DOCSLIB.ORG

Gangs in North Carolina

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Gangs in North Carolina Gangs in North Carolina North Carolina Gang Investigators Association www.ncgangcops.org DISCLAIMER Presentations are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace independent professional judgment. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the participants individually and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, are not the opinion or position of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), CMPD, NCGIA, or other cosponsors. The FBI and CMPD does not endorse or approve, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, accuracy or completeness of the information presented. Detective W. Chuck Hastings (Charlotte Mecklenburg Police) FBI Safe Streets Task Force – Gangs **************************************************** • 2005-2013 Present- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • CIB- Gang Unit - FBI Safe Streets Task Force-Gangs • Gang of One –Started Gang Prevention Program (2004-2013) • Worked MS13 RICO/Drug Investigation 26+ Defendants • Worked first Capital Murder MS13 case in country • Currently working Federal Confidential Sources/Informants • Local, State, National and International Gang Contacts • Assisted in the Hidden Valley Kings Investigation • Assisted in UBN Blood Investigation • Assisted in Wadesboro, NC Gang Investigation • North Carolina Gang Investigators Association Director of Information 2007-Present • North Carolina Gang Investigators Association Region 3 Coordinator 2005-2007 What is a gang? Definition of a gang: North Carolina § 14-50.16: As used in this Article, 'criminal street gang' or 'street gang' means any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, that: 1. Has as one of its primary activities the commission of one or more felony offenses, or delinquent acts that would be felonies if committed by an adult; 2. Has three or more members individually or collectively engaged in, or who have engaged in, criminal street gang activity; and 3. May have a common name, common identifying sign or symbol. NC GS § 14-50.16. Pattern of criminal street gang activity… Cont. • As used in this Article, "pattern of criminal street gang activity" means engaging in, and having a conviction for, at least two prior incidents of criminal street gang activity, that have the same or similar purposes, results, accomplices, victims, or methods of commission or otherwise are interrelated by common characteristics and are not isolated and unrelated incidents, provided that at least one of these offenses occurred after December 1, 2008, and the last of the offenses occurred within three years, excluding any periods of imprisonment, of prior criminal street gang activity. Any offenses committed by a defendant prior to indictment for an offense based upon a pattern of street gang activity shall not be used as the basis for any subsequent indictments for offenses involving a pattern of street gang activity. (2008-214, s. 3.) 28 Code of Federal Regulations Part 23 “28 CFR Part 23” A federal guideline for law enforcement agencies that operate federally funded, multijurisdictional criminal intelligence systems. 28 CFR Part 23 provides guidance for law enforcement agencies on how to operate criminal intelligence information systems effectively while protecting individuals’ privacy and constitutional rights during the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal intelligence information. • www.iir.com/28cfr 28 CFR Part 23 (continued) • Provides guidance standards in five areas: – Submission and entry of criminal intelligence – Security – Inquiry – Dissemination – Review and purge What Is a Gang Member? • An individual who meets two or more of the following criteria based on a subjective evaluation of the quality of the evidence – Admits gang membership – Has tattoos and wears or possesses clothing and/or paraphernalia or other indicators that are only associated with a specific gang or gangs What Is a Gang Member? (continued) • Participates in delinquent and/or criminal activity with a known gang member • Has close association with known gang members—confirmed by law enforcement documented records • Has been identified as a gang member by a reliable informant or source Submission Criteria • Gang Member Submission Criteria: Initial identification of a gang member shall meet the following requirements. • A minimum of two of the following criteria must be met; 1. Self Admitted - Subject has admitted to being a gang member. (List gang.) 2. 2. Gang Tattoos/Markings - Subject is known to have gang tattoos or markings. 3. Frequents Gang Areas - Subject has been seen frequenting gang areas. (List gang area.) 4. Affiliates with Gang - Subject has been seen by officer affiliating with documented gang members. (List gang documented members.) Submission Criteria (continued) 5. Gang Hand Signs/Symbols - Subject has been seen by officer displaying gang symbols or hand signs or writes graffiti. (List signs or symbols.) 6. Gang Terminology or Language - Subject uses gang language or terminology. (List terminology used.) 7. Gang Dress -Subject has been seen wearing gang dress. (Example: gang style, colors, jewelry, bandanas, etc.) 8. Physical Evidence - Subject in possession of gang physical evidence or linked via physical evidence. (Example: gang documents, photos, graffiti, etc.) 9. Reliable Source – Subject has been identified as a gang member by a reliable informant/source. (List reliable source.) Submission Criteria (continued) 10. Untested Source - Subject has been identified as a gang member by an untested source. (List source.) 