Street Gang Prosecution Manual 2009 - DOJ

8/4/2019 Street Gang Prosecution Manual 2009 - DOJ

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U.S.DepartmentofJustice

OfficeofJusticePrograms

OfficeofJuvenileJusticeandDelinquencyPrevention

GangProsecutionManual

July 2009

Copyright 2009 Institute for Intergovernmental Research. All Rights Reserved.


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Gang Prosecution Manual

U.S.DepartmentofJustice

OfficeofJusticePrograms

810SeventhStreetNW

WashingtonDC20531

EricH.Holder,Jr.

AttorneyGeneral

LaurieRobinsonActingAssistantAttorneyGeneral/PrincipalDeputyAssistantAttorneyGeneral

JeffSlowikowski

ActingAdministrator

OfficeofJuvenileJusticeandDelinquencyPrevention

ThisdocumentwaspreparedbytheNationalYouthGangCenterunderCooperative

AgreementNumber2007JVFX0008fromtheOfficeofJuvenileJusticeand

DelinquencyPrevention(OJJDP).

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of

the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of JusticeAssistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Community Capacity

Development Office; the National Institute of Justice; the Office for Victims of

Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending,Registering, and Tracking (SMART). Points of view or opinions in this

document are those of the authors and do not represent the official position or

policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.


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GangProsecutionManualJuly2009

ThisdocumentwasdevelopedbytheNationalYouthGangCenter. Thefollowing

individualsareauthorsofvariouschaptersofthisdocument.

Mr.JohnAnderson,AssistantDistrictAttorney,OrangeCountyDistrictAttorneysOffice,SupervisoroftheTARGETGangUnit,SantaAna,CA

SergeantMarkNye,WestminsterPoliceDepartment,Westminster,CAMr.RonFreitas,ChiefDeputyDistrictAttorneyoftheHomicideGangDivision,SanJoaquinCountyDistrictAttorneysOffice,Stockton,CA

Mr.JarrettWolf,President,theLawFirmofJarrettWolf,formerAssistantStateAttorneyandDEAAgentinMiami,FL.


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i Table of Contents

TableofContents

Introduction...................................................................................................................................1 Section1: InvestigatingtheGangCase: LawEnforcementsImpacton

SuccessfulProsecution...........................................................................................4 Introduction................................................................................................................... 5

GangMemberIdentificationandDocumentation................................................... 5

LegalConsiderationinObtainingGangRecords.................................................... 7

GangBooks,SchoolYearbooks,andOtherResources............................................ 9

FieldInterviewCards................................................................................................ 11

CrimeandIncidentReports...................................................................................... 13GangDatabases: StoringandRetrievingGangRecords...................................... 14

GangDatabaseLegalConsiderations...................................................................... 16

GangSearchWarrants............................................................................................... 18

UseofInformantsandtheNeedforanInformantPolicy.................................... 20

ConfidentialityIssues................................................................................................ 22

GangSearchWarrantandAffidavitLanguage...................................................... 22

Section2: GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiabilityandInvestigation

Considerations:WhytheLiabilityNetGetsThrownOverSoMany............27Introduction................................................................................................................. 27

GroupCrimeDangers................................................................................................ 29

TeenageGroupCrimeDangers................................................................................ 31

GangGroupCrimeDangers..................................................................................... 31

BasicConceptsofGroupCriminalLiability........................................................... 32

InvestigationConsiderations.................................................................................... 33

ExtendedLiabilityFromGroupCrimeParticipation............................................40

Conclusion................................................................................................................... 42

References.................................................................................................................... 42

Section3: FilingtheGangCase.............................................................................................43 Introduction................................................................................................................. 43

PreparingtoFiletheGangCase............................................................................... 44

DirectingFurtherInvestigations.............................................................................. 46

JuvenileorAdultProsecution.................................................................................. 48


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ii Table of Contents

Section3: FilingtheGangCase(Continued)

CriminalLiability....................................................................................................... 48

AidingandAbetting.................................................................................................. 49

Conspiracy................................................................................................................... 51

NaturalandProbableConsequencesLiability....................................................... 54

TheoriesSpecifictoMurder...................................................................................... 56

TheFelonyMurderRule........................................................................................... 56

ProvocativeActMurder............................................................................................ 57

ConcurrentCausation................................................................................................ 58

Conclusion................................................................................................................... 59

Section4: PresentationoftheCase......................................................................................60 Introduction................................................................................................................. 60

Witnesses..................................................................................................................... 61

Gang

Evidence

............................................................................................................

69

TheJurisprudenceofGangProsecution................................................................. 71

LitigatingtheAdmissibilityofGangEvidence...................................................... 76

AdmissibilityofGangExpertTestimony............................................................... 78

QualifyingtheGangExpert...................................................................................... 79

JurySelection............................................................................................................... 82

Conclusion................................................................................................................... 86

Section5: SentencingIssuesinGangCases........................................................................88Introduction................................................................................................................. 88

TypesofCrimes.......................................................................................................... 89AlternativestoCriminalFilingsandDiversionPrograms................................... 90

FilingDecision............................................................................................................ 91

MethodofConviction................................................................................................ 94

ProbationHearings.................................................................................................. 100

ParoleConsiderations.............................................................................................. 100

Conclusion................................................................................................................. 101

References.................................................................................................................. 102

Exhibit1: SuperiorCourtofCalifornia,CountyofOrange,Advisementand

WaiverofRightsforaFelonyGuiltyPlea,F026412.6(R10/04).................103

Exhibit2: DefendantsWaiverofConstitutionalRightsforGuiltyPlea

toMisdemeanor,F0232330.11(3/88)...............................................................109

Exhibit3: AttachmentNo.1,FactualBasisforPleaofGuilty......................................112

Exhibit4: Adult,OrangeCountyProbationDepartment,GangTermsand

ConditionsofProbation....................................................................................114


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1 Introduction

Introduction

The National Youth Gang Center estimates that there were approximately

778,000gangmembersand27,000gangsactiveinmorethan3,550jurisdictionsserved

bycityandcountylawenforcementagenciesin2007.

GangsremainaseriousproblemintheUnitedStates,andlocalprosecutorsand

districtattorneysplayanimportantroleinaddressinggangrelatedviolence. Thevast

majority of violent gangrelated crimes will be prosecuted at the local level by

prosecutors in agencieswherebudgets are tight and resources for training are often

minimal.

Gangrelated crimesare,by theirverynature,moredifficult toprosecute thanother sorts of crimesfull of interconnected relationships and complex dynamics

between rival gangs. Todays gangmember victimmaybe tomorrowsperpetrator.

Witnessesandjuriesmaybeintimidatedbytheinherentandimpliedthreatofviolence

fromaganginvolveddefendant. Theawarenessandsophisticationofcourtemployees

and judges in dealing with gangs vary from place to place. Further, successful

prosecutionofagangcasemay requireexpert testimony tohelp thejuryunderstand

the complicated cultural issues that are foundational to gangrelated crime. Trying

gangrelatedcasestakestime,preparation,andknowledge.

For those reasons, this publication has been prepared to bring together

information on the basics of gang crime prosecution at the local level. This is a

workbookdesigned tohelp localprosecutorsand investigatorsvisualizeandprepare

for every step of a gangrelated crime prosecution, from the initial crime scene

investigation to preparing and presenting the case and, finally, sentencing issues

specifictogangcases. Thisdocumenthasbeenpreparedbyworkingprosecutorsand

investigators from stateswithverydifferent legal requirements. Theyhaveyears of

experienceindealingwiththecomplexitiesofviolentgangrelatedcrime. Theintentof

this manual is to assist local prosecutors in holding ganginvolved offenders

accountablefortheiractionsand,ultimately,guardingthecommunityfromgangs.

