Safety Tactics Developed by: B. Keith Colquitt Charles Abbott Associates Code Enforcement Manager City of Brookhaven Introductions Terminal Learning Objective

Through this course a Code Enforcement Official will be able to identify possible safety hazards and how to best deal with them. Learning Objectives

• Understand the most common types and causes of situations that lead to serious injuries and fatalities in code enforcement • Know specific safety tactics to minimize risk • Identify techniques to improve officer safety • Draw from other officers’ knowledge • Establish on-going safety habits for daily use • Improve safety practices in local jurisdiction and within the field of code enforcement The Value of Safety Tactics

• Reduce stress on you at work and home • Minimize the probability a violator will file a complaint against you • Provide a better image of your office to a violator and other citizens • Increased safety • Survival If what you know is not the same as what you do, your training is incomplete. Where Does Safety Start?

• Safety starts with you • Rest • Diet & Exercise • The Clothing You Wear • How you Drive WHAT ROLE ARE YOU PLAYING?

• Enforcer • Punisher • Communicator/Informer • Educator • Helper • Resource Person STATISTICS

• Between 1999 and 2008, of the 530 officers killed -- • 23% were in arrest situations • 20% were in ambush situations • 5% increase in ambushes 2002-2008 • 106 in 2008, 66 were unprovoked, 40 were premeditated • 19% were making traffic pursuits/stops • 14% were on disturbance calls • 12% were investigating suspicious persons/circumstances • 2% were interacting with a mentally ill person

• Of the 42 assailants identified in the killing of law enforcement officers in 2008, 86% had a prior conviction, 26% were on probation or parole at the time CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Most recently, a Code Enforcement Officer in West Valley, Utah was murdered while she was on scene by the person she was going to be addressing.

150 PACES FROM VEHICLE – APPROXIMATELY 450 FEET GROUP DISCUSSION

AT YOUR TABLE DISCUSS A SITUATION WHERE YOU WERE UNSURE OF HOW TO APPROACH A PROPERTY OR IF YOU WOULD EVEN APPROACH THE PROPERTY. THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Location / Demographics of inspection area • Layout of property being inspected • Be aware of your surroundings • Being face to face • What to do if you get the “hair standing on the back of your neck” feeling • Exit strategy Location / Demographics

• Know the area you are going into • High crime • Gangs • High / Low income • People living in the area Layout of Property

•Subdivision or not

•Terrain

•Style of house / structure Before an Inspeaction

• Check GIS Before an Inspection

• Check GIS Property & House Be Aware of Surroundings

• Know the street names around you • Know the address numbers • Look at vehicles around you • Observe the property • Do not stand right at the door • Look at windows Who has ever been face to face with someone and things started going south, WAAAAYYYY SOUTH??? BE AWARE BE AWARE Being Face to Face

• Keep a good distance between you and the person you are talking to • Watch body language • Eyes • Posture • Hands • Leaning on door

• When issuing citation, if available, run ID • Always separate yourself while issuing • Be careful about even shaking hands Hair on the Back of Your Neck

• Do not let them out of your sight • Tactfully Redeploy • Excuse yourself • Return with backup

• If you have that “funny” feeling, there is usually a reason, go with your gut! Violators: Common Reactions

Talking over you Criticizing Verbal Abuse Not listening Anger Sarcasm Non-violent threats Insinuations Interruptions Loud voice Disapproving looks Invade personal space Facial expressions Others EXIT STRATEGY

• Park your vehicle in such a way it is easy to leave quickly • Make sure there are no obstacles Exit Strategy

OUTDOOR TECHNIQUES • Sites, Yards, and Other Open Areas • Always locate cover • Use OSHA code outside: Identify TWO footpaths that can be used to take safe cover or leave the scene safely • Position yourself off-center (Tactical L) from Violator • Plot a “pursuit curve” escape route—straight lines make easy targets • Vehicle(s): Engine blocks, wheels & axles vs. doors and glass • Buildings and building material • Trees and rocks • Landscape such as berms or ditches Exit Strategy

Parking Technique for Residential and Commercial Areas

S Space 1 car length or at least 15‘ Other Vehicle T Turn Steering Wheel Full Right CODE Vehicle

O Overlap with stopped car 50%

P Parallel to Roadway Exit Strategy INDOOR TECHNIQUES • Inside Buildings and Structures • Remember the code—OSHA requires buildings to have at least TWO exits • ALWAYS identify TWO or more exits BEFORE entering any building • Windows • Other openings • Materials or structures exits can be made in USE OF FORCE CONTINUUM

• Law Enforcement → Criminal = Immediate 1. Ask (verbal request to comply) 2. Tell (order compliance) 3. Make (force compliance, physical arrest)

• Code Enforcement → Civil = Prolonged 1. Ask (verbal warning, inspection) 2. Tell (investigation, warning, notice etc.) 3. Make (citation, stop work, court order, etc.) USE OF FORCE CONTINUUM

Use of Force Risk to Safety Continuum Continuum Court orders, More More Hostile and Warrants, or Criminal Force charges Risk Criminal Acts Citation, Stop work, Aggression etc. Written Warning Verbal Abuse Verbal Warning Verbal Friction Routine Inspection Body language Less Less Officer Presence Facial expressions Force Risk

COMMUNICATIONS

• Methods • Response software • Phone- landline, cellular, satellite • Text message • Video stream • Email • Radio- handheld, mobile • Pager • Written log Communications

DAILY ENFORCEMENT LOG Violators

Vengeance Seekers • Political/ideological revenge against elected officials • May be your “coolest customer” • Remember who they are when you have to return in the event of ambush • Frequently utilize unpredictable behavior and tactics • Less-than-lethal attackers can achieve almost lethal results Violators

Common Types of Difficult People: • Passive Aggressive • Sniper • Intimidator • Socially Challenged HOSTILE SITUATIONS Hostile Situations • Verbal Threats

• Physical Threats

• Aggression

• Weapons Hostile Situations

• Human Factors for the CEO • Admit if you are afraid, then move on • Avoid dwelling on the chance of failure • Take control of your body and mind • Focus on getting the job done • Reinforce your ability to deal with the unexpected by training for it • Turn anger into a motivator • Accept an element of fate in every situation Hostile Situations

• Risk Factors in Hostile Situations • Number of persons present • Weapons available to them • Visually targeting you • Gang apparel or tattoos • High levels of anger at initial contact • Over reacting to small or trivial things • Excessive anger • Rage Hostile Situations

Early warning signs

• Threats: Verbal • Specific violence • “If you come on my property, I’ll _____” • “I’m going to kill you!” • Excessive emotion • Rage Hostile Situations Early warning signs

• Threats: Non-Verbal • Eye contact changes from direct stare to targeted on part of body to be attacked • Breaths go to deep breathing • Stance goes to bladed • Hands form into fists • Talking stops • Rapid movements • Assuming a pre-attack posture • Changing stance Hostile Situations Early warning signs

• Aggression • Rapid or exaggerated movement • Ceasing all movement • Physical crowding • Assuming a pre-attack posture or bladed stance • Physical attack • You are 18 times more likely to be attacked by empty hands than by firearms! Hostile Situations

