.D., Municipal Courts, City Marshall Division, Fort Worth, TX.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gang Prevention Skills; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
This session focuses on the reality of historical/generational trauma and how it affects communities, cultures, groups, and the development of cognitive schemes. Historical examples of historical/generational trauma among minority groups is used to depict the less recognized concept of historical/generational trauma among law enforcement agencies and gangs. The impact of this form of trauma on the initial interactions of law enforcement officers and gang members is used to demonstrate how and why many interactions between law enforcement officers and gang members affect the success and failure of gang prevention, intervention, and interdiction programs. This training concludes with a discussion of the tactics and skills that attendees can use to improve the effectiveness of prevention, intervention, and interdiction efforts.
Bio
Mr. Swift, Ph.D. is a husband, father, and a 22-year law enforcement veteran. Since April of 2018, Mr. Swift has served as the Fort Worth City Marshal. Prior to becoming the City Marshal, Mr. Swift rose to the rank of Captain in the Denver Sheriff Department. During his law enforcement career he served as a City Marshal, Director of Security, Watch Commander, FTO Commander, Gang/Intelligence Unit Commander, K-9 Unit Commander, Internal Affairs Bureau Investigator, Conduct Review Office Sergeant, Emergency Response Unit member and Sergeant, Court Services Sergeant, and as Adjunct Training Academy Instructor. Mr. Swift holds a MS and Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology from Walden University and has also received dual MBA’s and a BS in Criminal Justice from American International University. Mr. Swift is a published author (Gangs, Outlaw Bikers, Organized Crime & Extremists; Looseleaf Law Publishing), a contributor to Inside Police Psychology: policepsychologyblog.com, and is frequently asked to speak locally and nationally on topics related to gang, criminal, inmate, and law enforcement culture, forensic psychology, and jail gang investigations.
(59) “Prison Gangs: A Global Overview”, by Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D., Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, Houston, TX.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; International and Transnational Gang Problems; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs.
Abstract
This session offers an historical and global perspective of prison gangs and their formation. It explores a wide range of gangs, from the Bladebaaz gang of India to the South African Numbers gangs. The session covers different types of organizations and comparisons will give attendees a stronger understanding of these prison subcultures. It will also examine the motivations, behaviors and activities of the organization both inside and outside of prison and discuss how members function within prison environments. The research also compares how far prisons across the world can be considered microstates. Those that attend this session will come away with a better understanding of variations and similarities of prison gangs through time and around the world.
Bio
Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D. is Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Sam Houston State University. His areas of interest include global organized crime and gangs, history of crime and punishment, mass murder and serial homicide. His many books include, Power on the Inside: A Global History of Prison Gangs (2020), Fire in the Big House: The Worst Prison Disaster in American History (2019), The Illicit Economy in Turkey (with Mahmut Cengiz)(2019), An Eye for An Eye: A Global History of Crime and Punishment (2015) and Convict Cowboys: The Untold History of the Texas Prison Rodeo (2016). His books have been translated into Chinese, Persian, Croatian and Turkish. He has been an instructor at the Zhejiang Police College from 2009 to 2019 and at the International Law Enforcement Academy (Roswell) from 2001-2009. In 2020, Dr. Roth was awarded the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Excellence in Gang Research.
(60) “Gang Crisis Prevention in Juvenile Facilities”, by William A. Campbell, Kentucky Juvenile Justice Training, Richmond, KY.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prevention Skills; Advanced Gang Identification.
Abstract
This session will discuss how successful early non-verbal/verbal de-escalation can be achieved to prevent a major crisis within a juvenile detention or residential setting. The instructor has 24 years of experience in working with at-risk juveniles in a wide variety of settings: acute care psychiatric, pediatric child care, private childcare, and juvenile justice. He is a certified instructor for Safe Crisis Management.
Bio
William A. Campbell is employed with the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice as the Division Director of Professional Development-Training Branch. With 28 years of working with at-risk teens in numerous child care settings ranging from acute care care psychiatric, pediatric child care, private child care & juvenile justice. Originally, a Chicago native, William attended Western Illinois University (WIU) where he received his Bachelors in Communications. After leaving W.I.U. in 1985, he enlisted in U.S. Army and served 8 years and trained soldiers as a Field Artillery Specialist Weapons crew chief. After serving a tour of duty in “Desert Storm” he was stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division until he was honorably discharged in 1993. William joined the KY Department of Juvenile Justice’s Training Branch in 2007. He has assisted and trained new direct care employees during academy training. In early 2009, certified as an expert gang specialist. In 2010, he received the DJJ Professional Development Employee of the Year award. In 2011, became a trainer/presenter for the National Gang Crime Research Center and received his professional level certification as a gang specialist.
(61) “Federal Gang Prosecution in a Post-First Step Act World: Discussing the Impact of Federal Criminal Justice Reform as it Relates to Gang Members”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Gangs and Organized Crime.
Abstract
The First Step Act, signed into law on December 21, 2018, makes significant changes to federal criminal laws relevant to gang members, specifically mandatory minimum sentencing provisions in narcotics cases. In this session, attendees will learn about the First Step Act, the changes made by the first step act, and how these changes will affect federal gang prosecutions moving forward. Attendees will learn about how to identify and evaluate (in light of the First Step Act) potential gang-related defendants for federal prosecution and learn about potential prosecution pitfalls they might encounter in federal gang prosecutions. Attendees will also learn about how sentencing enhancements under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the Federal Gang Enhancement are affected by the First Step Act.
Bios
Steve Nelson is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as the Anti-Gang Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. He earned his J.D. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utah and serves as an Associate Instructor of Political Science at the University of Utah, and has taught over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students in his teaching career.
Stewart M. Young is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. He previously served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. He earned his J.D. from Stanford University, clerked for judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the District of Utah, and was a full-time faculty member at the University of Wyoming College of Law.
(62) “Gang Culture and Social Norms”, by Captain Philip J. Swift, Ph.D., Municipal Courts, City Marshall Division, Fort Worth, TX.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
This training session focuses on the realities of gang membership and how outsiders often misconstrue those realities because they do not conform to social norms. A historical, political, and economic lens will introduce attendees to gang cultural and common cognitive schemes used by gang members to justify criminal actions. Additionally, the ability of gang members to manipulate others due to the adoption of contrasting norms is discussed along with the successes and failures of gang prevention, intervention, and interdiction programs. This session concludes with a discussion of the tactics and skills that attendees can use to improve effectiveness of prevention, intervention, and interdiction efforts.
Bio
Mr. Swift, Ph.D. is a husband, father, and a 22-year law enforcement veteran. Since April of 2018, Mr. Swift has served as the Fort Worth City Marshal. Prior to becoming the City Marshal, Mr. Swift rose to the rank of Captain in the Denver Sheriff Department. During his law enforcement career he served as a City Marshal, Director of Security, Watch Commander, FTO Commander, Gang/Intelligence Unit Commander, K-9 Unit Commander, Internal Affairs Bureau Investigator, Conduct Review Office Sergeant, Emergency Response Unit member and Sergeant, Court Services Sergeant, and as Adjunct Training Academy Instructor. Mr. Swift holds a MS and Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology from Walden University and has also received dual MBA’s and a BS in Criminal Justice from American International University. Mr. Swift is a published author (Gangs, Outlaw Bikers, Organized Crime & Extremists; Looseleaf Law Publishing), a contributor to Inside Police Psychology: policepsychologyblog.com, and is frequently asked to speak locally and nationally on topics related to gang, criminal, inmate, and law enforcement culture, forensic psychology, and jail gang investigations.
(63) “How to Develop, Select and Train a Diverse STG Intelligence Team in a Jail/Prison Environment”, by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang/Specialist, NGCRC Staff..
One (1) hour
Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gangs in a Juvenile Correctional Facility; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs, Gang Interview/Interrogation Skills, Gangs and Drugs, Gang
Prosecution, Gangs and Organized Crime, Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole, Advanced Gang Identification, Gang Internet Investigation, Motorcycle Gangs
Abstract
This course will prepare staff to assist administrators as they cannot be everywhere all the time.Participants will learn how to present information and intelligence and develop a highly skilled and diverse team of Gang Intelligence staff.
Bio
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, parole officer and STG specialist. In addition he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted Gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
(64) “How to Start a Gang Court in Your County”, by Cobb County Georgia’s Presiding Juvenile Court Judge, Wayne Grannis, Marietta, GA.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools.