11. Gang Incident - Subject has been involved in a criminal gang incident. (List type of incident, date and report number.) 12. Classification Admit - In custody classification interview that occurs before entry into the jail or prison system where the subject admits gang membership in hopes of placement near other members of his gang. What Is a Gang Crime? • Member-based crime (Gang Related) – A criminal act in which the suspect or victim is a gang member • Motive-based crime (Gang Motivated) – A criminal act in which the suspect or victim is a gang member and the crime occurs because of that membership or is facilitated by that membership or – A crime committed by a gang member to further the interest of the gang Categories of Street Gangs: Traditional Gangs . Based on the traditions and motivations of gangs that have existed for a long time. Adopt traditional hand-signs, colors, bylaws, bibles, structure, etc. Aligned with a gang nation (People, Folk, Bloods or Crips). Categories of Street Gangs: Non-Traditional Gangs . Usually evolves into a traditional gang, or dissolves after a year or two. Includes Hybrid gangs that may be ethnically mixed and borrow traditions from other gangs. May adopt names from pop culture (Ex. Boyz, Posse, Crew). Local to the area. Categories of Street Gangs: Criminal Enterprises . Motivated by money. Primarily adults involved in illegal narcotics and weapons trafficking….. Anything else? . Examples included the Mafia, Jamaican Posses, Outlaw motorcycle gangs. Why do people join gangs? Reasons That People Join Gangs . “Respect” and self-identity. Protection and peer intimidation. Gang replaces a dysfunctional family. Lack of Economic Opportunity. Desire for Excitement, Machismo. Lack of alternatives in and out of school . Acceptance in Pop Culture. Natural Family Gang Family Food Food Shelter Shelter Clothing Clothing Love Love Discipline Discipline Acceptance Acceptance Security Security Sharing Sharing Respect Respect MONEY SEX DRUGS POWER PROTECTION What are the big national gangs? Folk Nation People Nation Bloods and Crips Hispanic Gangs Asian Gangs… and others What identifies someone as a gang member? COLORS Bloods Kings Crips MS-13 What kind of clothes do gang members wear? Clothing . Color in clothing . Bandanas . Sports Clothing . Belts . Shoe Laces Belts Tattoos and Brands . Used to identify the gang, set or moniker . May be similar to the gang’s graffiti . Cigarette burns (Dots) signify toughness, gang lifestyle, philosophy, etc. * * * Tattoos Fading Fading Hand-signs . Used to show gang membership. Also a means to communicate. Can show disrespect or issue a challenge to opposing gangs or authority figures . Elaborate hand-signing is also referred to as stacking and finger popping. Tagger Graffiti . Most common type . A Means of Expression . Tag Crews Gang Graffiti . Gang rivalry . Means of communication . Eulogize slain or maimed gang members What do gangs promise? What Do Gangs Promise? • Love • Respect •Fun • Money • Protection What do gangs deliver? What Do Gangs Deliver? • Fear • Arrests • Prison Time • Assaults • Death • Destroyed Families • Ruined Lives • Poor School Results • No Chance of Getting a Job Let’s talk Security • Can it happen to you? -Think about it….. • Is all of your clients happy when the case is over? - All of you have that one client….. • How can you protect yourself and your family? - Social Media - Vehicle (How do you drive home?) - Residence safety (alarms and 3 inch screws) - Safe words (previous animals) - Cellular telephone apps - Public places and/or events Questions and Comments Check out all of our events including our 2nd annual golf tournament at Pinehurst #6. www.ncgangcops.org.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tacoma Gang Assessment January 2019
    Tacoma Gang Assessment January 2019 Prepared by: Michelle Arciaga Young Tytos Consulting Tytos Consulting would like to express our appreciation to the City of Tacoma for underwriting this report and to the Neighborhood and Community Services Department for providing support and coordination during the assessment process. Personnel from Comprehensive Life Resources – Rise Against the Influence (RAIN) Program and the Washington Department of Corrections - Community Corrections Gang Unit (WDOC-CCGU) were responsible for arranging the gang member interviews. Calvin Kennon (RAIN Program) and Randi Unfred, and Kelly Casperson (WDOC-CCGU), as well as other personnel from these agencies, dedicated considerable time to ensuring access to gang-involved individuals for gang member interviews. We are very grateful for their help. Kelly Casperson also provided data on security threat group members in Tacoma which was helpful for this report. We would also like to recognize the individuals who participated in these interviews, and who so candidly and openly shared their life experiences with us, for their valuable contributions to this report. Jacqueline Shelton of the Tacoma Police Department Gang Unit spent considerable time cleaning and preparing police incident report and gang intelligence data for analysis and inclusion in this report. We are indebted to her for this assistance. Focus groups were conducted with personnel from the Washington Department of Corrections Community Corrections Gang Unit, Pierce County Juvenile Court, agency partners from the RAIN multidisciplinary team, safety and security personnel from Tacoma Public Schools, and officers from the Tacoma Police Department Gang Unit. These focus groups contributed greatly to our ability to understand, analyze, and interpret the data for this report.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction to Gangs in Virginia