Whenagangmemberhascommittedaviolentactthathascausedlossandpaintothe

entirecommunity,thegoalofeffectiveprosecutionshouldbeafindingbyajudgethat

protectsthecommunityanddemonstratesanunderstandingofthenegativetolltaken

onthevictimsbytheseacts:


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2 Introduction

EverythingIknowaboutgangstellsmethatgangsarededicatedtoviolenceand

crime. And, while there may be a certain brotherhood, it is done only to

perpetuatewhateverjoy theygetfromdrugabuse, the crimes theycommit, the

peopletheyhurt,andthepeopletheybully...IreallycannotfindanyreasonwhyI

shouldnotprotectthiscommunityandkeepMr.Cortesoffthestreet. Heisoneof

thelinksofthechainthatgoesfromthecriminalityandtheviolenceofgangs,to

ourschoolsandtoourcommunity. Thislink,Iintendtobreak. . .Mr.Cortes,

thisCourt hereby sentencesyou to 25years in the stateprison [for attempted

murder]. Thecourt isdepartingfrom theguidelines todoso. Ibelieve Ihave

validlegalreasonstodoso. Idonotthinkyouhaveaclue. Idonotknowhow

else,atthispoint,toteachyouthatyouhavedonewrong.

The Honorable Maxine Cohen Lando, Circuit Judge, MiamiDade

County,Florida,StateofFloridav.DavidCortes,March29,1999.

Section 1: Investigating the Gang Case: Law Enforcements Impact on Successful

Prosecution

Lawenforcementspreparationforgangrelatedcrimes isthecruxofsuccessful

prosecution. This section includes information on every aspect of law

enforcement/prosecution cooperation, including police documentation of gang

affiliation and activity, legal considerations inobtaininggang records, resources that

canassist

indocumenting

gang

affiliation

on

the

part

ofdefendants,

gang

databases,

searchwarrants,andtheuseofinformants. Itisdesignedforusebybothprosecutors

and lawenforcementagencies. A samplegang searchwarrantandaffidavitarealso

provided.

Section2: GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiabilityandInvestigationConsiderations:

WhytheLiabilityNetGetsThrownOverSoMany

Inmostinstancesofgangrelatedcrime,acomplexdynamicofconnectionsexists

between suspects and victims. The group dynamics of gangrelated crimes and

conspiracyliabilityarediscussedinthissection,alongwithwaysthatinvestigatorscan

respond to crime sceneswithmultipleparticipants,gang expert testimony related to

groupcrimes,anddealingwithaidersandabettorstogangrelatedcrimes.


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3 Introduction

Section3:FilingtheGangCase

Inmanyways, gang cases are likely tobe themost complex cases filedby a

prosecutor. Thissectiondescribespreparationforfilingthecase,further investigation

thatmayberequired,discussionastowhethercasesshouldbefiledinjuvenileoradult

court,decisionsabout filingagainstaccomplices/accessoriesusing theoriesof liability,

andfilingissuesspecifictomurdertrials.

Section4: PresentationoftheCase

Once thecaseactuallygets to trial,ahostofunforeseen issuescanarise. This

sectiondealswith anticipating the challengeswhenpresentinggang cases, including

witness issues, presentation of gang evidence, litigating the admissibility of gang

evidence, dealingwith gang expert testimony, andjury selection issues specifically

relatedtogangs.

Section5: SentencingIssuesinGangCases

From the time the case is filed, sentencing issues shouldbeparamount in the

mindoftheprosecutor. Thissectionaddressessentencingissuesduringfiling,suchas

misdemeanorsversusfelonies,alternativestocriminalfilings,howfilinginjuvenileor

adultcourtmayaffectsentencing,sentencingoptionsforgangoffenders,conditionsof

probation that are appropriate for criminal street gang members, and parole

considerations.


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4 Section1. InvestigatingtheGangCase

Section1.InvestigatingtheGangCase:LawEnforcementsImpactonSuccessfulProsecution

ByJohn Anderson, Assistant District AttorneyOrange County District Attorneys OfficeSupervisor of the TARGET Gang Unit

Santa Ana, California

and

Mark Nye, SergeantWestminster Police Department

Westminster, California


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INTRODUCTIONSuccessfulgangprosecutionsarearesultof thecombinedeffortsof thedistrict

attorneysofficeand the localpolicegangunit investigatorsand/or robbery/homicide

investigatorshandlingtheinvestigation. Thestrengthofagangcaserestsalmostsolelyon the strengthof theavailablegangevidenceand thecredibilityof thegangexpert.

Experienced gang investigators who testify as courtrecognized experts base their

expertiseon theirknowledgeofareagangs (and theirenemycounterparts)andgang

methodology, information provided by numerous street contacts, and other gang

records that are properly documented and cataloged. Consistent and reliable

recordkeeping, therefore, isessentialfor thesuccessfuloperationof thegangunitand

itsfutureprosecutorialefforts.

GANGMEMBERIDENTIFICATIONANDDOCUMENTATION

Withoutproperdocumentationofgangcontacts,expertopinions lackabasisof

fact thatdefenseattorneysmayattack,making itdifficultforjuriestorenderverdicts.

Therefore,gangunit investigators (experts)musthavehandson streetknowledgeof

jurisdictional gangs andmust develop andmaintain uptodate gang records in the

form of field interview cards, police reports, probation and parole records, courtadjudications of prosecutorial efforts, and cataloged photographs of gangmembers,

tattoos,andgraffiti.

Ganginvestigatorsconductregularstreetpatrols;provideprobation,parole,and

searchwarrant services at gangmembers residences; andmake arrests for various

violationsoflaw. Allofthesecontactsneedtobedocumentedandcatalogedinanin

house database, and, when available, state or countywide databases, for other

departmentstoutilize.

Patrolofficers (first responders) spendagreatdealof timeon the street;more

thanmany gang, narcotic, or otherdetectiveunits. Thesepatrol officersneed tobe

tapped for theirknowledgeand trained in thepropercollectionanddisseminationof

gang information. Manypatrolofficershave regularcontactswithgangmembers in

theirlocalareas. Patrolofficers,iftrainedinpropercollectionofgangdocuments(field

interviewcardsorcrimeandincidentreports),canbeaninvaluablesourcetothegang


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unit. Themoreeyesandearsthegangunithasonthestreet,themoreinformationit

willbeabletocollect,maintain,andstoreinitsgang/intelligencefiles.

Gang investigatorsfirstandforemostmustbefamiliarwith thegangdynamics

in theircitiesandsurroundingjurisdictions. Theyneed toknow thenuancesofeach

gang;i.e., itsracialmakeup,territoryor lackthereof,affiliategangs,enemygangs,use

of tattoos, graffiti, clothing, and its criminal propensities or methods of operation.

Gang investigators need to know the history of the various gangs indigenous to or

otherwise active in theirjurisdictions. Theyneed to familiarize themselveswith the

dynamicsof thegangs, includingbutnot limited to theirmembership size, territory,

localhangouts, rivalries,and typesof crimes committed,aswellas the identification

andpersonalandcriminalbackgroundsofindividualmembers.

Beforegang investigatorscollect,document,andcataloggang information, it is

importantthatthey andtheir agencyhavepoliciesandproceduresinplaceregardingdocumentation, collection, storage,anduseof such records. Local, state,and federal

restrictionsorguidelinesonmaintaininggangandintelligencefilesmustbeupheldfor

thesuccessfuloperationoftheunitanditsprosecutorialefforts. Gangunitsupervisors

andtheirinvestigatorsmustbewellversedinthesepoliciesandprocedurestoensure

consistency in recordsandavoidclaimsofarbitraryenforcement. Gangunitsshould

includetheentiredepartmentintheefficientandethicalcollectionofgang(documents)

records. Therefore, gang investigators should take the time to conduct regular

briefings/trainings for patrol officers, detectives, and others in the department

responsiblefor

the

collection

ofgang

documents.

New

officer

orientation

with

gang

unit detectives is also a good measure to ensure the proper collection of gang

information.

Efficientanduptodatedocumentationofgangsandgangmembersiscriticalfor

gang cases and is the key to the successful prosecution of gangrelated cases.

Documentationlendscredencetotheallegationofgangmembership,status,andstreet

presence and providesmotivesbehind gangrelated attacks or other gangbehavior.