Abstract
This session will provide the fundamental aspects of establishing and maintaining a local county jurisdiction juvenile gang specialty court. We will highlight the development of the Metro-Atlanta juvenile court in Cobb County, GA multi-disciplinary gang specialty court, RISING (Rebuild, Invest, Support, Integrate, Navigate & Graduate). RISING is a community-based behavior modification program, developed to address delinquency behaviors of youth between the ages of 12-17 who are at a high risk of participating in gang activity. By providing evidence-based programming that addresses gang culture and gang related behavior amongst this specific youth population, the program seeks to enhance public safety efforts throughout the community and to support participants in avoiding the dire outcomes of adopting a gang lifestyle.
Bio
Judge Wayne Grannis is currently the Presiding Juvenile Judge at Cobb County Juvenile Court, which is a suburban county jurisdiction located northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to being appointed to the Judiciary, he served as the lead Assistant District Attorney over the Juvenile Division of Cobb County’s Office of the District Attorney. Prior to that, he served as the lead Assistant District Attorney over the Juvenile Division of Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, (City of Atlanta, GA), where he led the office in successfully prosecuting numerous high-profile gang related cases. In 2019, Judge Grannis implemented a multi-disciplinary gang prevention specialty court, called RISING. This program has shown great early success in deterring low level and potential juvenile gang members from engaging in gang activity and desisting from further gang participation.
(65) “Historical RICO Investigations — The Lake Boyz: A Unique Solution to a Historical Problem”, by James D. Miller, Assistant State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Fort Myers, FL; and Leena Marcos, Assistant State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Fort Myers, FL.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs.
Abstract
Individuals would learn about the historical approach taken by the State Attorney’s Office of the 20th Judicial Circuit and the Fort Myers Police Department to prosecute a gang called the Lake Boyz. Facing a spate of unsolved murders in our community, the State put together a case that prosecuted the combination of individuals involved in historical crime. The approach had successes and failures. Will include social media evidence.
Bios
James D. Miller is an Assistant State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida based out of Fort Myers. The 20th Judicial Circuit is comprised of five counties in Southwest Florida with over 1.2 million in population. I am the Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit and have prosecuted RICO and Complex cases to include the Death Penalty as well.
Leena Marcos is a an Assistant State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida based out of Fort Myers. The 20th Judicial Circuit is comprised of five counties in Southwest Florida with over 1.2 million in population. Ms. Marcos is a senior firearms attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit, who specializes in the prosecution of violent crimes. Ms. Marcos has tried well over 50 jury trials.
(66) “Sovereign Citizen Investigation and Prosecution”, by James D. Miller, Assistant State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit, Fort Myers, FL
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs; Domestic Counter Terrorism.
Abstract
This session takes a look at the prosecution of Randal Rosado. Mr. Rosado was a sovereign citizen/domestic terrorist who received over 40 years in prison after convincing sovereign citizens that he had a court system called the International Court of Commerce. This court would produce real looking judgments against public officials as well as warrants for arrest. This session will discus how we had to come up with an outside of the box method to prosecute this individual with a joint federal and state task force and had to prosecute other sovereign citizens and obtain information.
Bio
James D. Miller is an Assistant State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida based out of Fort Myers. The 20th Judicial Circuit is comprised of five counties in Southwest Florida with over 1.2 million in population. I am the Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit and have prosecuted RICO and Complex cases to include the Death Penalty as well.
(67) “Transnational Street Gangs and Ties to Narco and Human Trafficking (MS-13 and 18th Street Gangs)”, by Leandro Quintero, San Antonio, TX.
Three (3) hours
Session credits: International and Transnational Gang Problems; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Organized Crime; Gangs and Drugs.
Abstract
Attendees will learn about transnational gangs’ structures and how they operate outside the USA and how their modus operandi changes once they enter into the USA, they will also learn how street gangs work with drug cartels and other illicit groups in supporting drug, human, and weapons trafficking.
Bio
Mr. Leo Quintero has worked in the area of security within the US Government as military and civilian for over 30 years in over 30 countries. Served as a military and civilian diplomat at US Embassies in countries like Peru, Columbia, El Salvador, Mexico and many othrs on creating strategic anti-crime programs for security issues ranging from street gangs like MS-13, 18th Street, paramilitary groups like the FARC, ELN, AUC, and the Mexican and Columbian Drug Cartels. Mr. Quintero continues to serve as Intelligence Security Specialist and Antiterrorism Officer for DoD where he works hand and hand with US interagency (DHS, DEA, FBI, CBP, ICE, Fusion Centers, States’ Anti-Gang Centers, etc) and some foreign countries on countering criminal threats to the homeland. Mr. Quintero earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Bachelor’s Degree from Excelsior College in Business Management and Administration.
(68) “Time to Face the Music: The Use of Rap Lyrics and Videos in the Prosecution of Gang Crimes”, by Grant J. Shostak, EdD, JD, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO; and Myah I. Grimm, student, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Internet Investigation; Gang Prosecution.
Abstract
This session will provide an overview of the use of rap lyrics and videos in the prosecution of gang crimes. Through examination of real life case examples attendees will learn the ways this evidence is used on behalf of law enforcement in the prosecution of gang crimes; the evidentiary basis for its admission into evidence; and the most common evidentiary hurdles to is use at trial.
Bios
Grant Shostak, EdD, JD is an associate professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. Grant’s extensive experience defending persons accused of criminal offenses and as a law clerk to the late Judge Paul J. Simon at the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, provides a unique viewpoint on criminal justice issues. His research interests are varied and reflect his interdisciplinary educational background.
Myah I. Grimm is an undergradute student pursuing a dual major in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Political Science at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2022. Upon graduation, she intends to further her studies and attend law school. Myah serves as th Vice President of Lindenwood University’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Myah’s research interest include social injustice, women’s rights, and the overrepresentation of certain groups in the justice system.
(69) “Gang Mapping 101: An Introduction ”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Professor, Criminal Justice Studies, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.
Two (2) Hours
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Crime Analysis & Mapping; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
This class is part 1 of a 2 part series. It serves as a starting point for understanding crime analysis, specifically, analytical mapping techniques as applied to gangs. Topics covered in this class: the evolution of crime analysis and mapping from the 1800s to present; intelligence levels, divisions, and processes; and the roles and responsibilities of analysts, administrators, and police officers. See the other two parts of this 3 part series.
Bios
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
(70) “Gang Mapping 201: Theory and Praxis ”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Associate Professor, Criminal Justice Studies, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Crime Analysis & Mapping; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Abstract
This class is part 2 of a 2 part series. Participants learn about criminological research and theories that established the practical application of crime mapping and profiling. Three profiling models will be expounded: psychological profiling, geographic offender profiling, and spatio-temporal crime profiling. Methodological, ethical, and legal issues associated with the use of crime mapping will also be discussed. See the other two parts of this 3 part series.
Bio
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
(71) “Share What You’ve Learned with Other Professionals”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research.
One and one-half (1.5) hours
Session credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services.
Abstract
This session reviews what is needed and how to do it in order to share your knowledge of gangs and experiences with other professionals. The basics are covered: identifying a topic and forming questions, layout and content, and citing sources. The goal is to encourage Gang College 2021 attendees to compose either a professional manuscript or a “gang news” story and thereby gain a publication citation of their own. Attendees will learn how to develop and submit a professional article for submission for publication consideration to the NGCRC’s Journal of Gang Research, or if desired, to compose a shorter manuscript for submission to the NGCRC’s The Gang Specialist newsletter. In-class discussion is used to stimulate ideas for articles (e.g., best practices, overcoming worst-case scenarios, new approaches to old problems, etc).
Bio
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
(72) “Introduction to Separatist, Racist and Extremist Groups (SREG’s)”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research.Two (2) hours
Session credits: Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Group/White Racist Extremist Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Domestic Counter Terrorism Skills; Advanced Gang Identification.
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
This session is an introduction to the various Separatist, Racist, and Extremist Groups (SREGs) in the United States today. The instructors review the founders, origins, beliefs, practices, past and current activities, and significant symbology (e.g., phrases, graffiti, and dates). Call them “Hate Groups” is too simplistic and does not capture the complexity of the problem. The instructors discuss groups that are based on religious belief, political ideology, or racial views.
Bio
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
(73) “The Global Growth of Nationalism”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research.
One and one-half (1.5) hours
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Advanced Gang Identification; Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs; International and Transnational Gang Problems.