    An Introduction to Gangs in Virginia Office of the Attorney General Photographs Provided By: Virginia Gang Investigators Association Virginia Department of Corrections Fairfax County Gang Unit Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Boys & Girls Clubs of Virginia Galax Police Department Richmond Police Department unless otherwise specified Videos Provided By Dr. Al Valdez and are NOT from Virginia Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II Attorney General of Virginia American Violence Contains some graphic content Overview I. Facts About Gangs II. Identifying Signs of Gang Association III. Safety Issues for EMS Part I FACTS ABOUT GANGS Gangs In History Gangs have been present throughout human history. Blackbeard and other pirates plundered the Caribbean during the 1600’s and 1700’s. The word “Thug” dates back to India from around 1200, and refers to a gang of criminals. Gangs In History Irish gangs were a part of riots in NYC during the 1860’s. Gangs like “The Hole in the Wall Gang” and Billy the Kid’s Gang robbed in the Southwest during the 1800’s. Gangs In History Picture from The United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan website with members in Virginia. This from a 2007 cross lighting ceremony. Al Capone’s Organization and the Ku Klux Klan are examples of prominent gangs in the 1900’s. Gangs Today Many of today’s gangs can trace their roots to the later half of the 20th Century. El Salvador Civil War – 1980’s. The Sleepy Lagoon Boys – 1940’s Zoot Suit Riots. The “Truth” in Numbers There are at least 26,500 gangs and 785,000 gang members in the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Mississippi Analysis and Information Center Gang Threat Assessment 2010
    Mississippi Analysis and Information Center Gang Threat Assessment 2010 This information should be considered LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE. Further distribution of this document is restricted to law enforcement and intelligence agencies only, unless prior approval from the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center is obtained. NO REPORT OR SEGMENT THEREOF MAY BE RELEASED TO ANY MEDIA SOURCES. It contains information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom of Information Act (5 USC 552). Any request for disclosure of this document or the information contained herein should be referred to the Mississippi Analysis & Information Center: (601) 933-7200 or [email protected] MSAIC 2010 GANG THREAT ASSESSMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS Purpose ................................................................................................. 2 Executive Summary ............................................................................ 2 Key Findings ........................................................................................ 3 Folk Nation .......................................................................................... 7 Gangster Disciples ........................................................................... 9 Social Network Presence .......................................................... 10 Simon City Royals ......................................................................... 10 Social Network Presence .......................................................... 11 People Nation ....................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Gang Recognition Guide
    Gang Recognition Guide As gangs become an increasing issue in our society, education is the key to recognizing their activity and understanding what they are about. However, when discussing gangs, a working defi nition must be developed. Gangs are three or more individuals, using the same name, sign or symbol who commit criminal acts individually or as a group to further their agenda. The following information is not exhaustive in describing gangs and their background, but is a basic framework to educate concerned community members. Crips: This street gang originally started in South Central Los Angeles in the 1960’s. Stanley “Tookie” Williams met with Raymond Lee Washington to unite local gang members to battle neighboring street gangs. Today, the Crips are one of the largest and most violent gangs, involved in murders, robberies, drug dealing and many other criminal pursuits. Crips identify with the color blue. Their biggest rivals are the Bloods and disrespect in many ways - calling them “slobs”. Crips call themselves “Blood Killas” and cross the letter “b” out or leave it off altogether. Crips do not use the letters “ck” as it denotes “Crip Killer” and substitute it for “cc” (as in “kicc” for “kick”). While traditionally African-American, today’s Crip membership are multi-ethnic. Bloods: The Bloods were formed to compete against the Crips. Their origins stem from a Piru street gang (initially a Crip set) who broke away during an internal gang war and allied with other smaller street gangs to form the present day Bloods. Since the Bloods were originally outnumbered 3 to 1 by the Crips, they had to be more violent.