Manypatrolofficersandevenganginvestigatorssometimeshaveastrongknowledge

ofindividualgangmemberswithwhomtheyhavefrequentcontact,butbecauseofthe

frequencyofthesecontacts,thesepersonsareoftennotfieldinterviewedorthecontacts

arenototherwisedocumented. Becauseofthis lackofdocumentation, incourtacase

maylackcriticaldocumentaryevidenceofgangmembership. Allcontactswithgangs

organgmembersshould,therefore,bedocumentedormemorializedinsomefashion.


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Hispanic Gang Graffiti on a Residents Van

LEGALCONSIDERATIONINOBTAININGGANGRECORDS

Goodrecordsdetailinghowganginformationwasobtainedareimportant. The

usefulnessofgangrecordsdependsontheconstitutionallypermissibleprocurementof

theinformationintherecords. Informationfromsuspectedgangmembersorpictures

takenoftheminthefieldoratthepolicestationmaybeobtainedbyconsentormaybe

derivedfromanother legallypermissibleavenue,suchasaprobationsearch,a lawful

arrest,ora lawful investigatorydetention. It is important to thoroughlydocumenta

gang members consent in cases of consensual encounters. The documentation of

consent isusefultosurviveafuturechallengeof lackofconsentwhentherecordsare

used

in

court.

Absent

consent,

there

must

be

a

lawful

justification

for

detaining

a

gang

membertoobtaingangrelatedinformationfromtheindividual.

It isnot against the law tobe agangmember,nor can a lawoutlawinggang

membership (by itself)withstand a constitutional challenge. Lawsoutlawing certain

gangbehaviorusuallyfocusontheactiveparticipationofanindividualinthecriminal

objectivesofacriminal streetgang. Policemaynotstopgangmembersagainst their


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will to interrogate and/or photograph them merely for belonging to a gang. The

UnitedStatesSupremeCourthasstatedthattheguaranteesoftheFourthAmendment

do not allow stopping and demanding identification or information, or taking

photographsfromindividualswithoutanyspecificbasisforbelievingtheyareinvolved

in criminal activity, Terry v.Ohio, 392U.S. 1 (1968) and Brown v. Texas, 443U.S. 47

(1979).

To justify an investigative stop or detention, the circumstances known or

apparenttotheofficermustincludespecificandarticulablefactscausingtheofficerto

suspectthat(1)someactivityrelatingtoacrimehastakenplaceorisoccurringorabout

to occur and (2) the person the officer intends to stop or detain is involved in that

activity,Terryv.Ohio,392U.S.1,21,supra. Further,evidenceobtainedduringanillegal

detention or arrest and evidence that is derived from initially illegally obtained

evidencemaybesuppressed,WongSunv.UnitedStates,371U.S.471(1963). Derivative

evidence,suchasaphotoidentificationofasuspectobtainedfromtheuseofevidencethat was illegally obtained by the police explicitly for use in further criminal

investigations(e.g.,photosforgangbooksorfieldinterviewcardsforgangdatabases),

maybesuppressedincourt.

A Gathering of White-Supremacist Skinhead Gang Members


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9 Section I. Investigating the Gang Case

GANGBOOKS,SCHOOLYEARBOOKS,ANDOTHERRESOURCES

Gang filesorbooks shouldbegangspecificand includeevidenceshowing the

existence, territory, and dynamics of the gangs in the jurisdiction. They should,

therefore, includephotosofganggraffitiand its location;examplesofvariousnames

and symbolsused to identify thegang;photosofvarious tattooswornby individual

membersaffiliatedwith thegang;andgroupphotosand/orphotosofgangmembers

throwinghandsigns,holding firearmsorotherweapons,ordressed inobviousgang

attireorhavingotherindicationsofgangaffiliation,includingspecificstylesandcolors

ofclothesandnumberedorletteredjerseysassociatedwithaparticulargang(e.g.,AB

or 12 forAsianBoyz or 22 [22nd letterof the alphabet] forVBoysbothAsian

streetgangsinOrangeCounty,California).

This documentation should also include examples of personal items, such as

letters to and fromvariousmembers in correctional facilities;other letterswithgang

reference;schoolwork;andphonebookswithreferencetoindividualmembersnames,

monikers,andphonenumbers. It isalso important todocumentandcataloganyand

allexamplesofdisrespecttorivalgangs,newspaperarticlesofganghomicidesorother

felonious assaults,photos of crossedoutgraffiti inpublicplaces, andpersonal items

withnegativereferencestorivalswithnamescrossedout. Alloftheseaforementioned

itemsshouldbeproperlycatalogedbygangname,with thedateand time theywere

discovered,the

locations

where

collected,

and

the

names

ofthe

individuals,

officers,

deputies,oragentswhocollectedthecatalogeditems.

Asian Boyz (Asian Gang) Hand Sign The V-Boys (Asian Gang) Tattoo


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Gang books serve as a way to collect and maintain gang records and/or

photographsof individualmembers. Theyshould includephotographsofallknown

gangmembers from a particular gang identifiedby selfadmission or through other

reliable sources. The books are used for possible suspect identification when the

circumstancesofanoffense indicate itwascommittedbyamemberormembersofa

particulargang. Gangbookstendtochangeorevolveovertimeasnewmembersjoin

thegang,gangmembersarekilledoffbyrivals,orothermembersleavethejurisdiction

oraresentencedtoprisonforlongtermcommitments. Thegangbooksneedtoreflect

these changes if they are to be used effectively in identifying, apprehending, and

prosecuting gang members. Without continual updating, gang books become less

effective for investigative,enforcement,andprosecutorial efforts. It isalso critical to

keeparecordofwhatagangbooklookedlikeatthetimeitwasshowntoawitnessor

victim (whether therewas an identification or not) for use in court. Investigators

shouldphotocopyanyandallphotosshowntowitnessesorvictimsandincludethem

inthecasefilealongwithanyadmonitionsgiven.

Anothermethodusedfor identification isthearrangementofgangphotos(ina

gangbook) inamultiplesixpackorganizational scheme. If identification ismade

fromasixpack,notallphotosfromthegangbookneedtobecopiedandenteredinto

thecasefile,onlythoseshowninthelineuporseriesoflineups. Thisalsoprotectsthe

integrityandconfidentialityofthegangbookinitsentirety.

Schoolyearbooksfromelementaryschools,middleschools,andhighschools in

thejurisdiction

are

also

agreat

tool

toutilize

inthe

identification

ofgang

offenders.

Giventheyouthfulnatureofmostgangoffenders,theyearbooksareaninvaluableaid

in the identificationprocesswhen theperpetrator isknown to thevictim orwitness

from school and, particularly, if no other photos exist. Gang investigators should,

therefore, regularlyobtainuptodateyearbooks tohaveat theirdisposaland should

alsomaintain a closeworking relationshipwith school officials or resource officers

regardingspecificgangactivityand/ormembershiponcampus.

Photos showing gangmembers either alone or posingwith other known or

suspected gang members that are seized during the service of search warrants or

probationandparolesearchesorthatareotherwise lawfullyobtainedduringcriminal

investigationsshouldalsobemaintainedandcatalogedbyganganddate.


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V-Boys (Asian Gang) Dressed Up for Party Flashing Hand Signs

FIELDINTERVIEWCARDSGang records and/or databases should also be gangmemberspecific. They

should evidencean individuals specificaffiliationandallegiance tohisgang. These

recordsshouldincludeoriginalfieldinterview(FI)cardsthatwerecompletedbypatrol

officers,detectives,andganginvestigators.

Information from theFI cards should thenbe entered into a localdatabase to

include the members name, physical description, address, phone numbers (home,

work,andcellular),scars,marksortattoos,vehicles,andassociatememberswithwhom

theindividualhasbeenincontact. Frequently,afingerprintofagangmemberisplaced

onthebackofanFIcardtoensurethatthereisnoquestionlaterregardingtheidentity

oftheindividualcontacted. Thedocumentationshouldalsoincludethereasonforthe

contact,suchasreasonablesuspicion,probablecause,orconsensualencounter. Abrief

recitation of the facts surrounding the contact can be used later to refresh officer

recollections and for suppression motions and impeaching inconsistent defendant

testimony. Also includedon theFI card shouldbe thegangmembers status in the


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gangandhow it isknownnotjust that thememberbelongs toagangbuthow that

factwasestablished (selfadmission, tattoos,clothing,or involvementwithother self

admitted members in gangrelated activity). Whatever the basis, it needs to be

documented. Anyselfadmissionshouldbeinquotes:IclaimWestTrece,orIwas

jumpedintotheOrphans,orIkickitwithAsianBoyz.