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
Headline: “White nationalism on the rise in the United States!” That’s only a fraction of the whole story. Gang specialists need to attend this session to learn what is happening with regard to nationalism on a worldwide scale. The instructor describes the global expansion of nationalistic pride and its affect on various countries’ politics, economies, and peoples on every continent. Maps, pictures, and videos are used to demonstrate the extent of the problem and how it is reaching into the daily lives of citizens, formal political parties and their agendas, as well as street gangs and hate/extremist groups. The definitional distinction is clarified between nationalism, socialism, national socialism, communism, and fascism.
Bio
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
(74) “Gang/STG Cryptanalysis: How to Break Gang Codes”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Advanced Gang Identification; Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs; Gang Internet Investigation; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.
Abstract
Cryptanalysis has a significant role to play in the investigation of gangs and STG’s because they often send printed or digital messages where the code contains information about future crimes. Prison gangs have done this for decades abusing the mail privileges they have by sending out coded messages to their contacts on the streets to carry out gang operations such as drug dealing outside of the prison. The presenter will provide a historical overview of an actual prison gang case where the gang used a sophisticated code and encryption system to send “orders” to the street operatives. The prison and regional authorities could not break the code. So they contacted the NGCRC. The presenter broke the code and it obviously meant a big break in the ongoing gang investigation. The presenter will show you how he broke the code. Attend this session to learn the various types of codebreaking attacks.
Bio
D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).
(75) “The Graffiti Identity 1 - Understanding the Game", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media.
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
In today’s tight economy, the majority of police agencies are assigning graffiti vandalism investigations to their street gang or special investigations units. This session provides an introduction to graffiti art versus graffiti vandalism. In this session, participants will learn how to distinguish street gang graffiti from taggers’ graffiti, understand the basic graffiti tags and their variations, and the subcultural protocols that govern them. This session covers the various types of graffiti cultures, state laws (beyond reasonable doubt) and city codes (preponderance of the evidence) and the graffiti identity (name, formats, and styles). This is part one of a three part course sequence.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
(76) “The Graffiti Identity 2 - Prolific Writers & Crews", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
Participants will learn how to recognize their presence and how to extract criminal and research intelligence through the graffiti they generate. Reinforcement of the graffiti identity (name, format, and style). This is part two of a three part course sequence.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
(77) “A Basic Street Gangs Investigation", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media
Notice: This course is restricted to Law Enforcement Only.
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
The instructor will give an overview of one of his past street gang investigations. The session covers the example of initiating two search warrants simultaneously at separate locations: leader and second-in-command’s residences. The course covers an overview of the search warrant return (criminal evidence and gang’s intelligence)..
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
(78) “Gang Ethics 101 - Don’t Shoot the Messenger", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Management; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services ; Gangs and the Mass Media; Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators.
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
This course addresses current trends challenging the modern-day gang specialist. It reviews current issues that affect how we apply apprehension, prosecution, prevention, intervention, restorative justice, and information management practices to gangs and gang members. There are many ethical issues in dealing with gangs and gang members, and it affects every stage of the process, from investigation to aftercare, even gang research itself. Should violence interrupter staff be required to “warn and protect” when they learn that gun violence is imminent? Should someone who joins a gang remain in a gang database for the rest of their life? Attend this session to learn about ethical guidelines for dealing with gangs and gang members and to share your own scenarios.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
(79) “Street Gangs Well Defined - For Criminal or Research Intelligence", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
Participants will learn how to apply tools and measurement to street groups for research and investigative purposes. The instructor will also address the groups inner dynamics, criminal activities, colors and lifespan.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
(80) “Off the Wall — A Graffiti Art Program”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills.
Abstract
Participants will be introduced to a community-based graffiti art program that recruited graffiti writers, graffiti artists, and gang members to educate communities at-risk for HIV/AIDS from 1992-2002. Their messages, on health awareness, were delivered through elaborate hip-hop graffiti formats commonly known as throw-ups, pieces, and productions.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
(81) “Online Resources - Communication & Search Tools”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Advanced Gang Identification; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and the Mass Media
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
Participants will learn the purpose of Google-alerts and E-groups and how to activate them for gang research and investigative purposes. The instructor will demonstrate how to use them for purposes of gang research and for investigative assignments as a graffiti and gang specialist.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
(82) “The Graffiti Identity 3: Meeting of the Minds”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
Participants are encouraged to exhibit graffiti which appeared within their jurisdiction. So it’s BYOG: Bring Your Own Graffiti (if you want to help expand the discussion). Depending on the size of the audience, this course is suggesting each person should display 5- 10 graffiti images (bring a portable flash drive of the images, or email them in advance to the presenter: gandgspecialist@gmail.com). Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert. It’s an exercise directed towards developing intelligence (research/investigation) from an open source (graffiti). Please make sure your portable flash-drive is virus-free. Your subject matter can include graffiti expressing politics, hate, gang, tagger, and/or art. This is part three of a three part course sequence.
Bio
Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.
(83) “Glenmob, Salty Gangsters and Northern Exposure”: A Discussion of State/Federal Cooperation in the Context of Investigating and Prosecuting a Hybrid Gang”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Internet Investigation; Advanced Gang Identification; Gangs and the Mass Media; Gang Prosecution; Gangs and Organized Crime.
Abstract
In 2018, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, ATF, and Salt Lake Area Metro Gang Unit, with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, conducted an investigation into Glenmob, a hybrid gang comprised of an alliance of different Sureno affiliates who masqueraded as a rap group but were also responsible for a significant number of drive-by shootings and violent acts in the Salt Lake Valley. This long-term, proactive investigation revealed that Glenmob was also a sophisticated drug trafficking organization. At the conclusion of the investigation, agents and officers seized approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine, multiple ounces of heroin and 7 firearms and 17 Glenmob members were indicted in federal court. This session will discuss issues related to state/federal cooperation and proactive investigative efforts to infiltrate and dismantle hybrid gangs.
Bios
Steve Nelson is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as the Anti-Gang Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. He earned his J.D. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utah and serves as an Associate Instructor of Political Science at the University of Utah, and has taught over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students in his teaching career.
Stewart M. Young is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. He previously served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. He earned his J.D. from Stanford University, clerked for judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the District of Utah, and was a full-time faculty member at the University of Wyoming College of Law.
(84) “How to Develop a POST Class on Gang Training 2022", by Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D., Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO.
One (1) hours
Session credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services.
Abstract
This session examines how an academic or criminal justice practitioner can share their knowledge of the gang by developing a P.O.S.T. class on gang training. Selecting a subject, formatting, establishing learning objectives, obtaining POST approval, required documentation of training, trainer liabilities and current training techniques are covered. How do you write a training class proposal? Do I need to be a licensed POST instructor to conduct a class?
Bio
Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D. is a Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office after serving from 1977 to 2006. He is rated as a gang expert by the National Gang Crime Research Center. He has written extensively and presented classes on gangs, white supremacist groups and police management topics in the United States and Canada. Dr. Etter earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wichita State University and his Doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Etter is the author of numerous books, book chapters, edited and refereed articles. His latest book is: Gangs and Organized Crime which he authored with Dr. George W. Knox and Dr. Carter F. Smith.
(85) “Using RICO to Attack Hybrid Gangs”, by Michael Tabarrok, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney, Albany, GA.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Gang Prosecution; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs.
Abstract
Attacking hybrid gangs is challenging, and takes gang officers and prosecutors working closely to investigate, build towards indictment, indict, build towards trial, and convict. This is a case study on how a gang unit and an Asst. D.A. prepared a case from investigation through court proceedings to indict 40 gang members under RICO and gang charges.
Bio
Michael Tabarrok is the Deputy Chief Asst. D.A. in Dougherty County, Georgia. Having been a prosecutor for 23 years around the State of Georgia and Guam, (with a brief stint as a criminal defense attorney in the middle of his career for 3 years), he specializes in the prosecution of gangs, murders, and drugs, as well as asset forfeitures and special prosecutions. Using RICO, gang statutes, forfeitures, and Federal referrals, he brings novel approaches to attacking gang problems.
(86) “The Role of Primary Prevention and a Public Health Approach in an Anti-Gang Strategy”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research CAB; Los Angeles, CA.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators; Gang Prevention Skills; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.