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D.C. 20535 August 24, 2020 MR. JOHN GREENEWALD JR. SUITE
    U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D.C. 20535 August 24, 2020 MR. JOHN GREENEWALD JR. SUITE 1203 27305 WEST LIVE OAK ROAD CASTAIC, CA 91384-4520 FOIPA Request No.: 1374338-000 Subject: List of FBI Pre-Processed Files/Database Dear Mr. Greenewald: This is in response to your Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts (FOIPA) request. The FBI has completed its search for records responsive to your request. Please see the paragraphs below for relevant information specific to your request as well as the enclosed FBI FOIPA Addendum for standard responses applicable to all requests. Material consisting of 192 pages has been reviewed pursuant to Title 5, U.S. Code § 552/552a, and this material is being released to you in its entirety with no excisions of information. Please refer to the enclosed FBI FOIPA Addendum for additional standard responses applicable to your request. “Part 1” of the Addendum includes standard responses that apply to all requests. “Part 2” includes additional standard responses that apply to all requests for records about yourself or any third party individuals. “Part 3” includes general information about FBI records that you may find useful. Also enclosed is our Explanation of Exemptions. For questions regarding our determinations, visit the www.fbi.gov/foia website under “Contact Us.” The FOIPA Request number listed above has been assigned to your request. Please use this number in all correspondence concerning your request. If you are not satisfied with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s determination in response to this request, you may administratively appeal by writing to the Director, Office of Information Policy (OIP), United States Department of Justice, 441 G Street, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C.
    [Show full text]
  • A Social Network Perspective of the Hybrid Gang Label
    University of Central Florida STARS Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 2010 Evolution Of The Folk Devil: A Social Network Perspective Of The Hybrid Gang Label Christian Bolden University of Central Florida Part of the Sociology Commons Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access) is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 by an authorized administrator of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STARS Citation Bolden, Christian, "Evolution Of The Folk Devil: A Social Network Perspective Of The Hybrid Gang Label" (2010). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019. 4280. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/4280 EVOLUTION OF THE FOLK DEVIL: A SOCIAL NETWORK PERSPECTIVE OF THE HYBRID GANG LABEL by CHRISTIAN BOLDEN B.S.A.S. Southwest Texas State University, 2003 M.A. Texas State University, 2005 A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Sociology in the College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Summer Term 2010 Major Professor: Lin Huff-Corzine © 2010 Christian L Bolden ii ABSTRACT In keeping abreast of current gang phenomena, this study seeks to comparatively examine structural processes and characteristics of gangs in chronic gang city, San Antonio, and an emerging gang city that would be more likely to have “hybrid” gangs, Orlando. Hybrid gangs have been identified as having organizational processes that differ from traditional gangs; thus, this work will examine these processes that consist of a range of non-traditional phenomena, including cooperation between gangs, members switching gang affiliations, gang initiations, and members leaving gangs.
    [Show full text]
  • US Army Criminal Investigation Command Gang Activity Assessment Jan 2004-Aug 2005
    Description of document: US Army Criminal Investigation Command Gang Activity Assessment Jan 2004-Aug 2005 Requested date: 16-September-2007 Released date: 24-October-2007 Posted date: 02-November-2007 Title of Document Summary Report Gang Activity Assessment Jan 2004- Aug 2005 Source of document: Department of the Army U.S. Army Crime Records Center 6010 6th Street, ATTN: CICR-FP Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060-5585 Phone: 800-511-4786 Fax 703-806-0462 E-mail [email protected] The governmentattic.org web site (“the site”) is noncommercial and free to the public. The site and materials made available on the site, such as this file, are for reference only. The governmentattic.org web site and its principals have made every effort to make this information as complete and as accurate as possible, however, there may be mistakes and omissions, both typographical and in content. The governmentattic.org web site and its principals shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information provided on the governmentattic.org web site or in this file. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY u. S. ARMY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION COMMAND 6010 6TH STREET FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA 22060-5506 REPLY TO ATTENTION OF O:T 24 2007 u.s. Army Crime Records Center (FA07-231O ) This is in response to your September 16, 2007 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Privacy Act (PA) request received on September 18,2007 for information on "Gang activity assessment, January 2004-August 2005".