Female Racist Skinheads

All gangrelated FI cards should be sent to the gang unit or other unit

responsible forkeeping recordsongangmembersorgangcrime. SomedepartmentssendallFIcards to therecordsbureauandmayeventuallyforward themto thegang

unit. To be most effective, FI cards need to be promptly sent to the gang unit

investigators. Therefore, anNCR (ticket format) FI card is an effectivemethod of

disseminating the FI cards in a timelymanner. A threepart form canbe utilized,

wherein one copy is disseminated to andmaintainedby the gang unit, one copy is

given to the recordsbureau fordepartmentwide recordkeeping, and the last copy is


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providedtotheregulardetectivebureauandreviewedbyallmembersofthedivision.

Allmembersof thedepartment(patrol,detectives,gangunit,etc.)shouldbe involved

in the process of completing FI cards and ensuring that they are disseminated

accordinglytoensureeffectivelawenforcementandinvestigativeefforts.

There should also be a policy or procedure in place that outlines the

circumstances in which FI cards may or should be completed. Law enforcement

generatedgangmemberphotographs frequentlyaccompanyFI cardsorotherofficial

documentsof thepolicedepartment (gangnotificationsCaliforniaSTEPActnotices

explainedbelow). Informationon thebackof anFI cardorotherdocument should,

therefore, includeaphotoconsent signature line. Thephoto shouldalso include the

date and time itwas taken and underwhat circumstances (e.g.,during adetention,

followinganarrest,byconsent). Photostakenwithoutlegaljustificationaresubjectto

exclusionfromevidenceincourt,andidentificationsfromillegallyobtainedphotosare

subjecttosuppression. Incourt,identificationsmustthenbeprovenbytheprosecutionto be the independent product of the witnesss recollection and not tainted by a

suppressedphotousedintheoutofcourtidentificationprocess.

CRIMEANDINCIDENTREPORTSAnyreportdocumentingagangmemberscriminalactivityorinwhichheorshe

isidentifiedasthevictimofagangrelatedcrimeshouldbemaintainedandcatalogedbyindividualmember,gang,anddate.

In addition to police and incident reports, police and probation and parole

officers serve notices on gangmembers of the penalties for activeparticipation in a

criminalstreetgangundertheCaliforniaStreetTerrorismEnforcementandPrevention

(STEP)Act. Thenotice informs agangmember that thepolice,probation orparole

officers,orthecourtshavedeterminedthattherecipientisanactiveparticipantinthe

street gang and that continued participation may result in criminal prosecution,

includingenhanced

penalties

(sentences)

for

gang

related

criminal

violations.

Acopy

ofthisnotice,orproofofservice,iskeptasproofthatthegangmemberreceivedthe

notice. Ajuvenileoffendersparentsarealsogivenacopyoftheformandarenotified

oftheirchildsgangmembershiporparticipation. Theproofofserviceusuallyincludes

the same informationas theFIcard,withanemphasisongangactivity,and isoften

accompaniedbyaphotoofthegangmemberwhowasservedwiththenotice. TheFI

cardcan include theSTEP informationon thereverseside. TheSTEPnotice includes


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thegangmembersname,thenameofhisgang,andthefactthathisgangisacriminal

streetgangpursuant toSection186.22 etal.of theCaliforniaPenalCode. Thisnotice

alsooutlinestherelated33criminaloffensesthatdefinecriminalgangactivity. Thereis

asignature linefor thegangmember tosignanddate indicating thathe/shehasread

andunderstandsthenatureoftheinformation intheact. Thesedocumentsshouldbe

maintained and cataloged in the samemanner as the other gang recordspreviously

mentioned.

White Power Tattoos

GANGDATABASES: STORINGANDRETRIEVINGGANGRECORDS

Thebackboneofanysuccessfulgangunitisthestrengthofitsintelligencefilesor

gang records. Gang unit investigators should not only contribute their gang

intelligence information to regional gang databases, to be shared with other law

enforcement agencies, but should also develop and maintain their own inhouserecords, in case regional databases crash or are otherwise unavailablebecause of

updatesorrepair. Regionaldatabasestypicallyofferthousandsofrecordsofgangsand

gangmembers frommanyjurisdictional areaswhere authorized users can read and

update files, download and retrieve photos, and utilize the system to further their

investigations. Many of these databases contain gangmembers names, addresses,

vehicles,andprobationandparolestatusandhaveawiderangeofsearchcapabilities.


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An inhousedatabaseshouldbedesignedasasystemforcollecting,analyzing,

and storing information thatqualifies as criminal intelligence and should allowonly

limiteddisseminationanduseof the intelligence toenhancepublicsafety. Gangunit

investigators need topreserve the integrity of the systemby keeping it secure from

otherswho have notbeen authorized or lack responsibility formaintenance of such

files. The constitutional protection of privacy of individuals (whose information is

listedinthesystem)mustbefollowedandapurgingsystemmustbeadheredtoforthe

credibility and integrity of the files. There should alsobe a policy and procedure

governingaccess to thesystemandfordeterminingwhat informationmaybeentered

andmaintained. Thisproceduremustfollowapplicablefederalandstatelaws.

The inhousedatabase should allow the authorizeduser to enter and retrieve

information on the gangs history, individualmembers,monikers, addresses, phone

numbers, vehicle information, tattoos,marks or scars, and specific incident or crime

reports. Theinhousedatabaseisaninvaluabletoolthatcanprovideinstantaccesstouptodate information ongangmembership, expedite the investigationprocess, and

leadtosuccessfulprosecutionofgangcases.

White-Supremacist Tattoos


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GANGDATABASELEGALCONSIDERATIONSAs noted above, the United States Constitution prohibits criminalizing mere

membershipinanorganization(evenoneswithanapparentcriminalnature),Scalesv.

United States, 367 U.S. 203, 223 (1961). However, associating withmembers of anorganization and performing acts that carry out criminal objects of the organization

maybecriminalized. Moststateconstitutionshavesimilarassociationalprotections. It

is important tonote thatwhile statesmaynotallow for lessconstitutionalprotection

than isguaranteedby the federalconstitution, thestatesmayafford individualsmore

protection. The usual attack on intelligence files is that the databases are targeting

groups not engaged in criminalbehavior or associating an individualwith a group

whosemembersengageincriminalacts.

Citizens

have

a

right

to

be

free

from

governmental

intrusion,

Griswold

v.

Connecticut,381U.S.479(1965);Bergerv.NewYork,388U.S.41(1967);andKatzv.United

States,389U.S.347(1967). Ontheotherhand,lawenforcementhasalegitimateinterest

inmonitoring individuals and groups that engage in criminal groupbehavior. The

process of collecting evidence on these individuals and groups, however, creates a

tensionbetweentheneedofsocietytobeprotectedbylawenforcementandtheprivacy

expectationsofindividuals.

As a result of these competing interests, in 1968, theUnited StatesCongress

passedtheOmnibusCrimeControlandSafeStreetsAct,whichattemptedtorecognize

theneed for intelligencedatabases and the right toprivacy. The act resulted in thepassageof theCodeofFederalRegulations,Title28,Part23 (28CFRPart23),which

outlinestherequirementsforenteringinformationaboutanindividualoragroupinto

anintelligencesystemandpurgingthedatafromsuchasystem. Whiletheregulation

wasdesignedformultiplejurisdictional intelligencedatabases, it isanexcellentguide

for individual police departments as well because the regulation balances law

enforcementsintelligenceneedsandindividualprivacyrequirements.