Abstract
Recent findings by a joint investigation by the US Office of Justice Programs and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate it is time to change course and focus on primary prevention as the foundation of an anti-gang program. The tactics of primary prevention require careful implementation of evidence-based best practices that work well in collaboration with local schools, gang intervention programs, and law enforcement. Primary gang prevention focuses on proven successful models that leave little room for freelancing; rather, deep awareness of childhood predictors, major risk factors, and the best practices for gang prevention education lead to major success. At the end of the course, participants should be able to: (1) identify and understand the Public Health Model, (2) utilize the Social-Ecological Model in dealing with the entire gang prevention challenge, (3) understand the insidious, infectious, virus-like nature of the epidemic of violence, (4) identify quickly and correctly the hierarchy of risk factors, (5) identify quickly and correctly the most effective protective factors, and (6) create a basic plan for primary prevention in their communities. Prospective audience: school administrators, educators, community leaders, policy makers, organizational leaders, counselors, nonprofit agencies, law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, local volunteers, and activists.
Bio
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; works with various agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding, including Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles and the UCLA/Rand Prevention Research Center. He is currently the Director of the Gangfree Life Academy®.
(87) “Causes, Effects, and Treatments: Impact of Gang Culture and Violence on Elementary, Middle, and High School Aged Children”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research Center CAB; Los Angeles, CA.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills.
Abstract
The impact of violent and dangerous gang culture is examined through the lens of a Public Health Crisis in American Society. As in any epidemic, primary prevention is the first step, and it is the most effective step in any anti-gang strategy. This session identifies the clinical, demographic, and cultural factors that create and incubate the pathologies that lead to gang joining and gang violence in a community. At the end of the course, participants should be able to: (1) understand why high risk behaviors are prevalent in violent, gang infested areas, (2) track the nine progressions of harsh reality that affect children in these communities, (3) identify the five pathological adaptations made by children in these communities, (4) get a basic understanding of the hierarchy of risk factors, (5) get a basic understanding of major protective factors, and (6) get a basic understanding of the benefits of primary prevention programs. Prospective audience: school administrators, educators, community leaders, policy makers, organizational leaders, counselors, nonprofit agencies, law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, local volunteers, and activists.
Bio
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; works with various agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding, including Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles and the UCLA/Rand Prevention Research Center. He is currently the Director of the Gangfree Life Academy®.
(88) “The Cost of Dropping Out and Gang Joining in Los Angeles”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research CAB; Los Angeles, CA.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators; Gang Prevention Skills; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.
Abstract
This presentation covers the direct and indirect costs associated with dropping out of school and joining a gang in greater Los Angeles. With data gathered by the Los Angeles Unified School District, California State University Northridge, and Northeastern University, th California Legislative Analyst’s Office, LAPD, and more, a comprehensive study of the true costs emerges. Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to: (1) identify the intangible human, societal, and economic costs, (2) identify the tangible costs to the criminal justice system, the penal system, victims, government, and business, (3) recount a case study of a family affiliated with the 18th Street Gang, (4) describe the effectiveness of prevention, intervention, and suppression in economic, ethical, and moral terms. Prospective audience: school administrators, educators, community leaders, policy makers, organizational leaders, counselors, nonprofit agencies, law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, local volunteers, and activists.
Bio
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; works with various agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding, including Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles and the UCLA/Rand Prevention Research Center. He is currently the Director of the Gangfree Life Academy®.
(89) “Cyberbullying and Gang Provocation”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy©, Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research Center CAB; Los Angeles, CA.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators; Gang Internet Investigation.
Abstract
For two generations the pathologies of bullying behavior have been mutating from their traditional, in-person behaviors into more insidious and pervasive online bullying or cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a powerful, virulent form of bullying, which when conjoined with aspects of traditional bullying, allows bullies to practice their malevolent behaviors against their victims on a continuous basis. Since bullying and intimidation have been key aspects of gang culture, cyberbullying is a new, fertile ground for gang manipulation and provocation. Thriving in this environment are more sophisticated and insidious methods of targeting and victimizing vulnerable individuals. At the end of this session, participants should be able to: describe the differences in traditional bullying and online bullying and the synergy they create; recognize some of the key dangers of internet-based bullying, with emphasis on gang manipulation of the individual and provocation to dangerous acts; name the key online portals being exploited by gangs for bullying and manipulation; identify quickly and correctly the hierarchy of risk factors; identify quickly and correctly the most effective protective factors; create a basic plan for dealing with cyberbullying and manipulation that includes schools, law enforcement, social institutions, parents, and policy makers.
Bio
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; works with various agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding, including Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles and the UCLA/Rand Prevention Research Center. He is currently the Director of the Gangfree Life Academy®.
(90) “Victimology: Coping with Gang Homicide”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research CAB; Los Angeles, CA.
Two (2) hours
Session Credits: Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators; Gang Prevention Skills; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Counseling Skills; Gangs and Mental Health.
Abstract
Murder is considered the most heinous crime of all. It inflicts the ultimate harm, whose damage to the victim cannot be undone. When a loved one is murdered through gang violence, the list of those harmed contains many secondary and tertiary victims as well. The trauma and fear created by such a sudden, violent, and permanent loss lingers for years and, in fact, may never be fully resolved for these victims. At the end of the course, participants should be able to: (1) describe the differences in victimological science concerning primary, secondary, and tertiary victims in a gang homicide, (2) recognize potential victimology-bashing and victim-blaming, (3) identify signs of deep trauma, PTSD, unresolved guilt, and more, (4) understand the role and effects of law enforcement and the criminal justice system on secondary and tertiary victims of gang homicide. Prospective audience: school administrators, educators, community leaders, policy makers, organizational leaders, counselors, nonprofit agencies, law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, local volunteers, and activists.
Bio
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; works with various agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding, including Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles and the UCLA/Rand Prevention Research Center. He is currently the Director of the Gangfree Life Academy®.
(91) “Gang Expert Testimony: Bringing Your Gang Investigation into Court”, by Tyler Sutherland, Gang Suppression Unit, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI; and Jim Bailey, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI. Available by video only.
Three (3) hours
Both a classroom session and an on-line session. Note: Available now at the NGCRC videotraining page.
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Gang Crime Investigation; Gang Homicide Investigation.
Abstract
How court room testimony and gang evidence will reduce crime rates. What to say and present as a gang expert in court. How to apply your state statute of an enhanced gang crime to the evidence in your gang case. How the stored gang intelligence becomes useful in the court room. How the prosecutor and gang investigator get a case ready for courtroom prosecution.
Bios
Detective Tyler Sutherland has been a police officer for the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years. He is currently assigned to the Battle Creek Police Detective Bureau, and was previously assigned to the Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. As a member of the Gang Unit, Detective Sutherland was directly involved as the lead investigator in a number of gang, and violent crime, cases that resulted in courtroom trials and jury convictions. While participating in all aspects of gang investigations and court room prosecution, Detective Sutherland has been qualified as, and testified as, a gang expert in the U.S. District court and Michigan State Circuit and District Court, more than 15 times in the last five years. One of these gang cases, was the first criminal gang enhancement jury conviction in the State of Michigan since the state statute was created. He is also recognized in circuit and district court as an expert in Drug Trafficking and Drug Investigations. A Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Patrol Training Officer, he has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
Corporal Jim Bailey has been with the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years, and has been assigned to the Battle Creek Police Department Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. Corporal Bailey has been directly involved in many of the same gang investigations as Detective Sutherland, and has assisted as one of the lead investigators with Detective Sutherland, on many of the same violence crime investigations. Corporal Bailey has also been involved in cell phone investigations, writing and executing search warrants, surveillance techniques, undercover drug buys, and managing confidential informants. Corporal Bailey has been recognized in Michigan State District Court and Circuit Court as an expert in drug trafficking and drug investigations, identifying armed subjects, and cell phone site analyses. Corporal Bailey is currently a K-9 handler for the Battle Creek Police Department and is a member of the department’s Emergency Response Team. He is a Defensive Tactics Instructor and a Patrol Training Officer for the Battle Creek Police Department. He has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
(92) “Hybrid Gangs: How to Identify Local Gang Culture”, by Jim Bailey, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI; and Det. Tyler Sutherland, Gang Suppression Unit, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI. By videopage training format only.
Two (2) hours
Both a classroom session and an on-line session. Note: Available now at the NGCRC videotraining page.
Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Gang Crime Investigation; Gang Homicide Investigation; Gang Prosecution.
Abstract
How to identify local neighborhood gang culture, what larger gang culture influences your local gang, and how are they being influenced? How does your local gang adapt signs, symbols, tattoos, colors to your jurisdiction which may have originated elsewhere, perhaps even from a national gang culture? How are you tracking your local gang and crime stats?