    [Show full text]
  • Street Gangs in the Greater Holland Area
    Street gangs in the greater Holland area The'$64,000 Question{ in the minds and on the tongues ofmany concerned citizens, ofticials and .Do the news media in the greater Holland area for the past few years has beerq we have street gangs in our area, and ifwe do, does a public admission cause to givc validity to and strengthen the status of these gangs?' Yes, we do have gangs in the greater Holland area. But, along with the admission ofthat fact is the need to define and categorize the true scope and nature ofthis problem. It can be stated that based upon measurenient criteria establbhed thru research in various communities throughout the country that our coflununity is in many ways not so very different from many other communities. But at the same time we can also statc very emphatically that our community is different in that we have the desire, motivation, and ability to make positive change and address the gang issues facing us at this time. In order to confirm the scope ofthe problem facing our community it is first important to recognize and define some ofthe corutituent parts ofthe ',gang, phe[omena. I. What is a "gang" A. There are almost as many definitions ofthe word "gangn as there are garrgs, although most research agrees on a basic definition that includes the following concepts: L two or more p€ople who form an allegiance for a common purpose 2. Identifies with or claims a territory (either a geographical location or scope of crime 3. Engages individually or collectively in violence and/or other criminat activity ' II.
    [Show full text]
  • The Dictionary Legend
    THE DICTIONARY The following list is a compilation of words and phrases that have been taken from a variety of sources that are utilized in the research and following of Street Gangs and Security Threat Groups. The information that is contained here is the most accurate and current that is presently available. If you are a recipient of this book, you are asked to review it and comment on its usefulness. If you have something that you feel should be included, please submit it so it may be added to future updates. Please note: the information here is to be used as an aid in the interpretation of Street Gangs and Security Threat Groups communication. Words and meanings change constantly. Compiled by the Woodman State Jail, Security Threat Group Office, and from information obtained from, but not limited to, the following: a) Texas Attorney General conference, October 1999 and 2003 b) Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Security Threat Group Officers c) California Department of Corrections d) Sacramento Intelligence Unit LEGEND: BOLD TYPE: Term or Phrase being used (Parenthesis): Used to show the possible origin of the term Meaning: Possible interpretation of the term PLEASE USE EXTREME CARE AND CAUTION IN THE DISPLAY AND USE OF THIS BOOK. DO NOT LEAVE IT WHERE IT CAN BE LOCATED, ACCESSED OR UTILIZED BY ANY UNAUTHORIZED PERSON. Revised: 25 August 2004 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS A: Pages 3-9 O: Pages 100-104 B: Pages 10-22 P: Pages 104-114 C: Pages 22-40 Q: Pages 114-115 D: Pages 40-46 R: Pages 115-122 E: Pages 46-51 S: Pages 122-136 F: Pages 51-58 T: Pages 136-146 G: Pages 58-64 U: Pages 146-148 H: Pages 64-70 V: Pages 148-150 I: Pages 70-73 W: Pages 150-155 J: Pages 73-76 X: Page 155 K: Pages 76-80 Y: Pages 155-156 L: Pages 80-87 Z: Page 157 M: Pages 87-96 #s: Pages 157-168 N: Pages 96-100 COMMENTS: When this “Dictionary” was first started, it was done primarily as an aid for the Security Threat Group Officers in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
    [Show full text]
  • Gang Awareness Handbook
    GANG AWARENESS San Antonio Police Department Youth Crime Service Unit GANG AWARENESS A Handbook for Parents, Teachers, and Concerned Citizens ©San Antonio Police Department 1 San Antonio Texas GANG AWARENESS WHAT IS A GANG? A group of people who form an alliance for a common purpose and engage in violent or criminal activity. Defined in the Texas Penal Code Section 71.01 - Three or more people engaged in criminal activity. WHAT ARE THE AGES OF GANG MEMBERS? The average age of gang members is from 14 to 21 years of age. Gang members, however, can be as young as 8 years old or as old as into their mid 30’s. Recruitment into the gang usually starts in the middle school where the age group is between 10 and 13. Some recruitment has also been seen in elementary school and into the early years of high school. Most gangs target youth that are easily talked into doing work for the gang. WHY DO KIDS JOIN GANGS? The following is a list of reasons why kids join gangs: Acceptance - Many kids feel that they are not getting the attention they feel they deserve at home. They start looking for this attention and love in other places and often find what they are looking for in a gang. The gang essentially becomes their family. Excitement - This group of kids love the high of committing crimes and getting away with it. They often do their crimes just to be chased by the police. These individuals are adrenaline junkies and love the thrill of criminal activity.