Criminalintelligenceinformationisdefinedin28CFRPart23,Section23.3(b)(3),

asdata

which

has

been

evaluated

todetermine

that

it:

(i) Isrelevant to the identificationofand thecriminalactivityengaged

inby an individual who or an organization which is reasonably

suspectedofinvolvementincriminalactivity.

(ii) Meetscriminalintelligencesystemsubmissioncriteria.


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The submission criteria (the basis for entry into an intelligence database) are

delineatedin28CFRPart23,Section23.20(a),(b),(c),and(d),andincludethefollowing:

(1) Areasonablesuspicion(anabstracttermthatdependsonthefactsof

particular situations) thatan individualororganization is involved

incriminalactivity.

(2) Prospective information to be entered is relevant to the criminal

activity.

(3) Informationdoesnot include information aboutpolitical, religious,

or social views, associations, or activities except where such

information relatesdirectly to the criminalactivity that is thebasis

forfocusingontheindividualorgroup.

(4) Informationwas not obtained in violation of any federal, state, or

locallaworordinance.

(5) Information establishes sufficient facts to give a trained law

enforcementorcriminalinvestigativeagencyofficer,investigator,or

employee abasis tobelieve that an individual or organization is

involvedinadefinablecriminalactivityorenterprise.

Under the guidelines in 28 CFR Part 23, Section (b)(6), information in an

intelligencedatabasemustbeevaluatedforitsrelevanceandimportanceatleasteveryfiveyears. Informationnotincompliancewiththesubmissionrequirementsshouldbe

purged,even if it isdiscovered tobenoncompliantbeforefiveyears. No information

fromthedatabaseshouldbedisseminatedwithoutalegitimatelawenforcementreason,

suchasacriminalcasebeingfiledagainstasuspectwithinformationinthedatabase.

Juvenile Hispanic Gang Members


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GANGSEARCHWARRANTSInvestigations in serious gang offenses frequently include obtaining a search

warrant seeking, among other things, evidence of the suspects gang membership.

Gangevidenceisinvaluableinhelpingtoexplainthemotivationforthecommissionofsome gang crimes and is helpful in identifying the suspects by establishing, for

example,membershipinagangrivaltothevictimsgang. Thereisnosuchthingastoo

muchgangevidence,evenincasesofclearlygangmotivatedcrime.

Gangdynamicsfrequentlyallowforsearchwarrantspermittingthesearchingof

multiplelocations. Themostbasicelementofagangisthatitisagroupthatperceives

itselfasagroupandactsasagroupduringtheperpetrationofdelinquentorcriminal

offenses, hiding the instrumentalities or fruits of such offenses. Given the group

dynamics

and

group

criminal

liability

involved

in

many

gang

related

offenses,

criminal

investigations focusonmanysuspects ingangcases. Themereexistenceofmultiple

suspectsnormallyallowsforasearchwarrantformultiplelocations. Gangpracticesof

hiding evidence or instrumentalities of crimes for fellow gangmembers also afford

morepossiblelocationstobesearchedingangcases.

Anaffidavit inagang searchwarrant requiresallof the careand contentofa

nongang searchwarrant andmuchmore. The affidavit in a gang searchwarrant

includesthefollowingnecessarycomponents:

(1) The affiants identity and training, education, experience, andexpertiserelatingtotheexistenceandactivitiesofstreetgangs.

(2) The affiants personal observations and information from other

personsandsourcesrelevanttoestablishingprobablecause.

(3) A statement of the facts justifying the affiants belief that the

information included in theaffidavit fromothersources isaccurate

andreliable.

(4) Aconclusionwiththeopinionthatbasedontheaffiantstrainingand

experience and the facts in the affidavit, the items soughtwillbe

foundattherequestedlocationstobesearched.


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(5) Specificopinionstoestablishthat:

(a) Thewarrant affidavits probable cause tobelieve the

suspectgangexists,

(b) Thesuspectsaremembersofthatgang,and

(c) Thecrimewasdoneforagangrelatedpurpose.

(6) Facts regarding the suspects membership in the gang as

documented inFI cards,police reports,oranyotherdocumentsor

photographsneedtobespelledoutindetailintheaffidavit.

(7) An expert opinion explaining gang dynamicssuch as passing

evidence, instrumentalities,or fruitsof a crimeamong fellowgangmembersthatallowsforthesearchofmultiplelocationsorisuseful

in overcoming staleness, if much time has passed since the

commissionofthecrime.

Inatypicalgangrelatedsearchwarrant,aganginvestigatorshouldseekitemsof

evidence toprove that theunderlyingcrimeoccurred,aswellas instrumentalitiesor

fruitsofthecommittedcrime. Additionalitemswouldincludeevidenceofstreetgang

membership,suchasdocuments,photos,drawings,writings,objects,graffitidepicting

thenamed

suspects

inthe

case

or

gang

or

gang

member

names,

initials,

logos,

monikers, or any newspaper clippings referencing the crime under investigation.

(Examplesof languagefortheaffidavit inagangsearchwarrantandthe languagefor

thewarrant itself are found in the Gang SearchWarrant andAffidavit Language

sectionofthisdocument.) Ofcourse,theinvestigatoralsomustrequestpermissionto

searchforanyarticlesofpersonalproperty tending toestablishdominionandcontrol

overthepremisesand/orautomobile(s)tobesearched.


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Hispanic Gang Tattoos

Foranumberofreasons,itisimportanttoanalyzeandcatalogtheitemsseized

inagangwarrantfollowingtheserviceofthewarrant. First,itallowsthemagistrate

whoapprovedthewarranttodeterminethatonlyitemsauthorizedinthewarrantwere

seized. Second,although it isa tedious task,allof theseized lettersneed toberead,

seized filmdeveloped, and seized tapes listened to,because their valuedepends on

theircontent. Finally,adetailed inventory itemizingtheevidenceshouldbeprepared

for use in the instant case and for future use. Such an inventory allows for easy

retrievalandshouldalsobeincludedinthegangintelligencefiles.

USEOFINFORMANTSANDTHENEEDFORANINFORMANTPOLICY

It takes one to know one is the ageold premise of usingCIs (cooperating

individuals or confidential informants) in criminal investigations. Cooperating

individuals is the preferred reference to individuals who cooperatewith the police,

becausethedefinition ismoreexpansiveandrecognizesthatgreatcaremustbetakenwhen one is using the information from a cooperating individual. A cooperating

individual is any person who knowingly provides information to law enforcement

relatedtoanotherscriminalactivity,whosemotivationfordoingsoisotherthanthatof

anuninvolvedwitnesswho is avictim orprivate citizenprimarily acting through a

sense of civic responsibility, andwho, as a general rulebut not necessarily, expects

some sort of personalbenefit or advantage or the same for another individual. A


26/121



benefit isusually financialor reducedpunishmentor someother favorable treatment

giveninexchangefortheinformation.

TypicalCIsingangcasesincludemercenaries(paidinformants),gangmembers

cooperatingtoobtainleniencyinanothercase,codefendants,orfriendsnotinvolvedin

thepresentcrime. Cooperationcoversarangeofpossibilities,including(amongother

things) making taperecorded telephone calls, supplying information regarding the

suspects of a crime or their presentwhereabouts,wearing a recording devicewhile

attending a meeting of gang members, recapturing stolen property for the police,

and/ortestifying.

While thebenefitsofCIsupplied informationcanbeenormous,CIs shouldbe

usedwithgreatcaution. Juriesdonot likesnitches. Policeandprosecutorsshould

carefully log allbenefits conferred on aCI during an investigation and disclose the

benefitsbeforetrialtothedefense. SuchbenefitsareviewedlegallyasmotivationforaCI to favor law enforcement while testifying. Great care must also be given to

disclosingtothedefenseanyexculpatoryBradymaterialthatmightbediscoveredasa

resultoftheCIscooperation,Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963).

CIsshouldonlybeusedafterawrittenagreement issigned thatfullydiscloses

the agreementbetween theCI and the police (in conjunctionwith the prosecution).

Policeshouldalsomaintaina logofallsupervisionofanddirectiongiventoaCIand

documenttheperformanceoftheCI,bothgoodandbad. ItiscriticaltopresenttheCI

inthe

most

accurate

light

possible

toavoid

the

appearance

that

the

police

and

prosecutionarehidingthings.