Bios
Detective Tyler Sutherland has been a police officer for the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years. He is currently assigned to the Battle Creek Police Detective Bureau, and was previously assigned to the Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. As a member of the Gang Unit, Detective Sutherland was directly involved as the lead investigator in a number of gang, and violent crime, cases that resulted in courtroom trials and jury convictions. While participating in all aspects of gang investigations and court room prosecution, Detective Sutherland has been qualified as, and testified as, a gang expert in the U.S. District court and Michigan State Circuit and District Court, more than 15 times in the last five years. One of these gang cases, was the first criminal gang enhancement jury conviction in the State of Michigan since the state statute was created. He is also recognized in circuit and district court as an expert in Drug Trafficking and Drug Investigations. A Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Patrol Training Officer, he has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
Corporal Jim Bailey has been with the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years, and has been assigned to the Battle Creek Police Department Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. Corporal Bailey has been directly involved in many of the same gang investigations as Detective Sutherland, and has assisted as one of the lead investigators with Detective Sutherland, on many of the same violence crime investigations. Corporal Bailey has also been involved in cell phone investigations, writing and executing search warrants, surveillance techniques, undercover drug buys, and managing confidential informants. Corporal Bailey has been recognized in Michigan State District Court and Circuit Court as an expert in drug trafficking and drug investigations, identifying armed subjects, and cell phone site analyses. Corporal Bailey is currently a K-9 handler for the Battle Creek Police Department and is a member of the department’s Emergency Response Team. He is a Defensive Tactics Instructor and a Patrol Training Officer for the Battle Creek Police Department. He has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.
(93) “Project Imagine: Community Violence Intervention and the Impact of Outreach Workers as Credible Messengers”, by Robert T. David Sr., Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator, Danville, VA; with panelists Curtis Avery, Shakeva Frazier, and Reginald Jeffries, Outreach Workers, City of Danville, VA.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Gang Prevention Skills.
Abstract
This is a two part presentation involving a lecture and a panel. Part 1: The session will provide the audience with an understanding of strategies used by Project Imagine, a nationally recognized Community Violence Intervention collaborative model that will assist in the development of a Community Violence Intervention program. Part 2: Credible messengers who act as gang outreach workers will discuss strategies to build relationship, community mobilization and how to adapt to a changing gang culture. Included in the presentation is a Q/A panel discussion which will allow the audience to gain further insight of the duties of the outreach worker.
Bios
Robert T. David Sr., Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator. 2020 recipient of th Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Excellence in Gang Intervention. M.A. in addiction and professional counseling. Creator of Project Imagine the Virginia Municipal League President award winner of most innovative program. Robert has over 25 years of strategic planning & community development experience, a motivated professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, designing collaborative strategies, and coaching individuals to success.
Curtis Artis is a Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Outreach Worker for the City of Danville. He has an Associate of Arts Science Degree from Danville Community Colleg (Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society), Bachelor of Science (Sociology) Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Socciety, DBHDS Peer Recovery Specialist Training, NGCRC Certified Gang Outreach and Intervention Specialist, Virginia Gang Specialist Certification.
Shakeva Frazier is a Youth and Gang Prevention Outreach Worker for the City of Danville. She holds as Bachelor of Science Degree from Averett University, Certified Suicide Intervention coach. Awarded the Community Partnership Award in 2022 from the Danville Police Department, Member of the Review Board for use of force. University of Virginia certificate in Frank Batton School of Leadership and Public Policy, in Reimagining Policing: Procedural Policing to Procedural Justice. NGCRC certified Gang Outreach and Intervention Specialist. She has ben featured in the Virginia Town and City magazine for her role in Project Imagine.
Reginald Jeffries is a Youth and Gang Prevention Outreach Worker for the City of Danville where he facilitates the Sports-Based Youth Diversion and developmental program. He is the CEO and Head Coach of the Virginia Dream, a Professional Men’s Basketball Team based out of Martinsville, Virginia. He was a fall 2018 charter member of the Phi Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated at Radford University.
(94) “What Police Gang Specialists Need to Know to Target Harden From Aggressive Defense Cross-Examinations”, by Michael P. Coghlan, Gang Specialist, DeKalb, IL.
One (1) hour
Attendance is Restricted: Police Only.
Session credits: Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs; Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Prosecution.
Abstract
This class pertains only to police and law enforcement personnel and is restricted as such. This training covers policy and legislation relating to false, overcharged, and political scapegoat charges against police. This session addresses a long list of issues on how police officers need to target harden themselves before they go on the stand. There are a number of strategies that defense counsel can use, foremost of which is to question your credentials in a fashion to discredit your testimony. Audience members will be allowed to share examples of ad hominem attacks they have faced from “out of control” defense attorneys, administrators and officials.
Bio
Michael Coghlan was a certified gang specialist accredited through the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Springfield Police Department. He served as a trainer for gang crime specialist certification. He is a recipient of the Thrasher Award and has provided training throughout the United States for the National Law Enforcement Institute. He coordinated the investigation and prosecution of 24 gang members in a series of conspiracies, solicitation, and offenses including drive-by shootings and gang-related murder. He also served 8 years as an elected prosecutor.
(95) “Street Gangs to Terrorism Affiliation”, by Michael P. Coghlan, Gang Specialist, DeKalb, IL.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs; Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Prosecution; International and Transnational Gangs.
Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.
Abstract
This session provides an examination of the nexus in the relationship between gang organization and terrorist groups. It reviews the commonality in the 44 states which have a criminal code definition of gangs. It also examines the ideological connection between gangs and terrorist organizations. This session provides an examination of what is necessary for a conviction. It examines the elements of the criminal conspiracy. Covers gangs and terrorist groups such as the El Rukns, Muslim Brotherhood, Holy Land Foundation, Hezbollah.
Bio
Michael Coghlan was a certified gang specialist accredited through the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Springfield Police Department. He served as a trainer for gang crime specialist certification. He is a recipient of the Thrasher Award and has provided training throughout the United States for the National Law Enforcement Institute. He coordinated the investigation and prosecution of 24 gang members in a series of conspiracies, solicitation, and offenses including drive-by shootings and gang-related murder.
(96) “Working With Gang Involved Youth: A Family and Community Perspective”, by Tom Schneider, M.S., Director, Project Lifeline, Chicago, IL; and Kevin Kreuser, Cook County Juvenile Court, Chicago, IL.
Two (2) hours
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Dealing With Gang Members in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills.
Abstract
The thrust of this presentation will be working with youths involved in the Juvenile Justice System, who have a history of gang involvement. The main focus will be working with these youths as individuals, away from the gang structure. The difficulty of working with this population, from a casework perspective, will be discussed.
Special attention will be paid to community conditions, such as high rates of crime and violence, as well as economic displacement that influence or put at risk an individual juvenile for gang involvement. The role of the family will be discussed, as it relates to the risk of gang involvement. Individual families of gang involved youth will be profiled in depth. These families will encompass different ethnic backgrounds and reflect varying levels of the socio-economic spectrum. The adverse effect of early exposure to violence and the experience of trauma will be discussed. How the criminal enterprises, specifically the street sale of drugs, which characterize today’s urban street gangs, effect youthful gang members will also be explored — specifically as to how they relate to the increase in gang violence and the use of firearms associated with that violence. Also analyzed will be how the interpersonal violence within this youth population is impacted when this criminal enterprise is disrupted, by law enforcement intervention or other means.
Myths associated with youthful offenders will be considered. The effect of the increase in gang violence on legislation directed toward youthful offenders will be covered and the efficacy of such legislative trends will be discussed. The disproportionate manner in which this violence affects minorities and, similarly, the disproportionate way in which minorities come into contact with both the Juvenile Justice and the Criminal Justice Systems will also be considered.
Also, the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice, currently the guiding philosophy of the Cook County Illinois Juvenile Probation Department, will be discussed. Strategies and approaches, which I feel have efficacy in working with this population will be outlined.
Bios
Tom Schneider retired from the Cook County Illinois Juvenile Probation Department in January of 2013 after forty years on the street as a juvenile probation officer. He holds a BA degree from the University of Illinois Chicago in the Administration of Criminal Justice and a M.S. degree from Chicago State University in Correction and Criminal Justice. He is currently conducting Anger Management/Violence Prevention groups for juvenile probationers and is the Director of Project Lifeline, the Cook County Juvenile Court scholarship program.
Kevin Kreuser, B.S., Psychology, Loyola University of Chicago; 17 years as a Probation Officer — Cook County, ILL. Juvenile Court.
(97) “Project Lifeline: A Panel Discussion With Former Gang Members”, by Tom Schneider, Director, Project Lifeline, Chicago, IL.