Early warning signs

• Weapons • Rocks, Pipes, Boards, Misc. Materials • Sharp instruments • Knives • Chemicals • Firearms • Explosives • Others Hostile Situations

• Survival Tactics • NEVER let a violator out of your sight • Keep your distance, at least 21 feet from the Violator • Sprint to the nearest cover immediately Don’t hesitate—run to cover in 2-3 seconds • Run in a “Pursuit Curve” if no cover is available. Shield your face/head • Reassess the situation • Don’t leave cover unless the situation changes • Maintain communications • Utilize Exit Strategy only when safe to do so Hostile Situations

STATISTICS - Officers fatally shot 1999-2008

Distance in feet from attacker # Officers %Total . 486 0–5 247 50.82% 6–10 91 18.72% 11–20 58 11.93% 21–50 33 6.79% Over 50 33 6.79% Not reported 24 4.94% FBI 2016 STATISTICS

• Circumstances: At the time the 66 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed: • 17 were ambushed (entrapment/premeditation); • 13 were answering disturbance calls (seven were domestic disturbance calls); • nine were investigating suspicious persons/circumstances; • six were engaged in tactical situations; • five were performing investigative activities (such as surveillances, searches, or interviews); • four were conducting traffic pursuits/stops; • three were investigating drug-related matters; • three were victims of unprovoked attacks; • one was answering a burglary in progress call or pursuing a burglary suspect(s); • one was answering a robbery in progress call or pursuing a robbery suspect(s); and • four were attempting other arrests. MORE STATISTICS

Officer Fatalities in 2018 - 144 total 52 Firearm 50 Traffic 42 Other

Officer Fatalities so far in 2019 – 7 4 Firearm related Hostile Situations

A word from Beau Weathers and Captain Bill Capps: • NEVER let a violator out your sight • Carry a radio and maintain communication- it shortens response time in emergencies • Wear a vest • Be prepared for what comes after life De-Escalation Techniques

Change the environment • Redirect to the goal: compliance • Institution not Individual • Compliance required by law, not the CEO • Change view of your role & agency: Highlight resources available • Remember Safety Profiling and alter risk factors • Ask open-ended questions • Minimal encouragers for any statements other than fact • Change the subject to something neutral • Leave the scene and return with re-enforcement De-Escalation Techniques

Understanding the Violator • Some violators have problems that are habitual. You can change your responses, not theirs. They have been practicing for a lifetime. • Emotionally Disturbed Persons (EDP) have problems that can be either permanent, such as mental disorders, or temporary, such as circumstances. • Average anger and resistance are good...they are normal. • Aggression and hostility are bad...they are pre-attack behavior. • There is NOTHING to de-escalate if weapons are present! De-Escalation Techniques

Self Control • Know your weaknesses and avoid them • Remain calm, Remain alert • Use your practiced response, be prepared, anticipate resistance • Listen to the violator. Normal venting and anger is ok • Don’t take it personal. Never display emotion. Stick to facts, not feelings • Consistent communication style • Repeat violator concerns. Never respond to insults • Respect culture, race, age, etc. • Don’t rely heavily on “reading” people • Shame and disrespect ignite anger California Environmental Officer • Cynthia Volpe - Bakersfield, CA • Robert Lezelle Courtney (offender) • He beat Volpe to a pulp (survived) • Two months later Volpe took Courtney to court • Court set bail for $7,500 • Courtney went to Volpe’s home • Fatally shot Volpe’s husband • Fatally shot Volpe’s mother • Fatally shot Volpe • Children were able to hide Class Suggestion

G.A.C.E now offers an elective class entitled “Self Defense”

If your jurisdiction does not offer any kind of training in this area, this class would be strongly recommended. Travel Safety

• Motor vehicle-related incidents are consistently the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the United States.

• Between 2003-2016, on average: • Over 25,000 work related motor vehicle deaths • In 2017 – 2077 traffic related fatalities (40% of all reported occupational fatalities (U.S. Dept. of Labor) • Over 300 workers die each year as a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. Travel Safety CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ACCIDENT

• CE Officer Kathy Cox was killed when her Department vehicle was struck head-on by an armored vehicle while traveling on Highway 136. The driver of the armored vehicle swerved into her lane attempting to avoid striking a vehicle that had stopped in front of it. STATISTICS

• 2017 – 128 Law Enforcement line-of-duty deaths (traffic-related leading cause) • 47 total • 33 fatalities result of vehicle crashes • 9 fatalities result of being struck on roadside • 5 fatalities were motorcycle crashes Travel Safety

You are more likely to be injured in a motor vehicle crash on duty (or off) than by firearms or any other form of weapon. TRAVEL SAFETY

• Wear a Safety Belt • Develop department-wide policy • Minimize risks • Speed • Distractions • Drowsy, drugged, intoxicated, and medical conditions • Loose objects TRAVEL SAFETY

• Be aware of your surroundings • Look ahead and behind you • Look to both sides of you

Question: Have any of you have any formal driver training? TRAVEL SAFETY TRAVEL SAFETY TRAVEL SAFETY TRAVEL SAFETY TRAVEL SAFETY TRAVEL SAFETY QUESTIONS Sovereign Citizen Extremists in Georgia

A Clear and Present Danger to Public Safety Officers.

Presentation by Code Enforcement Officer Kirk L. Palmer #402 City of Gainesville, Georgia Code Enforcement Division Sovereign Citizens ~ America’s Top Cop Killers

• In 2014* START (National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Response to Terrorism) conducted a survey of 364 Law Enforcement Officials from across the United States. The results of this survey revealed that the SOVEREIGN CITIZEN was the top perceived threat to Law Enforcement according to 86% of respondents. By way of comparison: Islamic Terrorists were considered a significant threat to 67% of respondents. While Islamic Terrorist take the spotlight, Sovereign Citizens hide in the background, seemingly unnoticed, until they strike out of the blue.

* Most recent information available. The Origins of the Sovereign Citizen Movement

According to the ADL (Anti-Defamation League): “the Sovereign Citizen movement is a loosely organized collection of groups/individuals, who have adopted a right-wing anarchist ideology originating in the theories of a 1960/70’s era group called ‘Posse Comitatus.’ It’s followers believe that virtually all existing government in the United States is illegitimate, and they seek to restore a an ‘idealized, minimalist’ government that never actually existed.” The Origins of the Sovereign Citizen Movement • As previously mentioned: the roots of the Sovereign Citizen movement was born out of the “Posse Comitatus” movement of the late 1960’s and early 70’s. • “Posse Comitatus” is a Latin phrase meaning “power of the county.” • “Posse Comitatus” was a loosely organized far right social movement that opposed the United States federal government and staunchly believed in “localism*”. • There was no single national group and local groups were autonomous*. [Leaderless Resistance concept]

Localism is defined as: “preference for one's own area or region.” Autonomous is defined as: “having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs.” The Origins of the Sovereign Citizen Movement • “Posse” members only recognized “common law” and, as mentioned before, recognized no government higher than the county level (“localism”). • Many “Posse” members practiced survivalism which heavily influenced the formation of “citizen militias” in the 1990’s. The “Michigan Militia*” being the most prominent.