JuvenilesshouldnotbeusedasCIsabsentextraordinary(usually lifeordeath)

circumstances. Useofjuvenilesisnormallyhighlyrestrictedbylaw. InCalifornia,for

example,nojuvenilecanbeusedasaCIwithoutauthorizationfromthejuvenilecourt

following a hearing on thematter. As a practicalmatter,juveniles are never used

because of the showingnecessary for thejuvenile courts authorization. Restrictions

alsofrequentlyexistregardingtheuseofprobationersandparolees. ActingasaCIand

being around criminalbehavior and characters are viewed as inconsistentwith the

reformativenatureofprobationorparole.


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CONFIDENTIALITYISSUESJuvenileCourtRecords

It isbecoming increasinglyeasier toobtainjuvenilecourtrecords. Throughout

the1990s,effortsweremadetodistinguishlessseriousjuvenileoffendersfromserious

andviolent recidivistjuvenileoffenders. Morejuvenilesarenow remanded toadult

courtfortrial,whichmeansthecourtproceedingsandrecordsareopento thepublic.

Inaddition,manystatesnowallowforopenjuvenilehearingsonallegedoffenderswho

areoveracertainageorareaccusedofcommittingaseriousorviolentfelonyoffense.

Since 2000 in California, juvenile records evidencing adjudication for a serious or

violentfelonyoffensemayneverbesealedandareopentopublicinspection.

Typically,juvenilerecordsareavailabletotheprosecutioninnewcasesagainstaspecificjuvenileoffender. Juvenile records,however,arealsouseful incasesbesides

thespecificoffenderscaseinjurisdictionsthatrequiretheprosecutiontoestablishthat

aganghascommittedacertainnumberofpredicateoffenses. Giventheyoungageof

manygangmemberoffenders,juvenile recordsare frequentlyhelpful inshowing the

required predicate offenses committedbyjuvenilemembers of the gang. At times,

therearenoadultconvictionsavailable,necessitating theuseofjuvenileadjudication

records. Occasionally,acourtorderisnecessarytoinspectorcopyrecordsofajuvenile

gangmemberforacaseotherthanhisown.

GANGSEARCHWARRANTANDAFFIDAVITLANGUAGEGangParaphernaliaLanguage

SearchWarrant

Description

Anyevidenceofstreetgangmembershiporaffiliationwithanystreetgang,said

paraphernaliatoinclude,butnotlimitedto,anyreferencetoXXXXX;saiditems

toincludeany(colorusedbyspecificgang)bandanas,drawingsormiscellaneous

writings, or objects, orgraffiti depictinggangmembersnames, initials, logos,

monikers,slogans,orcontainingmentionofstreetgangmembershipaffiliation,


28/121



activity,oridentity;anypaintings,drawings,photographsorphotographalbums

depicting persons, vehicles, weapons, or locations which may appear upon

observationtoberelevantonthequestionofgangmembershiporassociation,or

whichmaydepict itemssoughtand/orbelieved tobeevidence in thecasebeing

investigatedwith thiswarrant, orwhichmay depict evidence of any criminal

activity; any newspaper clippings tending to relate details or reference to any

crimeorcrimesofviolence;andanyaddressbooks,listsof,orsinglereferencesto,

addressesortelephonenumbersofpersonswhomaylaterbedeterminedtobelong

toorbeaffiliatedwithanystreetgangs.

AffidavitLanguagetoJustifySeizureofGangParaphernalia

Irequestpermissiontoseizeanyevidenceofstreetgangmembershiporaffiliation

with any streetgang, saidparaphernalia to include, but not limited to, any

reference to XXXXX; said items to include any drawings or miscellaneous

writings, or objects, orgraffiti depictinggangmembersnames, initials, logos,

monikers,slogans,orcontainingmentionofstreetgangmembershipaffiliation,

activity, or identity, as it ismy experience thatmost streetgangmembers are

knownbystreetnamesormonikerstotheirfellowgangmembers,andthatthey

frequentlywrite theirnamesormonikersof theirassociatesonwalls,furniture,

miscellaneous items,orpapers,bothwithinandon theirresidences,andwithin

and on their vehicles; any paintings, drawings, photographs or photograph

albumsdepictingpersons,vehicles,weapons,orlocationswhichmayappearupon

observationtoberelevantonthequestionofgangmembershiporassociation,orwhichmaydepict itemssoughtand/orbelieved tobeevidence in thecasebeing

investigatedwith thiswarrant, orwhichmay depict evidence of any criminal

activity, as it ismy experience thatmostgangmembers keepphotographs and

photograph albums, in which are depicted (1)fellowgang members who are

posingandgivinghandgangsignsthatindicategangidentityoraffiliation,(2)

gangmembersorassociatesposingwithweapons,particularlyfirearmsthatare

oftenusedfor criminalactivities, (3)gangmembersorassociatesposingbeside

vehiclesthatareoccasionallyusedduringthecommissionofcrimes,and(4)gang

members or associatesposing at locations that are known to be specificgang

hangouts;anynewspaperclippings tending torelatedetailsorreference toany

crimeorcrimesofviolence,asitismyexperiencethatgangmembersoccasionally

maintainscrapbooksornewspaperarticlesthatdescribecrimescommittedbyor

againsttheirgang;andanyaddressbooks,listsof,orsinglereferenceto,address

ortelephonenumbersofpersonswhomaylaterbedeterminedtobelongtoorbe

affiliatedwith any streetgangs, since it ismy experience thatgangmembers


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frequently maintain the current phone numbers or addresses of fellow gang

memberswhomtheyassociatewith.

Itismyopinionthatevidenceofgangmembershiporaffiliationwithanystreet

gangisimportant,asitmaysuggestmotiveforthecommissionofthecrimes,in

the instant case, and it mayprovide evidence which tends to identify other

personswhomay have knowledge of or be involved in the commission of the

crimes in the instant case, or itmay tend to corroborate informationgiven by

otherwitnesses.

I believe that these are not the types of items normally disposed of after the

commissionofa crime and that theywill, therefore, likely stillbefound in the

locationsoronthepersonstobesearched.

DominionandControlLanguage

SearchWarrantDescription

Anyarticlesorpersonalpropertytendingtoestablishtheidentityofpersonswho

havedominionandcontroloverthepremises,automobiles,oritemstobeseized,

consisting of rent receipts, utility company receipts, miscellaneous addressed

mail,personal letters,personal identification, keys,photographs, vehicle titles,

andvehicleregistrationslips.

AffidavitLanguagetoJustify

SeizureofDominionandControlEvidence

Irequestpermissiontoseizeanyarticlesofpersonalpropertytendingtoestablish

the identity of persons who have dominion and control over the premises,

automobiles, or items to be seized, consisting of rent receipts,utility company

receipts,miscellaneous addressedmail,personal letters,personal identification,

keys,photographs,vehicletitles,andvehicleregistrationslips.

I believe that all of these items will tend to connect the premises, persons,

locations, and vehicles to be searchedwith the items to be seized and the case

being investigated. It ismy experience that these types of items are usually

present at the types of locations sought to be searched in thiswarrant, and I


30/121



believethattheseitemsarenotthetypenormallydisposedofandcan,therefore,be

foundatthelocationstobesearched.

AffidavitLanguagetoEstablishRelevanceofGangEvidence

(overcomingstalenesswiththedynamicofgunsandevidencebeingpassedamongfellowgangmembers)

Baseduponalloftheabove,theattachedexhibits,andmyexpertiseongangs,I

havethefollowingopinionsregardingthiscase:

(1) That there is a longstanding and ongoing war between

membersof theXXXXXand theXXXXX and that thiswar

hasinvolvedmanyactsofviolenceonbothsides.

(2) ThatIpersonallyknowthattheXXXXXareacloseknitgroup

and that it isnotuncommonformany of themembers tobe

involvedinrelatedactsofviolence.