(90 Minutes) 1.5 hours
Session Credits: Gang Prevention Skills; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang Counseling Techniques; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole.
Abstract
This panel will be moderated by Tom Schneider, retired Probation Officer, Cook County, IL. The participants will be two youths who are formerly gang involved and are currently recipients of a Project Lifeline scholarship. Project Lifeline is an adjunct program of the Cook County Juvenile Probation Department. It provides scholarships to fund post secondary educational opportunities for young men and women who have previously been involved with the Probation Department. The two young men will discuss how and why they got involved in gangs, what were the attractions and drawbacks of gang membership and how they extricated themselves from this lifestyle. They will also discuss their current lives and what their hopes are for the future. Finally, they will share what they feel are the solutions for the violence and other issues impacting at risk youth today.
Bio
Tom Schneider, the moderator for this session, retired from the Cook County Illinois Juvenile Probation Department in January of 2013 after forty years on the street as a juvenile probation officer. He holds a BA degree from the University of Illinois Chicago in the Administration of Criminal Justice and a M.S. degree from Chicago State University in Correction and Criminal Justice. He is currently conducting Anger Management/Violence Prevention groups for juvenile probationers and is the Director of Project Lifeline, the Cook County Juvenile Court scholarship program.
(98) “Money Laundering 101", by Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D., Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO; and Pricila Avila, Graduate Student, Dept. Of Criminal Justice University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO; and Stacia Pottorff, Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Two (2) hours
Note: Restricted session - - - attendance is restricted to law enforcement, prosecution, and official criminal justice personnel.
Session credit: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Internet Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Organized Crime; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence.
Abstract
When you commit crimes, you hopefully make money. Sometimes a whole lot of money. Criminals remember that Al Capone went to prison for income tax evasion, not for all the people he killed. In order to avoid this, criminals must conceal the sources of their income. This is known as money laundering. This presentation is an overview of various money laundering practices and some of the law enforcement techniques used to detect them. Relevant cases and case law will be discussed. Note: This is a literature review of existing laws, techniques and cases.
Bios
Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D. is a Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office after serving from 1977 to 2006. He is rated as a gang expert by the National Gang Crime Research Center. He has written extensively and presented classes on gangs, white supremacist groups and police management topics in the United States and Canada. Dr. Etter earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wichita State University and his Doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Etter is the author of numerous books, book chapters, edited and refereed articles. His latest book is: Gangs and Organized Crime which he authored with Dr. George W. Knox and Dr. Carter F. Smith.
Ms. Pricila Avila, B.S., is a graduate student in the Criminal Justice & Criminology program at the University of Central Missouri. She earned her Bachelor of Science - BS in Criminal Justice and Spanish from the University of Central Missouri. She is currently working towards a M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. She is a member of the UCM’s Lambda Alpha Epsilon competitive criminal justice team.
Stacia Pottorff, B.S. earned her Bachelors of Science degree with honors in Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. She is currently a graduate student working on her Master’s Degree is Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. She is employed as a criminal intelligence analyst supervisor at the Missouri State Highway Patrol. She was a recipient of several UCM Undergraduate Research Grants.
(99) “The Targeted Killing of Police Officers by Gangs in El Salvador: A Current Trend in Criminal Tactics”, by Aaron Cunningham, Police Officer/OSIG, CPIC Fusion Center, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL; Luis Alonso Montalvo Flores, Policia Nacional Civil, El Salvador; and Lt. Lawrence Lujan, El Paso Police Department, El Paso, TX.
Two (2) hours
Note: This session is restricted to Law Enforcement.
Abstract
This presentation will conduct a survey of assassinations and targeted killings of law enforcement members by criminal organizations within the Northern Triangle region and El Salvador with a focus from 2015 to date. Salvadoran gangs have targetted police officers and police families in numerous ambush attacks resulting in death, primarily when off-duty and alone. The two primary transnational organized crime groups or gangs responsible for these killings are the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 organizations. These gangs are also engaged in historical competition over territory and economic control of extortion rackets, kidnapping, and narcotics sales. An overview will be provided of the current threat situation, national response, and programmatic initiatives aimed at addressing this problem.
Bio
Aaron Cunningham is a decorated 24 year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, currently assigned to the CPIC Fusion Center. Aaron is a highly decorated officer with extensive gang experience and past assignments to PSN Task Force, Area Gun Team, Intelligence Officer, and Tactical Team member. Aaron has past dedication to National level Counterterrorism and C4ISR training events in South Korea. He has collborated since 2015 with El Salvador’s Policia National Civil (PNC) and International Tactical Training Association (ITTA) officer survival training project ‘Uso Tactica de la Fuerza y Sobrevivencia Policial’.
Luis Flores-Montalvo is a decorated 28 year veteran of El Salvador’s Policia National Civil including ten years with the Grupo Maritimo Policial (GMP) where he conducted interagency work with DEA. Luis is an accomplished in-service training instructor with long term roles in specialized training. He is currently involved in an Officer Survival training project with El Salvador’s Policia Nacional Civil (PNC). He is also a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award from the NGCRC.
Lawrence Lujan has led a distinguished (32) year career with the El Paso Police Department (EPD) since 1990. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 274), and a past Chief Judge, Pueblo at National American Indian Court Judges Association. Lawrence served as Gang Unit Lieutenant, Gang Unit field officer, and tactical team experience with EPD SWAT, Mountain Rescue, and Anti-Burglary. Lawrence has worked alongside the Policia National Civil with ITTA’s ongoing Officer Survival Project ‘Uso Tactica de la Fuerza y Sobrevivencia Policial’.
(100) “Writing a Warrant for Participation in a Criminal Gang”, by Maggie Koch, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Toledo, OH;
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Gang Crime Investigation.
Abstract
Attend this session to gain new insights into gang prosecution. Attendees will learn how to build gang cases and successfully prosecute them. Learn how and when to write “gang paraphernalia warrants”. Session provides a discussion of the basic warrant standards, items to be seized, and evidence sufficient to establish probable cause, including the training, education, and experience of the affiant.
Bios
Maggie E. Koch JD is an assistant prosecutor with the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, in Toledo, OH. She is responsible for the prosecution of all levels of felony offenses in the adult criminal division, both as first and second chair.
(101) “Prosecution of a Participation in a Criminal Gang Case From Inception to Conviction”, by Maggie Koch, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Toledo, OH.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Gang Crime Investigation.
Abstract
Attend this session to gain new insights into gang prosecution. Attendees will learn how to build gang cases and successfully prosecute them. This session provides a case review of the entire process related to the prosecution of a gang member in the Lucas County Common Pleas Court. Including initial indictment, evidence collection, pre-trial motions, and presentation of the case to the jury.
Bio
Maggie E. Koch JD is an assistant prosecutor with the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, in Toledo, OH. She is responsible for the prosecution of all levels of felony offenses in the adult criminal division, both as first and second chair.
(102) “South Asian Gangs: Evolution of South Asian Gangsters and Their Impact Globally”, by Sgt. Raj Jaswal, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver, Canada.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Organized Crime; International and Transnational Gang Problems.
Abstract
Sergeant Raj Jaswal will present on the emergence and evolution of South Asian gangs in Canada, speaking about the uniqueness of these gangs while highlighting key crime figures, conflicts and their global networking ability in the United States and beyond. Sergeant Jaswal will provide examples of South Asian gang expansion and influence on a trans-national organized crime level.
Bio
Sergeant Raj Jaswal has worked within the criminal justice system for the last 13.5 years in a frontline and investigative capacity as a member of the Vancouver Police. Raj has extensive experience in gang enforcement, intervention and suppression. Raj has focused considerable time on intelligence gathering within the South Asian community across the Lower Mainland; in 2014, he was recognized for his work with a VPD Deputy Chief Constable commendation for developing strategies to curb gang violence in South Vancouver. In 2021, he was recognized for his superior accomplishments in gang investigations by the National Gang Crime Research Center in Chicago, Illinois with the Frederick Milton Thrasher Award.
Sergeant Jaswal is part of a select group of Police Officers across Canada who is a certified instructor in criminal justice interdiction training that targets the “travelling criminal”. Raj has been a leader in the creation of a multi-agency working group between the RCMP, CBSA and VPD that educates and trains Canadian law enforcement officers in criminal vehicle interdiction. Raj is also a recognized instructor for the U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance Program that trains and educates law enforcement officers across the United States.
Sergeant Jaswal has a genuine passion for combining practical experiences with educational training. Raj serves as a guest lecturer for post-secondary criminology departments. Raj’s dedication to his community has resulted in him being the recipient of community service awards from within the City of Vancouver for his commitment to the communities he has worked in.