• * The Michigan Militia was formed in 1994 by Norman Olson, a retired United States Air Force non-commissioned officer. The group was founded partially as a result of the Clinton era “assault weapons ban.” The group believed that the Federal Government were “encroaching on the rights of its citizens.” At it’s peak the Michigan Militia mustered 10,000 members. A large majority of it’s members were former Vietnam and Gulf War (Desert Storm) combat veterans, who imparted their knowledge of “small unit tactics” and combat theory to non prior military members. The group conducted weekly training sessions which included marksmanship training, hand to hand combat techniques, camouflage/concealment instruction, land navigation techniques and improvised explosive/munition devices. The group began to decline after the Oklahoma City Bombing because one of the conspirators, Terry Nichols, had drilled with the group. In 2009 the group saw a resurgence; however, membership was in the hundreds not thousands. The group presently has units in 17 counties in Michigan. Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs • Leaderless Resistance is a social resistance strategy in which small, independent groups, or individuals (Lone Wolf) challenge an established institution such as a law, economic system, social order, or government. Leaderless resistance can encompass anything from non-violent protest and civil disobedience to vandalism, terrorism, and other violent activity. • Leaderless cells lack vertical command links and so operate without hierarchical command, but they have a common goal that links them to the social movement from which their ideology was learned. Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs • Leaderless resistance is simple and difficult to stamp out. It has been employed by a wide range of movements, including animal-liberation, radical environmentalist, anti-abortion, sovereign citizens, colonialism resistance, terrorist, and hate groups. • The concept of leaderless resistance was developed by Col. Ulius Louis Amoss, a former U.S. intelligence officer, in the early 1960s. An anti-communist, Amoss saw leaderless resistance as a way to prevent the penetration and destruction of CIA-supported resistance cells in Eastern European countries under Soviet control Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs • The concept was revived and popularized in an essay published by the anti-government Ku Klux Klan member Louis Beam in 1983 and again in 1992. Beam advocated leaderless resistance as a technique for white nationalists to continue the struggle against the U.S. government, despite an overwhelming imbalance in power and resources. • Beam felt the leaderless resistance model ensured the survival of the movement, because if one cell was eliminated the others could still, in theory, function at peak efficiency. Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution is the basis for Sovereign Citizen doctrine, specifically section 1. Section 1 reads: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs • The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution is the basis for Sovereign Citizen doctrine, specifically section 1. • Section 1 reads: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs

• Sovereign Citizens argue that the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868 turned the United States from a country into an “illegal corporation.” • Prior to the 14th Amendment, according to Sovereign Citizen doctrine, persons were not citizens of the United States; rather, they were citizens of the “Republic of ______.” Only persons residing in Washington DC or federal territories were US citizens. • The ratification of the 14th Amendment, according to Sovereign Citizen doctrine, created two (2) types of citizens: “14th Amendment Citizens” who are subject to US law and tax codes; and “Sovereign Citizens” who are subject only to “Common Law*”.

*Common Law as set forth in the English Magna Carta of 1215. Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs

• The Sovereign Citizen “Strawman Theory” is the idea that U.S. citizens have two identities. One identity is a separate legal entity known as a “Strawman”, created by a birth certificate*. • The second identity is you as a flesh and blood person. • The theory claims that when you reject your strawman identity, your physical person is no longer liable for the strawman’s debts and other legal obligations such as taxes. • When a Sovereign Citizens writes his or her “Strawman” name it will usually be in all CAPITAL letters or written slightly different than their common signature. (IE John of the Doe Clan) * Due to the passing and ratification of the 14th Amendment. Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs • Sovereign citizens also cite the English Magna Carta* of 1215 (Common Law), specifically Clause 61, which they believe gives them authority to engage in “Lawful Rebellion” against the State (County, City, etc.) • The “Lawful Rebellion” theory holds that one can lawfully choose to cease abiding by the laws, rules and statutes of a country by simply opting out of society. • The “Lawful Rebellion” argument has always failed when used in court. * The Magna Carta of 1215 had sixty-three (63) clauses. Only three (3) of those clauses are recognized under English law today. Clause 61 is not one of the recognized clauses. Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs • Sovereigns prefer gold or silver as payment versus “illegitimate*” United States paper currency. This originated from the United States being taken off the “Gold Standard” in 1933. This was further solidified on August 15, 1971, when President Nixon officially ended international convertibility of the U.S. dollar to gold. • For example, if a Sovereign “Guru” holds some type of educational seminar, he or she will ask for a $200 fee plus one real Silver Dollar as payment. This is a defiant, symbolic gesture, nothing more.

* Sovereign Gurus, it should be noted, have never turned down “illegitimate” US currency for payment. Sovereign Citizen Ideology, Doctrine and Beliefs • As we have discussed up to this point, Sovereign Citizens do not recognize governing entities; however, there is one exception: the county Sheriff. But the Sheriff ’s recognition as a legitimate authority comes with a stipulation: the Sheriff must never, ever go “against the will of the people.” Should the Sheriff go against “the will of the people”; he or she is no longer considered a legitimate authority. Once this occurs, the Sovereign Citizen is no longer obligated to follow orders of the Sheriff or Deputy Sheriffs*.

* This is an example of “Lawful Rebellion” as interpreted by Sovereign Citizens from Clause 61 of the English Magna Carta of 1215. The reason Sheriffs are given recognition is because the Office of the Sheriff is considered a legitimate Constitutional office. Police Departments (Code Enforcement as well) are created by illegitimate government entities per sovereign doctrine. How many Sovereign Citizens are out there?

• The Department of Homeland Security estimates that there are 100,000 “hardcore” Sovereign Citizens in the United States. • Additionally, the DHS estimates there are as many as 300,000 persons who identify with the movement, and who are supportive of the movement’s ideals. • The movement is present in every state in the union and is rapidly growing. Who joins the Movement? • In it’s infancy the sovereign citizen movement attracted mostly middle-aged White citizens. • More recently, the movement has seen more racial diversity, with many African-Americans joining the movement in race specific sects. • However, the FBI and DHS has noticed a trend where White groups are now working with African-American groups in various schemes, usually property fraud related. • The new philosophy amongst Sovereigns seems to be: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Who joins the movement?

• Financially stressed persons seeking a “quick fix” for money woes.

• Persons who are angry at or hate the government. Timothy McVeigh/Eric Robert Rudolph/Ted Kaczynski types.