(3) Thatwhenanongoingwarsituationinvolvingmanyseparate

membersof thesamegangexists, it isnotuncommonfor the

violentmembers at the central core of thegang to associate

with each other, and toplan together aggressive acts and/or

actsofviolentretaliationtobeperpetratedbyafewmembersof

thisviolentcentralcadre.

(4) That thepatternofviolentactsbetween theXXXXXandthe

XXXXXand the largenumberofseparatepeople involved in

theseactsmakesitmorelikelythannotthatthereisageneral

commonplan existingamong theXXXXX to commitactsof

violencewiththeXXXXX.

(5) That in a longstanding,gangshootingwar,members of the

victim

gang

in

one

shooting

frequently

know

or

suspect

that

theyknowwhotheperpetratorsarebecauseofthewordonthe

street, which is informationpassedfromperson toperson,

often based on sources within the perpetrators gang, on

eyewitnessesreluctanttocooperatewiththepolice,orongang

graffitithatiscomposedofwritingsonbuildingsorwallsand


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is ameans used by somegangmembers to take creditfor a

violentincident.

(6) Thatbecauseoftheabove,aperson involvedasashooterina

gangrelatedwarincidentwillgenerallyassumehisidentityis

known on the streets and that, while he must temporarily

disposeoftheweaponusedintheunderlyingoffense,hemust

atthesametimehaveaccessibletohimselfaweaponwhichcan

beusedforselfdefenseuponshortnotice.

(7) Thatgangmemberswho are involved in an ongoingwar of

shooting incidentsfrequently do notpermanently dispose of

theirweapons,preferringtoretainaccesstothemforprotection

fromretaliationorforfurtheruse inactsofaggressionwhile

thewariscontinuing.

(8) Thatgangmemberswhouseafirearmingangwarsituations

frequently borrow the weapon used from a fellow gang

member, and after the commission of a violent actwith the

weapon, they return it to thegangmember they borrowed it

from, to prevent it from being seized by law enforcement

officers pursuant to a search conducted shortly after the

commissionofthecrime.

(9) Thatgangmemberswhodousetheirownfirearmsingangwar

situationsfrequentlypass the weapons used tofellowgang

membersforsafekeeping,inordertopreventtheweaponsfrom

beingseizedbylawenforcementofficerspursuanttoasearchof

theirresidences,vehicles,orpersons.

(10) Thatwhenagangmemberintheabovesituationbelievesthat

heisnolongerliabletobesearchedasasuspectintheshooting

incident,hewillfrequentlyretrievetheweaponusedandstore

itwhere itwould be readily accessiblefor defense or offense,

suchasinhisresidence,onhisperson,orinavehicletowhich

hehasaccess.


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27 Section2. GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiability

andInvestigationConsiderations

Section2.GangGroupCrimeTheoriesofLiability

andInvestigationConsiderations:WhytheLiabilityNetGetsThrownOverSoMany

By

John Anderson, Assistant District AttorneyOrange County District Attorneys OfficeSupervisor of the TARGET Gang Unit

Santa Ana, California

INTRODUCTION

Gangs represent perhaps the greatest violent crime threat facing society.

Successful gang crime investigations and prosecutions usually require an intimatefamiliaritywith typical gang dynamics and the legal theories associatedwith group

criminalbehavior. Before agang canbe anything else, itmust firstbe agroup and

almostalwaysagroup that involves itself,asagroup, inseriousandviolentcriminal

conduct.

Unfortunately,oneof the fewconsistent findings ingang research is thatgang

members commit a disproportionately high number of delinquent and criminal acts

comparedwith other nonganginvolved youth. Frequently, gangmembers commit

crime

as

a

group,

and

such

group

criminal

behavior

poses

unique

dangers

to

society

far

more serious than the risk typically related to individual criminal behavior.

Understanding the legal theoriesofgroupcriminal liabilityassists in the investigation

of most gangrelated crimesespecially in crime scene considerations, victim and

witnessinterviews,andtheinterrogationofsuspects.


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Considerthefollowinghypotheticalyettypicalgangactivityscenario:

Three documentedmembers of theCrazy Punkz (CP) street gang notice that

someonefromtheNotSoSmartBoyz(NSSB)hascomeintoCPterritoryandplaqued

up(spraypainted)awallintheCPterritorywithNSSBgraffiti. Theplaquedupwall

isthemainwallusedbyCPtospraypaintCPgraffitiandisintheheartofCPterritory.

TheNSSBculpritalsocrossedouttheCPgraffiti. Naturally,thethreeCPmembersfeel

disrespectedandagreetocollectivelyretaliateagainstNSSBbylikewisespraypainting

wallsintheNSSBturf.

TheCPmembersdecide thatbecause they aregoing intoNSSB territory, they

shouldbringalongafirearmincasetheyareconfrontedwhilespraypaintingandthat

twoofthethreewillpaintwhilethethirdwatchesforrivalsandthepolice. Thethree

agreethatthegunwillONLYbeused,ifatall,toscarearival,assumingthegroupis

confrontedwhileinNSSBterritory.

The threeenter theNSSBneighborhoodand leave theirCPgraffitieverywhere

theycan. Sureenough,severalNSSBgangstersseetheCPmembersandconfrontthem.

TheCPmemberkeepinglookout(andpossessingthehandgun)immediatelytakesout

thehandgunandfiresseveralshotsat theNSSBmemberswhilescreaming,Die,you

cheeseeatingrats! TwoNSSBgangstersarekilledandtwoothersseverelywounded.

Whoisliableforwhatcrimes? Hint: considergroupcrimedynamics,conspiracy

andaiding

and

abetting

laws,

and

extended

or

derivative

liability

principles.

Sequentially,theCPmembersconspiredtocommitamisdemeanor(vandalism),which

makesthetargetcrimeafelonyinmanystates;theyjointlypossessedthehandgun(one

actually,theothersconstructively);theyareeachliablefortheactsofvandalism(twoas

directperpetrators,theotherasanaiderandabettor);andtheshooterCPgangmember

directly perpetrated themurder of the two deadNSSBmembers and the attempted

murderoftheothertwowhosurvived. TheremainingtwoCPmembersarealsoliable

forthemurdersandtheattemptedmurdersasthenaturalandprobableconsequences

of conspiring to vandalize theNSSB territorywhile possessing a firearm. To fully

appreciate the application of these concepts, it is necessary to review group crime

dynamics, the basic principles of aiding and abetting and conspiracy laws, and

extendedderivativeliability.


34/121




GROUPCRIMEDANGERSTheold adage twoheads arebetter thanone exemplifies thedynamics and

dangers associatedwith group participation in criminal acts. Often, group actions

synergisticallyaffecttheoutcomeofanintendedgoal. Whilegroupworkandsynergyare normally considered positive attributes, these principles work dangerous

consequences when applied to criminal enterprises. Criminal law has historically

respondedwithseveresanctionsagainstparticipantsingroupcrime. Specializedlegal

theoriesandcrimesandcriminalpunishmentshavebeendevelopedinresponsetothe

dangersofgroupcriminality.

Unquestionably,thepurposeofthelawinmakingitanoffenseto[agree

tocommitacrimeasagroup]istoreacheveryonewhohasparticipatedin

forming

the

evil

plan

irrespective

of

who

or

how

many

carry

out

the

design,andwellmay thisbeaprotection to society, foragroupofevil

mindsplanningandgiving support to thecommissionofcrime ismore

likelytobeamenacetosocietythanwhereoneindividualalonesetsout

toviolatethelaw.

Peoplev.Luparello,187Cal.App.3d410,437(1986)

Theaboveistruebecausegroupbehaviorincrimerepresentsauniquedangerto

society. The potential for harm to society increaseswhenmultiple participants are

involvedintheplanningandexecutionofcriminalschemes. Asonecourthassaid,

Thepunishmentofconspiracyasafelony...isexplainedonthetheory

that concerted criminal activities are amuchmore serious danger than

individualcriminalacts,andthereforejustifydrasticsanctionsagainstthe

criminalagreementitself.