(103) “Nonclinical Trauma-Informed Care in Gang Prevention”, by Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research CAB; Los Angeles, CA.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators; Gang Prevention Skills; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.
Abstract
This session introduces nonclinical staff (school administrators, educators, community leaders, policy makers, organizational leaders, counselors, nonprofit agencies, law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, local volunteers, and activists) to the meaning and effects of trauma. It identifies the effects of trauma physically and psychologically, and it examines the difference between traditional treatment of victims and trauma-informed care of victims. It will address applications of trauma-informed care that nonclinical staff gang specialists should know. At the end of the session, attendees should be able to: (1) understand why this subject is important in gang prevention and intervention, (2) understand how trauma impacts prior to gang joining and how it captures and keeps them in gang culture, (3) understand how trauma-informed care promotes healing in trauma victims, especially in children and youth, (4) have a basic understanding of the physical and psychological effects of trauma and how trauma changes the brain during child and adolescent development, and (5) implement simple health-care measures to treat and manage trauma.
Bio
Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; works with various agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding, including Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles and the UCLA/Rand Prevention Research Center. He is currently the Director of the Gangfree Life Academy®.
(104) “Supervising Gang Members in the Community”, by Frederick Gray, Instructor, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and U.S. Courts, Summerville, SC.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Abstract
An important aspect of the supervision of gang members is not only keeping yourself safe, but also facilitating long term change within the individual to reduce the potential for recidivism even after a period of community supervision. This course identifies methods of creating safe contacts wile utilizing Core-Correctional Practices and staff-driven skills that are grounded in research.
Bio
Frederick Gray is a nationally recognize instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He has over 20 years of law enforcement experience and has been a previous presenter at NGCRC training conferences.
(105) "Coordinating Your Response: A Discussion of State/Federal Cooperation in the Context of Officer-Involved Critical Incidents Involving Violent Gang Members", by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah.
One (1) hour
Session credits: Gang Prosecution; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists.
Abstract
Officer-involved critical incidents (OICIs) involving gang members raise significant safety concerns for the initial officers. They can also create investigatory complexities for post-incident investigators. These cases further present dynamic opportunities (but also potential pitfalls) for cooperation and collaboration between state and federal law enforcement officials and prosecutors. Using several recent high-profile OICIs involving gang members in Utah, the presenters describe and explain how effective communication, well-designed training, and an appreciation for nuances in jurisdiction can assist state and federal agencies responding to OICIs involving gang members. The presenters will discuss the importance of organization in these types of cases, given the in-depth and, often, multi-jurisdictional nature of these investigations. Finally, the presenters will demonstrate the efficacy of involving federal prosecutors early (often on the day the shootings occur) so that the investigation can run smoothly on both a state and federal level.
Bios
Steve Nelson is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as the Anti-Gang Coordinator for the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Utah. He earned his J.D. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utah and serves as an Associate Instructor of Political Science at the University of Utah, and has taught over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students in his teaching career.
Stewart M. Young is an Assistant United States Attorney and currently serves as Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah. He previously served in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California. He earned his J.D. from Stanford University, clerked for judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the District of Utah, and was a full-time faculty member at the University of Wyoming College of Law.
(106) “Effective Gang and Gang Violence Prevention Strategies: A Template for Success”, by Shanduke McPhatter, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes, Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Prevention Skills.
Abstract
Research supports that violence can develop as a result of behavioral health issues. Community based violence prevention organizations are often stretched beyond capacity to create alternative programs and services to mediate and decrease conflicts. The success experienced by Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes Inc (G-M.A.C. Inc) and other community based organizations stemming from gang and gun violence are directly relted to the benefits of the New York City Crisis Management System (CMS). CMS is a network of 22 violence intervention and prevention sites, simultaneously operating across 17 communities citywide in neighborhoods that have the highest occurrence of shooting incidents. The supports include a full suite of wraparound services including but not limited to, violence interruption and prevention, job training/readiness programming, conflict mediation in school settings, mental health services, legal services and unconventional therapeutic wellness services. This multi-layered approach to addressing violence recognizes that community gun violence is a grave issue that cannot be tackled in isolation or by a single entity. Over the past decade G-M.A.C.C. Inc has worked in communities to enhance gun and gang violence prevention services. This workshop is an opportunity to educate on what gun and gang violence prevention programs look like in the community setting. G-M.A.C.C. Inc and CMS has created a template which individuals, communities, and law enforcement have used to effectively co-produce public safety.
Bio
Shanduke McPhatter is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes Inc (G.-M.A.C.C. Inc). This change agent has gained world wide recognition for his work as a gun violence intervention advocate, gang awareness specialist, and community leader/organizer. Recognized as a contributor to safer communities in New York City by People Magazine, McPhatter’s organization has been credited with creating significant declines in shootings in Brooklyn North and South. He is a well-respected community leader and holds many titles including author, motivational speaker, board game creator, mentor, and trainer. Mr. McPhatter continues to inspire, uplift and empower others to overcome adversity and become their greater self!
(107) “Gang Involvement Within Child Sex Trafficking Cases: The NCMEC Perspective and Analytical Resources for Law Enforcement”, by Sara Palmer, Senior Analyst, Child Sex Trafficking Team, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Alexandria, VA.
Two (2) hours
Restricted attendance: Attendance limited to Law Enforcement, Probation/Corrections, or Criminal Justice Personnel only.
Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Female Gangs/Female Gang Members; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Organized Crime.
Abstract
NCMEC recognizes that gang affiliation is an endangerment which can greatly affect both missing and exploited children, during their missing event as well as post-recovery. And while gang involvement in child sex trafficking is not a new phenomenon, gangs are constantly changing their methods in order to avoid law enforcement detection. In this session we will attempt to define the issues surrounding child sex trafficking when there is the potential for gang involvement, and provide insight into what trends/patterns we are seeing as a national organization. Information regarding our Child Sex Trafficking Team will also be provided detailing our free resources and analytical assistance for law enforcement agencies who may be investigating these cases.
Bio
Sara Palmer is a Senior Analyst with the Child Sex Trafficking Team (CSTT) and has worked for NCMEC’s Analytical Services Division since 2011. With a passion for gang-related cases, Sara has attempted to bring additional analysis and resources to all divisions at NCMEC with an emphasis on gang-affiliation as an endangerment for missing and exploited children. She has presented on various gang-related topics to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as various task force meetings. Sara holds a Master’s Degree (M.A.) In Forensic Psychology from Marymount University, and a Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) In Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland.
(108) "A Brief Look at Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: An Introduction With Some Insight on the Outlaws and Other Major OMG's in Michigan and the USA", by Robert Mulvaney, M.A., Gang Specialist, NGCRC Staff.
One (1) hour
Session Credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Motorcycle Gangs; Gangs and Organized Crime; Advanced Gang Identification; Gang Profile Analysis.
Abstract This session is intended for the practitioner who has had a minimal amount of exposure to the world of outlaw motorcycle gangs. It will provide the participant with some historical background from the oldest biker gang in the USA to an overview of the gangs structure/ranks. The major groups in Michigan and throughout the USA will be discussed along with many visual examples of the group "colors" and various activities.
Bio
Robert Mulvaney has an extensive background in the Criminal Justice field including positions as a correctional officer, prison counselor, parole officer and STG specialist. In addition he has taught numerous Criminal Justice courses as an adjunct faculty member. He has been a member/coordinator of various research and prevention organizations and has conducted Gang/STG related training at various levels of local, state and federal government. He has also written articles for professional correctional organizations as well as the Journal of Gang Research.
(109) “From Zip Guns to Ghost Guns”, by Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D., Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO; and Pricila Avila, Graduate Student, Dept. Of Criminal Justice University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO.
1.5 (90 minutes) hours
Session credit: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Internet Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Homicide Investigation; Gangs and Organized Crime; Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence.
Abstract
The illegal traffic in firearms is a great concern to law enforcement in the United States. Local law enforcement and the BATF work diligently to control the arms traffic in the United States. Criminals have often manufactured improvised weapons to avoid local and federal firearms laws. From crude zip guns to the modern ghost guns the criminals have often manufactured improvised firearms to avoid local and federal firearms laws. He issue has been complicated by unregistered and unmarked “ghost guns” that are self-manufactured. This study looks at the illegal small arms traffic in the United States.