• Con artists promoting “get rich quick” (Ponzi) schemes or promoting ways to get out of paying taxes. “Sovereign Citizens” in Georgia

The FBI Atlanta field office has identified three major groups of Sovereign Citizens in Georgia: • Moorish Nation;

• Republic for the united States of America (RuSA); and

• Pembina Nation Little Shell Band Moorish Nation

• African-American; • Founded in 1913; • Believe they descend from the “sovereign race” of Moors of the Moroccan Empire; • There also is a belief amongst member’s of the sect that a 1787 treaty between the United States and Morocco grants them immunity from United States law (totally fictitious). • There was an actual “friendship” treaty between the United States and Morocco in 1836, which is sometimes cited as basis for sovereign status. Moorish Nation continued:

• Largest sect in Georgia was the “Nuwaubian Nation” located in Putnam County (Eatonton) Georgia. The sect was created and lead by Dwight York. • York was convicted Jan. 23, 2004, in U.S. District Court in Brunswick on charges of racketeering, child molestation, transporting minors for unlawful sex and tax evasion. A judge sentenced the 63-year-old sect leader to 135 years in prison. Moorish Nation continued:

• add suffixes like “Ali,” “El,” “Dey,” “Bey,” and “Al,” to their last names. • Most often involved with Mortgage fraud, “Squatter’s Rights” cases and fraudulent document production and procurement. • The sect is also known to be involved in human trafficking. • A particularly violent sect of Moors resides in Louisiana. They are known as the “Washita Nation”. Republic for the united States of America (RuSA) • Mostly Caucasian. • Members claim to be “constitutionalists” that represent the “real” American government. • Believe that the “real” United States of America was replaced in 1871 with a “corporation.” • The small “u” in RuSA signifies that the group is comprised of independent “free state” republics loosely joined in a confederation. • One of the most dangerous groups, they often identify themselves as “rangers” and carry firearms and other weapons. • Often wear “law enforcement” type clothing and carry badges. Republic for the united States of America (RuSA) continued…

• Known to conduct counter-surveillance against law enforcement and other government officials such as Mayors, Council Members, Commissioners, etc. • Extremely anti-government classified by the FBI/DHS as a radical “Patriot” movement . • By far the most dangerous group. Many documented deadly-force encounters with law enforcement. • Involved in mortgage fraud, fraudulent documents and filing false liens. • This group sanctions more seminars than other groups. Pembina Nation, Little Shell Band • Mixed racial make-up, including Native Americans, African- Americans and Caucasians. • Based in North Dakota, Pembina Nation Little Shell Band is a self- proclaimed Native American Tribe that rejects the legitimacy of the United States government. The sect created it’s own government complete with a chief, court system and law enforcement entities. • The FBI Atlanta field office said the group has infiltrated Georgia, allying itself with the Moorish Nation. Pembina Nation, Little Shell Band continued: • One of the smaller sovereign groups. • Involved in: bogus insurance scams, tax evasion, avoiding regulation(s), manufacturing bogus documents, mortgage fraud. Tactics of the “Sovereign Citizen”

“Paper Terrorism” refers to the use of false liens, frivolous lawsuits, bogus letters of credit, and other ungrounded legal documents to harass others, especially against government officials. It is the filing and sending of false documents to intimidate police, government officials and private citizens. Tactics of the “Sovereign Citizen” continued:

“Adverse Possession” aka “Squatters Rights” schemes. Where an individual(s) takes possession of an otherwise neglected piece of real estate owned by someone else, and improves it, may acquire title to the property under adverse possession laws. To be eligible, the person acquiring the property must do so publicly (filing a quit claim deed) and pay property taxes or otherwise act as though he or she already has the right to possess it. Georgia adverse possession laws require 20 years of occupation in order to claim title. Tactics of the “Sovereign Citizen” continued:

• False (personal) Liens are by far the most often used harassment tactic against law enforcement and government officials. • Some sovereign citizen groups have sold "how- to" kits on filing claims against judges, police officers and elected officials. • False liens can wreck havoc on an individual’s credit rating, and are often unnoticed until one seeks to sell their home or applies for credit. Tactics of the “Sovereign Citizen” continued

IRS form 8300 - is used by sovereign citizens to increase a targeted individual’s taxable income, thus creating a higher tax liability. The targeted individual has no idea this has occurred, until the IRS sends a letter saying you’re being audited for “inconsistencies” on your tax return. Tactics of the “Sovereign Citizen” continued

• Currency Transaction Reports (CTR) – Legitimately used by banks in an effort to combat money laundering. Sovereigns file false FinCEN form 104’s against a target to trigger an investigation by the IRS or Treasury Department. Tactics of the “Sovereign Citizen” continued

• Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) – used in the same fashion as a CTR. Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters

• As mentioned at the beginning of this presentation: the DHS considers the Sovereign Citizen [Extremist] movement to be the top domestic terrorist threat facing the United States today. Surpassing ISIS, ISIL, Islamic Jihad, Al Qaeda, The Ku Klux Klan, National Alliance, ANTIFA, Environmental Extremist Groups, The National State’s Right’s Party and The New Black Panther Party. • Though “paper terrorism” is the normal way of doing business for the sovereign citizen, an increasing number of violent encounters with law enforcement by “lone wolf” sovereigns is increasing. Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters

• There have been Eleven (11) major law enforcement armed encounters with Sovereign Citizens since 1995. The first incident was the Oklahoma City bombing perpetrated by Timothy McVeigh. • In the following slides we will exam several incidences perpetrated by Sovereign Citizens (some in Georgia) that turned violent. I will also include some non-violent incidences that show schemes used by Sovereigns.

* Based on latest information released in 2014. More have occurred since that data was released. Some I will cover in the following slides. Sovereign Citizen Police Encouters

• The incident that put the Sovereign Citizen threat on Law Enforcement's radar occurred on May 20, 2010. Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans, two police officers in West Memphis, Arkansas, pulled over a suspicious white minivan with strange-looking Ohio license plates and were shot and killed by the van’s 16-year-old, AK-47- wielding passenger. The shooter, Joseph Kane, and his father Jerry, who were eventually killed in a shootout with police after leaving Paudert and Evans at the scene, were sovereign citizens with ties to RuSA. The entire incident was caught on dash cam video in the Officers’ patrol vehicle. Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters • On January 17, 1997 Eric Robert Rudolph, a serial bomber, and a subscriber to Sovereign Citizen ideology, bombed a Sandy Springs, Georgia Abortion Clinic. • The bombing was nothing new to Eric Robert Rudolph, it was just another bombing in a series of bombings that began with the Olympic Park bombing in 1996. However, Rudolph employed a technique not seen in law enforcement circles until then…. • He had hidden a second device for the sole purpose of killing first responders. Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters

• June 6, 2014 – Dennis Marx, a sovereign citizen and reputed member of RuSA, attacked the Forsyth County Courthouse with a cache of weapons before being killed by Forsyth County Deputies. • Marx had a long running feud with Forsyth County Deputies alleging civil rights violations. • Marx had rigged his home to explode when entered by law enforcement after his death. Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters

Locust Grove, Georgia February 9, 2018: A Locust Grove Police Officer, Chase Maddox, was murdered and two Henry County Sheriff’s Deputies were wounded by Moorish Sovereign, Tierre Guthrie. Deputies were attempting to arrest Guthrie on a Bench Warrant, that stemmed from a summons issued by Code Enforcement for “Parking a Commercial Vehicle in a residential neighborhood.” Additionally, Guthrie had been served an eviction notice 9 days before this encounter. Guthrie’s relatives reported he had called a relative in Fort Lauderdale, Florida “ranting about the government and conspiracy theories.” Guthrie had served as a US Marine Rifleman and was well versed in close quarters combat. Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters

• Officers apparently missed or were unaware of warning signs about Guthrie’s anti-government attitudes. • On the left is the Moorish Flag. If you see this at a residence, it’s a strong indicator the occupant is a “Sovereign Moor.” USE EXTREME CAUTION! • Additionally, Guthrie had several “No Trespassing” signs on his property an attached to the side of the house. Excessive “No Trespassing” signs can indicate a person with Sovereign ideology. USE CAUTION! Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters

Mineral Bluff, Georgia, October 2011: Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents arrested sovereign citizen Robert Eugene Stephens of Mineral Bluff, Georgia, on 12 criminal counts related to a series of bogus liens Stephens allegedly filed against a variety of state and local officials, including a county clerk, a local judge and her secretary, the county tax commissioner, the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, and others. Stephens allegedly called his liens “maritime liens.”