    [Show full text]
  • Increasing Criminal Street Gang Awareness Presented by David Christian and Troy Smith
    Increasing Criminal Street Gang Awareness Presented by David Christian and Troy Smith Gangs and High Risk Youth • Definition- A “Criminal Street Gang” is a formal or informal ongoing organization, association, or group that has as one of its primary activities the commission of criminal or delinquent acts, and that consists of three or more members who, individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal activity. • High Risk Youth- Members of a community that are under the age of 18 that have a higher propensity to engage in criminal behaviors with other juveniles. Adult Membership Adult Members will be more covert Will wear colors, show support, and recruit Approx. 90% of gangs are male oriented. Juvenile Membership Juvenile members: Will tend to be more violent Will openly proclaim their affiliation Will be the primary money makers for the gang Female Membership Tend to be more independent and violent Will make money for their gang (and male gang affiliations) in any way possible Many times they will hold any contraband due to neglected searches by the law enforcement community History of modern gang culture • In the mid 1980’s crack cocaine hits the street. • Local sets in major cities become the driving force in drug distribution • Gang related homicides rose in every major city over “drug turf”. • In the 80’s and 90’s the movie, music, and gaming industries released material glorifying gang culture. Why do individuals join gangs? • Acceptance (Sense of belonging) • Excitement • Money • Peer Pressure • Protection (This is an illusion) • Socializing with friends & family • Respect or Status (Feeling of value) Activities Associated with Gangs • Drug sales • Illegal firearms sales and purchasing • Auto Theft • Burglary • Assaults • Prostitution • Extortion of local businesses (paying the “tax”) • CRIME IS THE #1 WAY GANGS FINANCE THEIR ACTIVITY! 2015 Dept.
    [Show full text]
  • Cartel and Gangs in Chicago
    UNCLASSIFIED Cartels and Gangs in CHICAGO DEA-CHI-DIR-013-17 MAY 2017 JOINT Intelligence REPORT CARTELS IN CHICAGO AND GANGS 1 UNCLASSIFIED Executive Summary Chicago has a long history of organized crime and is home to numerous street gangs that use the illegal drug trade to build their criminal enterprises. Although the murder rate in Chicago has declined significantly since the 1990s, recent instances of gang-related homicides have placed Chicago’s crime situation in the national spotlight. Compounding Chicago’s crime problem is a steady supply of drugs from Mexican drug cartels, most notably the Sinaloa Cartel. Illicit drugs flow from Mexico to Chicago via a loosely associated network of profit-driven intermediaries, with Chicago street gangs serving as the primary distributors at the street level. The profits earned through drug trafficking increase the staying power of both street gangs and drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), thereby influencing levels of violent crime in both the United States and Mexico. Of particular concern is the trafficking and distribution of heroin, which has increased significantly in recent years and caused significant harm to communities in Chicago and throughout the United States. This report provides background on the gang- related crime situation in Chicago and offers insight on the nexus between Mexican DTOs and Chicago street gangs. Details CHICAGO’S DRUG SITUATION The drug trafficking threat in Chicago encompasses virtually every aspect of the threat facing our nation—wholesale supply, transshipment, distribution, use, and money laundering—all of which are occurring at very high levels. The vast majority of illegal drugs distributed in Chicago are supplied by Mexican cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Beltran-Leyva Cartel, Gulf Cartel, La Familia Michoacana, the Guerreros Unidos, and the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacin.
    [Show full text]