Bios
Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D. is a Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office after serving from 1977 to 2006. He is rated as a gang expert by the National Gang Crime Research Center. He has written extensively and presented classes on gangs, white supremacist groups and police management topics in the United States and Canada. Dr. Etter earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wichita State University and his Doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Etter is the author of numerous books, book chapters, edited and refereed articles. His latest book is: Gangs and Organized Crime which he authored with Dr. George W. Knox and Dr. Carter F. Smith.
Ms. Pricila Avila, B.S., is a graduate student in the Criminal Justice & Criminology program at the University of Central Missouri. She earned her Bachelor of Science - BS in Criminal Justice and Spanish from the University of Central Missouri. She is currently working towards a M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. She is a member of the UCM’s Lambda Alpha Epsilon competitive criminal justice team.
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CHARGE IT:
In response to numerous requests, the NGCRC now takes all major credit cards, defined specifically as the "big four": Visa, Master Card, Discover Card, and American Express. Fill out the registration form, and fax it to the NGCRC: the fax number for the NGCRC is (708) 258-9546
A registration form appears below:
THE 2022 NGCRC's 25th INTERNATIONAL
GANG SPECIALIST TRAINING PROGRAM
REGISTRATION FORM: Registering on or Before July 31, 2022
on-Line Version
Please PRINT neatly or type your full name with any title that you want to appear in your official name badge for the conference.
I.D. Badge Information:
NAME:___________________________________________
Title:_____________________________________________
Agency:__________________________________________
City,State:________________________________________
MAIL AND CONTACT INFORMATION: Where we will mail you a Confirmation of Registration letter for the conference, and fax the same material to you:
Name:___________________________________________________________
Agency :__________________________________________________________
Street Address:____________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:____________________________________________________
Tel. #. Area Code_______ Tel #:____________________
Fax #. Area Code_______ Fax #:____________________
Email Address:____________________________________
The NGCRC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone: Towards this end we must ask that all persons registering for the conference sign and by their signature acknowledge the Official Policy of the NGCRC which is as follows - In order to provide the safest and most educational environment, the National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC) works to ensure that all participants at our conference are law-abiding individuals who have gathered to collect and share information about gangs and crime, in order to reduce and possibly eliminate the problems associated with gang activity. Therefore, it is our policy that no individuals or groups will be permitted at our conference who have links to gangs or other aberrant groups and no one will be permitted to provoke or distract our participants from the most meaningful learning environment. The National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC) reserves the right to refuse attendance to any person or persons suspected of or actually displaying gang affiliations. Furthermore, we reserve the right to refuse attendance to any individual(s) determined to be disruptive or instigating a negative or inappropriate presence or who is determined to disrupt the sharing of information in the most effective learning environment. I have also read and understand the refund policy published by the NGCRC. I understand that some sessions may be restricted as described in the course listings and that just because I sign up for a certain track does not mean ipso facto I can attend any and all sessions giving credit for that track. If a course says in its description it is restricted in attendance to police then you cannot attend it unless you are police and if you did attend you will not be given credit for a session you were not eligible to attend I attest that I am at least 18 years of age as of this date.
I hereby acknowledge by my signature the above policies of the NGCRC:_________________________________________________________________________________________________
I would like to attend the Christian Gang Specialist Reception ___Yes ___No (if blank, we assume you mean "NO")
I work in either law enforcement or corrections and I would like to attend the Law Enforcement, Prosecution and Corrections Networking Reception: ____Yes ____No (if blank, we assume you mean "NO")
I want to attend the Intervention/Prevention/Counseling Gang Specialist Networking Reception ____Yes ____No (if blank, we assume you mean "NO")
I want to attend one of the Baseball Social Networking Events during the conference ___Yes ___No (if blank, we assume you mean "NO")
If yes, which game did you want to attend? (pick one) ___Monday night Aug. 1 ___Tuesday night Aug. 2
I am registering for (check appropriate box):
___Certification ___Non-Certification ___One Day Pass (pick which day: ___Monday ___Tuesday ___Wednesday)
I have previously completed certification training by the NGCRC. ____Yes ____No
If registering for Certification, Complete this section ONLY if you have previously been Certified by the National Gang Crime Research Center at any of the previous NGCRC International Gang Specialist Training Conference(s). I received NGCRC certification from (check one or more as may apply in your situation):
___First International ___Second International ___Third International ___Fourth International ___Fifth International ___Sixth International ___Seventh International ___Eighth International ____Ninth International ____Tenth International ___Eleventh International ___Twelfth International___Thirteenth International ___Fourteenth International___Fifteenth International ____Sixteenth International ____Seventeenth International ____Eighteenth International ____Nineteenth International ____Twentieth International ___Twentyfirst International ___Twenty second international ___Twenty Third International ___Twenty Fourth International
SPECIAL TRAINING TRACKS (If you are registering for Certification, you also need to complete this section): SELECT ONE ONLY (this is for your second certificate): I am signing up for Track Number ________ entitled ________________________________________________
(1) Gang Crime Investigation Skills Track
(2) Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole Track
(3) Gang Homicide Investigation Skills Track
(4) Gangs and Drugs Track
(5) Gang Problems in K-12 Schools Track
(6) Gangs and Organized Crime
(7) Gangs and Mental Health Track
(8) Gang Interview/Interrogation Skills Track
(9) Gang Internet Investigation
(10) Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services Track
(11) Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills Track
(12) Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists
(13) Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence Track
(14) Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills Track
(15) Motorcycle Gangs (restricted: for Criminal Justice Personnel only)
(16) Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities
(17) Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators
(18) Gang Counseling Skills Track
(19) Advanced Gang Identification
(20) Gang Profile Analysis Track
(21) Gang Prosecution Track
(22) Gang Prevention Skills Track
(23) International and Transnational Gang Problems Track
(24) Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs Track
(25) Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs Track
(26) Female Gangs/Female Gang Members.Track
(27) Gang Crime Analysis & Mapping Track
(28) Gangs and the Mass Media Track
(29) Graffiti Identification and Analysis
(30) Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention Track
Your registration fee does not cover your hotel room or transportantion or parking or meals. Your registration fee covers only the training itself.
Amount to pay for Registration (see schedule below):
REGULAR REGISTRATION PERIOD:
Paying on or before July 31, 2022: Non-Certification $800, Certification $850
ONSITE REGISTRATION: An Onsite Registration is any registration made on or after August 1, 2022.
Paying On-Site (If slots are available): Non-Certification $950, Certification $1000
I am signing up for the Double Major option (where I get two certificates in the two different specialty areas, it requires me to log-in at least four hours in each track or specialty area, and I have enclosed an extra $90 for this option). ____Yes ____No
If yes regarding the Double Major, my second training track will be: (fill it in here)______________________________________________________________
Note anyone registering on-site: we reserve the right to refuse on-site registration to anyone for any reason. You will need USC, money order, traveler’s checks, bank check, cashier's check, or government agency check to pay onsite.
Note: you know you are registered for the conference if and only if you receive from the NGCRC an official “Conference Registration Confirmation” letter; we send these out PROMPTLY to all persons; so if you have not received one, you are not registered.
NOTE: Payment must be received by the NGCRC prior to the conference itself unless the NGCRC agrees to the terms of any alternative arrangement (in writing).
Group Discount Code:_____________
PAYMENT METHOD: We prefer checks or money orders for payment. No personal checks will be accepted for on-site payment of conference registration fees. We do accept credit card payments.
_____Payment enclosed in check or money order made payable to "National Gang Crime Research Center"
_____VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover (Circle one).
Card number:________________________________________________________________________________
Expiration date: Month___________________________ Year:_______________________ CVC# On card:______
Name on card: (printed):___________________________________________________________________
Telephone of card holder in case we need to call:_________________________________________________
Your Signature:________________________________ Amount you authorize to charge (total):__$______________
Billing Address for the card holder(Printed): (street address)__________________________________________________________
Zip Code for the Billing Address:__________________________________
Call (708) 258-9111 if you need the NGCRC F.E.I.N. (tax number) or our Merchant Number for credit card payments. Also, call (708) 258-9111 if you want to provide credit card info by verbal rather than written transmission.
Registration forms can be faxed to the NGCRC, the Fax Number is (708) 258-9546.
Registration forms can be emailed to the NGCRC, the email address is: gangcrime@aol.com
(you can always elect to "call in" the credit card number if you are paying by credit card).
Make checks or money orders payable to "National Gang Crime Research Center". Make sure to mail a copy of your registration with the payment so that proper credit can be made to your registration. Send registration forms and payment to: The 2022 Conference Processing Center, National Gang Crime Research Center, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468-0990.