* Maritime liens are a privileged claim upon Sea connected property, such as boats, fishing gear, etc. In legal terms a maritime lien is the “right to retain property until a debt is paid.” In layman’s terms: collateral for a loan. Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters • July 17, 2016 Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Gavin Eugene Long, a member of the “Washita Nation” (Moorish Nation affiliated), got into a shootout with police. He managed to hit 6 officers, killing 3, before a SWAT Sniper killed him. • Long had a long running feud with Police, and on the day of the shootings he had actively been “hunting” police officers to shoot. • Washita Nation does not recognize any government in Louisiana, especially Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The Washita Nation believes Napoleon only “sold the streets of New Orleans, and a small portion of land with a military barracks to the United States”, during the Louisiana Purchase. Sovereign Citizen Police Encounters

April 22, 2018, Nashville, Tennessee: Sovereign Citizen Travis J. Reinking entered the premises of a Waffle House and began firing at customers with an AR-15 type rifle. Reinking was subdued by a customer; however, he managed to escaped and was hunted down and arrested by police a few days later. Prior to this incident, on July 7, 2017, Reinking was arrested for illegally entering the White House grounds in Washington DC. He was allegedly there to speak with President Trump. While being interviewed by the Secret Service, Reinking stated: “he was a Sovereign Citizen and had the right to inspect the grounds.” He was convicted of a misdemeanor, allowed to do community service, and the incident was removed from his record. Dealing with Sovereign Citizens in the Field

• At some point in time, just by the nature of the job, you will have to deal with a Sovereign Citizen in the field. Your behavior and actions will dictate if it’s a peaceful, non-eventful encounter or a major incident. The following are “Officer Survival” tactics to use when encountering Sovereign Citizens in the field. • Proceed with caution, always expect that a Sovereign Citizen WILL BE ARMED! • As soon as a person identifies he or she is a Sovereign Citizen, or his or her verbal replies indicate a Sovereign mindset, CALL FOR BACK UP! Dealing with Sovereign Citizens in the Field

• Immediately activate Body Camera and/or Digital Tape Recorder when contact with a Sovereign Citizen has been made. Also, expect them to record you as well.

• Expect to be inundated with a large amount of “official looking” paperwork from the Sovereign Citizen. He or she is trying to justify what they are doing. Remember most of the documents will be fraudulent, don’t get into a verbal debate over Constitutional Law or Common Law with them. They are trying to distract you and put doubt in your mind about doing your job. DON’T FALL INTO THE TRAP! Dealing with Sovereign Citizens in the Field • Expect to be asked the question: “Am I being detained?” If they’re suspected of violating an ordinance/code tell them “yes”, but be ready to cite the ordinance/code and how they are violating it. • In some instances they may ask you to fill out paperwork to justify your authority or credentials. DON’T DO IT! • Above all remain calm and professional and project a confident demeanor. Don’t argue with them; don’t debate them, state the code/ordinance they have violated and issue a summons if applicable, or warn them and tell them how to remedy the issue. Protecting yourself from Sovereign Citizen harassment • Never give out your social security number to suspect individuals; • Shred all documents that have identifying information on them before putting them in the trash. Sovereign citizens have sifted through people’s trash in the past to get personal information; • Take advantage of your free yearly credit report from the three major bureaus. Check them for any suspicious entries; Protecting Yourself from Sovereign Citizen Harassment • Once a year, check the deed office or clerk of courts, and see if your name appears on any filings. • If you receive a letter via certified mail stating “First Notice and Demand for Settlement” notify law enforcement and your attorney immediately. This document is the first step in a sovereign filing a claim or lien against you or your estate. Protecting yourself from Sovereign Citizen Harassment • If you receive any correspondences from a person identifying themselves as a “Sovereign Citizen”, assume you will be sued or have lien placed on your property. It is imperative to contact law enforcement and your attorney immediately. Even in cases of bogus claims, the only way to remedy them is to go through the courts. • Be aware of things going on in your neighborhood. Look for suspicious vehicles slowing down or stopping in front of your house. • Be aware of what’s in your garbage. Once it goes to the curb for pick-up, it’s free game for someone to sort through. Be aware of things going on in your neighborhood. Look for suspicious vehicles slowing down or stopping in front of your house. B f h’i b O i h b f ik Georgia Law on Filing False Liens

• DeKalb County, Georgia, July 2010: Following an investigation by DeKalb police and the FBI, eight people were indicted for allegedly engaging in a sovereign citizen squatting ring taking empty homes across North Georgia. The suspects allegedly would file fraudulent paperwork on homes in foreclosure to claim ownership, then would post bogus deeds in the windows of the homes. In one instance, a $13 million shopping center in the Buckhead section of Atlanta was even claimed in this fashion. • Georgia code section §16-10-20.1 was signed into law in 2014 due to this case. The new statute made it much easier to prosecute sovereign citizens who engage in these activities. It also provided for a harsher sentence upon conviction. Georgia Law on Filing False Liens

• § 16-10-20.1. Filing false documents • (a) As used in this Code section, the term "document" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form and shall include, but shall not be limited to, liens, encumbrances, documents of title, instruments relating to a security interest in or title to real or personal property, or other records, statements, or representations of fact, law, right, or opinion. • (b) Notwithstanding Code Sections 16-10-20 and 16-10-71, it shall be unlawful for any person to: • (1) Knowingly file, enter, or record any document in a public record or court of this state or of the United States knowing or having reason to know that such document is false or contains a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or • (2) Knowingly alter, conceal, cover up, or create a document and file, enter, or record it in a public record or court of this state or of the United States knowing or having reason to know that such document has been altered or contains a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation. • (c) Any person who violates subsection (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than one nor more than ten years, a fine not to exceed $10,000.00, or both. • (d) This Code section shall not apply to a court clerk, registrar of deeds, or any other government employee who is acting in the course of his or her official duties. Georgia Law on Filing False Liens

It shall be unlawful for any person to:

• Knowingly file, enter, or record any document in a public record or court of this state or of the United States knowing or having reason to know that such document is false or contains a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or

• Knowingly alter, conceal, cover up, or create a document and file, enter, or record it in a public record or court of this state or of the United States knowing or having reason to know that such document has been altered or contains a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation.

• Any person who violates subsection (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than one nor more than ten years, a fine not to exceed $10,000.00, or both. Examples of Sovereign Manufactured Documents • This was confiscated by a Gainesville Code Enforcement officer from a Sovereign Citizen that was going door to door selling “tax preparation” kits. When confronted by Code Enforcement as to why he didn’t have a city issued canvasser’s permit, he immediately cited the UCC codes 1-308 and 1-207.4 stating “you have no authority to prevent me from conducting interstate commerce.” He was told he could canvass all he wanted, but he must get a permit first. He ultimately left after calling officers a few select names. • The UCC was developed in 1952 to address two growing problems in U.S. business: (1) the increasingly unmanageable legal and contractual requirements of doing business, and (2) differences in state laws that made it difficult for business people from different states to do business with one another. (interstate commerce) Examples of Fake Documents Examples of Fake Documents Examples of Fake Documents Examples of Fake Documents Examples of Fake Documents Examples of Fake Documents QUESTIONS ABOUT SOVEREIGN CITIZENS 1st Amendment Auditors

Patriots or Provocateurs?

Written and presented by Officer Kirk Palmer, City of Gainesville Code Enforcement Division. The 1st Amendment to the US Constitution

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The 1st Amendment to the US Constitution Why was the 1st Amendment so important to the framers of our Constitution? The First Amendment can be viewed as a catch-all of rights upon which the Congress may not trample: It protects an individual's freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press, as well as the right to assemble and to petition the government. The English Monarch at the time of the American Revolution, King George III, was notorious for violating or restricting these rights from the Colonists*. Therefore, the Framers sought a “rule of law” that would protect the citizens from the government. * Taxation without representation… What is a 1st Amendment Audit

1st Amendment Audits are a relatively new phenomenon in the American social movement scene. The “Audits” involve photographing or filming in a public place. Auditors believe that the movement promotes transparency and open government. However, audits are often confrontational in nature, as auditors often refuse to self-identify or explain their activities. Auditors are usually self-promoting individuals, operating as pseudo-journalists, who post their “audits” on social media platforms like YouTube®, where interested persons subscribe to the “Auditors” channel. A 1st Amendment Auditor speaks… “You put yourself in places where you know chances are the cops are going to be called. Are they going to uphold the Constitution, uphold the law … or break the law?” — Zhoie Perez (Los Angeles, California Auditor)*

*Zhoie Perez, who goes by the name “Furry Potato” on YouTube®, was outside Los Angeles synagogue filming the guard as part of what she calls a “First Amendment audit.” In the video, the guard is seen standing behind a gate with his weapon drawn for about four minutes. He then tells Perez to “get away” and fires his gun. Perez was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She told The Washington Post on Friday that she was “shaken up, in pain” but okay.. Who are the 1st Amendment Auditors? According to CIRSA (Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency): “The “First Amendment Audit” phenomenon doesn’t appear to be led by any particular organization, but rather, seems to be made up of individuals who are interested in making videos of their encounters with law enforcement officers or other public officials. If the encounter results in an actual or perceived violation of the auditor’s First Amendment or other protected rights, then the video likely will be posted on social media and/or serve as the basis for a claim or suit. A violation may come about if the auditor is denied the right to take photos or videos in a public place, or is detained for “suspicious” activity or other reasons.” Who are the 1st Amendment Auditors? On the other hand, Bob Paudert, former police chief of West Memphis, Ark., whose son and another officer were gunned down by anti-government sovereign citizens during a traffic stop in 2010, says: “I am definitely concerned. These are the same tactics the sovereign citizens use. The language they use, going into city office buildings, refusing to give their names but demanding you give yours, videotaping everybody. They’re harassing city employees and government employees, and they’ve got no legitimate reason for being there other than just to film. They’re trying to provoke these people to make an arrest or hit them or whatever. The problem is, the employees don’t know how to handle it. They’re not sure what to do.” Where do 1st Amendment Audits Occur?

• Government Buildings • Military Bases • Jails/Prisons • Nuclear Power Plants • General public areas (Sidewalks, Parking lots, etc.) What motivates the “Auditors”?

Basically two things motivate the 1st Amendment Auditors: • To gauge government officials response to their “audit”. Did the government official act “proper” or “improper” in the “auditors” opinion…. But the biggest reason is…. • Most “auditors” aim to have a poor contact with government officials, usually law enforcement, resulting in a violation of their 1st and 4th Amendment rights, and/or a bad arrest. This obviously places the officer and agency in line for civil damages* and embarrassing online videos. What motivates the “Auditors”?

Contrary to what you may think, 1st Amendment “auditors” aren’t stupid. They’ve conducted just enough research to know how far they can go in such encounters (often aided by the ACLU). Most are master manipulators with narcissistic personalities, who love to bait government officials (especially law enforcement) into violating their rights. As narcissists, “auditors” believe they are smarter that the average Law Enforcement or Government Official. What motivates the “Auditors”?

“Rules are meant to be broken—that’s how you win.” ~ Anonymous 1st Amendment Auditor. Case Law applicable to First Amendment Audits As a result of a lawsuit borne out of a poor response to a 1st Amendment “audit”, the following passage, per court order, had to be included in the Colorado Springs Police Department’s General Orders*: • “Taking photographs or recording from a public place in and of itself does not constitute suspicious activity.”

* CSPD General Order # 1551 – Section 15 – subsection 4 Case Law applicable to First Amendment Audits

Glik v. Cunniffe - 655 F.3d 78 (1st Cir. 2011) ~ The Court held that Glik was exercising clearly-established First Amendment rights in filming the officers in a public space, and that his clearly- established Fourth Amendment rights were violated by his arrest without probable cause. With regard to the First Amendment claim, the officers disputed the clarity of the law establishing a First Amendment right to record police officers carrying out their public duties. The court noted that, although not unqualified, a citizen's right to film government officials, including law enforcement officers, in the discharge of their duties in a public space was a basic, vital, and well-established liberty safeguarded by the First Amendment. Plaintiff's recording was not "secret" within the meaning of Massachusetts' wiretap statute, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, § 99(C)(1), and therefore the officers lacked probable cause to arrest him. Accordingly, the complaint made out a violation of plaintiff's Fourth Amendment rights. Case Law applicable to First Amendment Audits Fields v. City of Philadelphia, No. 16-1650 (3d Cir. 2017) ~ Fields, a Temple University sophomore, was on a public sidewalk where he observed officers across the street breaking up a party. He took a photograph. An officer ordered him to leave. Fields refused; the officer arrested him, confiscated and searched Fields’ phone, and opened several photos. The officer released Fields with a citation for “Obstructing Highway and Other Public Passages.” The charge was later withdrawn. Fields brought 42 U.S.C. 1983 claims, alleging First Amendment retaliation. Although the Police Department’s official policies recognized their First Amendment right, the district court granted the defendants summary judgment on those claims, finding no evidence that plaintiffs’ “conduct may be construed as expression of a belief or criticism of police activity.” However, The Third Circuit reversed, noting that every circuit that has addressed the issue has found that the First Amendment protects the act of photographing or otherwise recording police officers conducting their official duties in public. Case Law applicable to First Amendment Audits

Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial Court of Nevada 542 U.S. 177 ~ the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that refusal to identify is a crime only where: 1) there is a valid detention; and 2) there is a state statute making refusal to identify a crime. Georgia is a “stop and ID” state; however, a citizen does not have to show any ID unless (a) they are operating a car, or (b) the officer has probable cause to arrest OR reasonable suspicion to believe a crime has occurred, is occurring or will occur.

• Remember: “Taking photographs or recording from a public place in and of itself, does not constitute suspicious activity.” Case Law applicable to First Amendment Audits

Smith v. City of Cumming, 212 F.3d 1332 (11th Cir. 2000) ~ As to the First Amendment claim under Section 1983, we agree with the Smiths that they had a First Amendment right, subject to reasonable time, manner and place restrictions, to photograph or videotape police conduct. The First Amendment protects the right to gather information about what public officials do on public property, and specifically, a right to record matters of public interest. However, the court also said that although the Smiths have a right to videotape police activities, they have not shown that the Defendants' actions violated that right. We find no merit in the remaining arguments presented in this appeal. Case Law applicable to First Amendment Audits

Cruise-Gulyas v. Minard, No. 18-2196 6th Cir. (2019); Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971) and Lewis v. City of New Orleans, 415 U.S. 130 (1974) ~ In these cases the courts said that “use of foul language” or “flipping an officer off” did not constitute “probable cause” to arrest an individual. The courts further reiterated that [the] First Amendment protected [the] right to be critical of the government or its programs through the public use of profanity [or gesture]. The Colorado Springs PD incident…

On November 2, 2017: 1st Amendment Auditor Terrell Clayton was outside the Falcon substation of the Colorado Springs Police Department videoing marked police cars. He was soon engaged by two CSPD officers. Clayton refused to identify himself stating “what he was doing was not suspicions activity”. One officer was quoted as saying “being suspicious is a misdemeanor.” Later this officer stated: “He was going to take Clayton’s phone and put it on the hood of his patrol car The Colorado Springs PD incident… for his and his cover officer’s safety.” Clayton was detained for approximately 30 minutes and let go without being charged. The next day he filed a complaint for “illegal detention.” Later he was represented by the law firm, Killmer, Lane and Newman, who ultimately filed a civil lawsuit on Clayton’s behalf. On June 2, 2018 the City of Colorado Springs settled the case by paying $41,000 to the Plaintiff Clayton. The CSPD admitted no wrong doing; however, a policy was changed to The Colorado Springs PD incident…

Include the verbiage: “Taking photographs or recording from a public place in and of itself does not constitute suspicious activity.” In addition, the police department had to make a video covering 1st Amendment rights. Per the court’s order: the video had to be produced, reviewed by the city attorney, and viewed by all officers no later than December 31, 2018. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Incident…

On December 28, 2018, Jedon Kerr and Dean Schiller stood on a public sidewalk across the street from the Boulder County jail, filming the area on their cellphones. According to their complaint, a Boulder Deputy Sheriff’s officer approached them and demanded identification. When Kerr and Schiller refused to comply, they allege that the officer forced them to the ground, telling them they were trespassing on jail property. The two men were arrested but were later released without charges being filed. The lawsuit alleges that the city and county of Boulder The Boulder County Sheriff’s Incident…

These complainants are represented by the same firm as the plaintiff in the Colorado Springs incident. As of June 13, 2019 the plaintiffs have asked for a jury trial. The plaintiffs are reputed to be seeking a six-figure settlement. Dealing with 1st Amendment Auditors…

First and foremost remember: Taking photographs or recording from a public place in and of itself, does not constitute suspicious activity.” The following guidelines will help you to keep an encounter with 1st Amendment Auditors brief and friendly, rather than a career ending incident: • Maintain a professional demeanor*; • Do not use profanity even if it’s used towards you*; • Check your ego at the door*;

* Portraying you as a “heavy-handed “tyrant” or “thug” in an online video helps their civil case. Don’t give them any ammo! Dealing with 1st Amendment Auditors…

• Expect to be asked “am I being detained or am I free to go?” If you have no “reasonable suspicion” that a crime is occurring, has occurred or will occur, or no “probable cause” exists to arrest, then you must tell them they “are free to go.” BUT if they’re “free to go” they’re “free to stay” as well; • If asked your name or badge number, give it; • Remind the 1st Amendment Auditors they are free to record from any public place; however, they cannot record or come into any areas that are posted as “restricted” or “for employees only.” Dealing with 1st Amendment Auditors… • Remember they do not have to produce ID unless they are being investigated for a legitimate crime (trespassing, etc.) or operating a vehicle on a public street. Finally… A word of caution: If you are going to arrest – or even detain – any person, thereby preventing them from recording your activities, you must be prepared to articulate specifically the legitimate law enforcement need and/or the public safety concern that justified the arrest/detention. 1st Amendment Auditors Final Summary…

The question is “when” not “if” you’ll have an encounter with a 1st Amendment Auditor. Your behavior during this encounter will dictate if it will be brief and relatively friendly OR if it will be a career, or perhaps life threatening incident. Maintain your professional demeanor, composure and check your ego at the door. Most importantly - know the law and be able to articulate your actions. Remember: we’re already at a disadvantage, because the courts will assume any action that curtails an individual’s freedom of speech is unconstitutional. Questions about 1st Amendment Auditors???? Gangs & Code Enforcement

Dealing with the issues…

Written and presented by Officer Kirk Palmer, City of Gainesville Code Enforcement Division. Definition of Gang…

The Official Code of Georgia Section 16-15-3(3) defines "Criminal street gang“: as any organization, association, or group of three or more persons associated in fact, whether formal or informal, which engages in criminal gang activity as defined in paragraph (1) of this Code section. The existence of such organization, association, or group of individuals associated in fact may be established by evidence of a common name or common identifying signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, or attire or other distinguishing characteristics, including, but not limited to, common activities, customs, or behaviors. Such term shall not include three or more persons, associated in fact, whether formal or informal, who are not engaged in criminal gang activity. Major Gangs in Georgia This presentation is not meant to be a Gang Investigator's course. Rather, it’s a overview of Gangs in general as identified by the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the associated problems that gangs can bring to a community. Should you wish to attend a Gang Investigators course, or just want more information about an individual gang, please contact the Georgia Gang Investigators Association at: https://ggia.net/contact Major Gangs in Georgia

Bloods

The largest gang in the Georgia Department of Corrections, Bloods originally come from Los Angeles, California and have been active across the country since the 1970s. Known for wearing red and having many different sets within the gang, those in Georgia are predominately part of the East Coast Bloods. They are enemies with the Crips, Gangster Disciples, any Aryan gangs and the Surenos. Bloods will work with enemy groups within jail to make money, but outside of prison each set within the Bloods fight each other as well. Extortion and money scams inside of the prison is their main moneymaker, but outside they are involved in numerous illegal activities, like the drug trade. Major Gangs in Georgia

Crips The Crips formed as a gang in the Los Angeles area as well, though three years ahead of the Bloods in 1969. They wear blue colors, are enemies with the Bloods, and have been active in Georgia prisons since the 1990s. The Crips are affiliated with the Gangster Disciples on the east coast, and have a greater number of members in the metro area — though a few have gone to prison from Polk County. They also have no racial boundaries within their organization. Major Gangs in Georgia

Gangster Disciples Formed in the southside of Chicago in the late 1960s, this gang went through a re-branding in recent years and are also known as “Growth and Development.” Gangster Disciples are known for having tattoos including a six point star, and usually work with other gangs inside of prisons to make money in a variety of ways. The gang has no barriers on race, and are outside enemies with most other gangs. They consider themselves an organization, and not a gang. Major Gangs in Georgia Ghostface Gang A predominately white gang, the Ghostface Gang was formed in the Cobb County Jail in 1998 and have been expanding ever since. They have three different types: a white star, black star and a group known as VG-23 (the Vanilla Gorillas.) They’ll work with the Gangster Disciples when it pertains to smuggling in contraband into prisons, and have increased their influence on the outside in past years. Major Gangs in Georgia Aryan Brotherhood A racist gang based in Georgia, the Aryan Brotherhood is known for having been the top white gang within the Georgia Department of Corrections. Their main form of power within a prison is extortion of other white inmates, and in and outside of prison they are known for being major meth distributors. Major Gangs in Georgia

Surenos The southern branch of the Mexican Mafia (divided north and south based on California geography,) the Surenos are mainly based out of the metro Atlanta area and have a lot of membership originating out of Gwinnett and Hall counties. They’ll deal with any gang when it’s drug-related, and are major suppliers inside and out of prison. They’ve been moving into Georgia over the past decades and are involved in many different illegal activities to make money. Major Gangs in Georgia

MS – 13 One of the more brutal gangs that an officer could encounter; which is reflected in one of its mottos: “Mata, roba, viola, controla,” or, “Kill, steal, rape, control.” 8000 + members in 40 states. MS-13 members are known for using a group-specific sign language and sporting tattoos across their bodies that display their gang name and symbols. Their graffiti is prolific in areas they operate. Many experts believe MS 13 is the most dangerous gang operating in the United States. Cobb County officials have acknowledged MS 13 members are active in the county. In fact, Cobb County Police estimate there are 129 gangs with 1,429 members currently active in Cobb County*.

* Marietta Daily Journal Feb 11, 2018 ed. MS ~ 13 Graffiti… Code Enforcement issues created by Gangs…

Although there are many issues gangs could pose for Code Enforcement, this presentation will address two main issues:

1. Graffiti; 2. Abandoned/dilapidated structures. Graffiti

• Two Types:

• Tagger graffiti • Gang graffiti Graffiti continued…

Tagger Graffiti: Taggers use graffiti for fame and notoriety. Their objective is to get their crew name and/or their individual moniker up on buildings, signs, walls, and so forth. Their motive is to receive recognition/acclaim from other taggers and tagging crews. Tagger graffiti is also known as “street art”, and taggers have even been commissioned by cities to create murals in the past. Graffiti continued…

Characteristics of “Tagger” Graffiti:

• Communication secondary, if present at all; • Artistic effort a major consideration; • Territorial claims infrequent; • Explicit threats rare; • Explicit boasts about tagger common; • Pictures and symbols dominant, letters and numbers secondary; • Police intelligence value limited. Graffiti continued…

Taggers or “Tagging Crews” have generally been looked upon as a nuisance; however, the larger a tagger crew, the more it begins to look and act like a street gang. While street gangs look down on individual taggers with disdain, they are more likely to regard large crews as a threat that must be dealt with. Then the two begin to act like rival street gangs, even though the crew may have started out with less dangerous purposes. Graffiti continued…

Gang Graffiti:

The purpose of gang graffiti is to glorify the gang. Gang members use graffiti to mark their territory or turf, declare their allegiance to the gang, advertise a gang's status or power, and to challenge rivals. Graffiti is used to communicate messages between gangs using codes with common meaning. Graffiti continued…

Characteristics of Gang Graffiti:

• Intent made to communicate; • Artistic effort secondary, if present at all; • Territorial claims prominent; • Explicit threats made; • Explicit boasts made about gang; • Letters, numbers, and symbols dominant; • Intelligence to police provided. Gang Graffiti vs Tagger Graffiti…

Tagger Graffiti Example: Gang Graffiti Example: Gang Graffiti vs Tagger Graffiti…

Tagger Graffiti Example: Gang Graffiti Example: Another type of Graffiti….

Satanic Graffiti - Graffiti continued… Satanic Graffiti, although not traditional “Gang” or “Tagger” graffiti, is something the Code Enforcement Officer should not take lightly. Mainstream Satanists organizations such as the “Church of Satan” and “Temple of Set” distance themselves from this type of behavior and don’t condone it. However, “self-styled” Satanists use this type of graffiti to harass or intimidate churches and other religious organizations. Self-styled Satanists should be viewed as dangerous threats to Code/Law Enforcement as many are involved in kidnapping/human trafficking, drug dealing, ritual child abuse, human sacrifice and cannibalism. More Satanic Graffiti… Graffiti continued… Why should Code Enforcement be concerned about Graffiti? • When graffiti is not taken care of, the neighborhood starts to deteriorate; • Businesses find that customers stop coming when graffiti is present; • Once a neighborhood looks uncared for, crime problems tend to increase; • Graffiti has serious economic as well as psychological consequences in neighborhoods; • Graffiti is a visual blight in our communities; • When graffiti shows up in neighborhoods, it communicates alarm. Graffiti continued… Dealing with Graffiti: Establish a graffiti policy. For those Governments who have adopted the IPMC (International Property Maintenance Code) Section 302.9, entitled “Defacement of property” reads: “No person shall willfully or wantonly damage, mutilate or deface any exterior surface of any structure or building on any private or public property by placing thereon any marking, carving or graffiti. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to restore said surface to an approved state of maintenance and repair.” Graffiti continued… • Remove Graffiti as soon as possible after it is discovered. Quick removal of graffiti is a standard anti- graffiti recommendation. The underlying idea is that graffitists soon tire of having their work obliterated and give up. • Target Hardening is a method that makes it harder for the tagger or gangbanger to perpetrate graffiti. Darker painted surfaces are harder to tag, barriers such as fences and vegetation can deter graffiti, or use a protective coating* that’s harder to tag and easier to clean.

* The city of Gainesville has used protective coatings on barrier walls within the city and has had good results. Abandoned/Dilapidate Structures…

A damaged or abandoned house can become run-down, which can make it an eyesore and a potential danger to residents. Unoccupied houses can also attract criminals who are looking for a place to carry out illegal activities. The presence of an abandoned house can have a depressive effect on local property values. Everything about an abandoned building is a negative; nothing is a positive. Abandoned/Dilapidate Structures continued…

Gangs use dilapidated or abandoned structures for:

• A “Club House” or meeting place; • Drug deals; • Gang initiation “ceremonies.” Abandoned/Dilapidated Structures…

How many issues do you see in the photo to the right? Abandoned/Dilapidate Structures continued…

Code Enforcement must deal with abandoned properties in an expedient manner as possible. The longer a property sits, the more potential that it will become a haven for crime is increased. At a minimum abandoned or dilapidated properties should be: • Placarded as “Unsafe for Habitation”; • Secured (Boarding up, etc.); • Monitored for illegal activities and trespassing; Ultimately, Code Enforcement should initiate nuisance abatement procedures to demolish or revitalize the property. In Summary….

As Code Enforcement professionals, we’re on the front lines when dealing with the negative aspects of gangs in our communities. Dealing effectively with graffiti and abandoned/dilapidated structures, can go a long way in reducing the issues gangs create. But Code Officials must be cognizant of the dangers gangs pose. The use of common sense, as well as in field safety tactics, is a must. Gangs are often unpredictable; therefore, the Code Official must always remain alert and cautious where gangs are involved. Questions about gangs???? REVIEW