Williamsv.SuperiorCourt,30Cal.App.3d8,11(1973)

The United States Supreme Court has stated the following concerning the

dangerousdynamicsassociatedwithgroupcriminalbehavior:

Collectivecriminalagreementpartnershipincrimepresentsagreater

potential threat to the public than individualdelicts. Concerted action

both increases the likelihood that the criminal objective will be

successfully attained and decreases the probability that the individuals

involvedwilldepartfromtheirpathofcriminality. Groupassociationfor

criminalpurposesoften,ifnotnormally,makespossibletheattainmentof


35/121




endsmorecomplexthanthosewhichonecriminalcouldaccomplish. Nor

is thedangerofa [criminal]group limited to theparticularend toward

which it embarked. Combination in crime makes more likely the

commission of crimes unrelated to the original purpose forwhich the

groupwasformed. Insum, thedangerwhich[groupcriminalbehavior]

generatesisnotconfinedtothesubstantiveoffensethatistheimmediate

aimoftheenterprise.

Callananv.UnitedStates,364U.S.587,595(1961)

Groupcrimerepresentsnotonlythedangerofacrimebeingcommittedbutalso

auniquelyelevateddangerpotential. AsstatedbytheCaliforniaCourtofAppeal:

Thebasic[groupcrimeprohibition]principlehassomeplaceinmodern

law, because to unite, back of a criminal purpose, the strength,

opportunities and resources ofmany is obviouslymoredangerous andmore difficult to police than the efforts of a lone wrongdoer.

Collaboration magnifies the risk to society both by increasing the

likelihood that agivenquantum ofharmwillbe successfullyproduced

andbyincreasingtheamountofharmthatcanbeinflicted.

Peoplev.Williams,101Cal.App.3d711,721(1980)

Thespecificdangersofgroupcrimeincludeanincreasedchanceoftheplanned

crime actually occurring, a greater possibility of criminal success, a higher risk of

violence,and

an

increased

likelihood

ofescape

or

not

being

detected.

Group

behavior

increasescourageandlowersinhibitionsamonggroupmembers.

Groupcriminalparticipationhistoricallyhas received severe sanctionsbecause

oftheuniquedangersassociatedwithgroupcriminaldynamics. Whenagroup isset

uponcommittingacrime,thereareaccompanyingdangers. Forexample,thechanceof

thecrimeactuallyoccurring increasesbecause thegroupdynamicsresult in increased

courage, perceived strength from numbers, lowered inhibition among the group

members, higher degrees of negative peer influence, and a reluctance for group

participantstobackoutofthecriminaldesignbecausetheothersarerelyingonthem.

Simplystated,peopledothingsinagroupenvironmentthattheywouldnotdoalone.

Manyhandsmake lightwork,andmanymindscan formulatebetterplansandmore

thoroughly prepare for contingencies. Comparedwith a single individual, a group

increases the chances of a crimebeing better planned. Groups also possess more

physicalstrength(helpfulincarryingawaystolenproperty,subduingvictims,passing

orconcealingweapons,breakingdowndoors,etc.) than individualsandcanexpedite

thecommissionofanoffensebydividingthetasksnecessaryforthecompletionofthe


36/121




crime. Finally, the enhanced physical and mental attributes of a group criminal

enterprisebetterallowagroup toescape followingacrime. This isaccomplishedby

quickerexecutionofthecrime,giventheenhancedphysicalandmentalattributesofa

group.

TEENAGEGROUPCRIMEDANGERSThe group crimedangersdescribed above are exacerbatedwhen the group is

composed of teenagers and young adults and even more so with gang members.

Teenagers andyoung adults, on apercentagebasis, aremore frequently involved in

criminal acts than adults. Youthful offenders have limited or immature levels of

judgment

and

social

development.

Peer

influence

is

at

its

highest

among

younger

people,and thisagecohort frequently involves itself ingroupactivities (criminaland

noncriminal). A startling reality is thatmore than 90percent ofdelinquent acts are

committedingroupsoftwoormore(Bursik,1993,p.142).

GANGGROUPCRIMEDANGERSGang

group

criminal

involvement

represents

the

zenith

ofgroup

crime

dangers.

Whilethereisnouniversaldefinitionofagang,everyavailabledefinitionrecognizesa

gangasagroup (Klein,1995,p.94). In fact,agangdraws its identity,strength,and

reputationfrom itsstrengthasagroupandthecrimesitcommits,usuallyasagroup.

Researchhasconsistentlyshownthatgangmembershaveextraordinarilyhighlevelsof

delinquencyandcriminalinvolvement(Esbensen,1993,p.110). Gangsnotonlycommit

crimeasagroupbutalsodosomorefrequentlythanotheryouthfuloffenderswho,in

turn,commitagreaterpercentageofcrimethanolderagecohorts. Compoundingthe

problem is that gang members possess an antisocial, oppositional mindset; reject

middleclass values;more frequently drop out of school (which increases free time,

leadingtomorecriminalopportunity);havehighlevelsofsubstanceabuse;andidentify

more closelywith negative peers. Thebottom line is that gangs represent one of

societysgreatestgroupcriminalthreats.


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BASICCONCEPTSOFGROUPCRIMINALLIABILITYDirectCriminalLiability

Most states consider personswho directly and actively commit or attempt to

commit acts constituting a crime as principals in the commission or attempted

commission of the crime. All such perpetrators are equally guilty of the crime, no

matter if the involvementof all isnot equal. So longas each isaperpetratorof the

offense,eachislegallyculpableand,therefore,legallyblameworthy.

AidingandAbetting

Principalsinacrimealsoincludethosewhoaidandabetthecommissionofthe

offense. Aidersandabettorsare liable for thesamecrimeas thedirectperpetrator(s)

andarepunishedthesame. Apersonaidsandabetsthecommissionofacrimewhen

heorshe(1)aids,promotes,encourages,orinstigatesanotherpersonorpersonsinthe

commissionofacrime;(2)hasknowledgeoftheunlawfulpurposeoftheperpetrator(s);

and(3)has thespecific intentorpurposeofcommittingorencouragingor facilitating

thecommissionofthecrime.*

(*Manystates requireonlywillfulassistanceofanother in thecommissionofa

crimewithknowledgeoftheperpetratorsintent. Thereisnorequirementofintentin

themindoftheaiderandabettorforthecrimetoactuallyoccur.)

Simply stated, an aider and abettor is a person who helps someone in the

commission of a crimewhile having at least knowledge of the direct perpetrators

criminalorunlawfulpurpose. Theaiderandabettoreitherhastoactknowingthatthe

actwillhelpfacilitateacrimeor,inaminorityofthestates,mustsharewiththedirect

perpetratorthespecificintentforthecrimetoactuallyoccur. Theaiderandabettorby

act or advice (words) aids, promotes, encourages, facilitates, or instigates the

commissionofthedirectperpetratorscrime.

There isno requirement thatanaiderandabettorbepresentat the sceneofa

crime,merely that he or she knowingly helped the perpetrator commit the offense.

Drawing a diagram of the interior of a robbery location, giving the alarm codes, or

loaningtheinstrumentalitiesofacrime(getawaycar,guns,rope,orducttape)aregood

examples of assisting the commission of a crime while not being present for its

execution. On the other hand,merelybeing present during the commission of an


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offenseisnotacrime. Likewise,knowingthatacrime isabouttooccurandfailingto

reportorpreventitisnotacrime.

ConspiracyLiability

Collective gang criminal action frequently also constitutes a conspiracy. A

conspiracyistwoormorepersonsagreeingtocommitacrime.Manystatesalsorequire

thatoneoftheconspiringpartiescommitsomeact,knownasanovertact,towardthe

completionoftheagreeduponcrimebeforecriminalliabilityattachesagainstallofthe

conspirators. Thereisnorequirementthattheovertactbeacrime,justthatitbedone

tofurtherthecriminalgoaloftheconspiracy.

Regardingtherequiredmindsetoftheconspirators,eachmusthavethespecific

intenttoagreeandtocommitacrime. Thereisnorequirementthattheplannedoffenseactually occur or that all of the conspiratorsbepresent if the crime is attempted or

completed. Because of the recognized dangers of group criminal activity, the law

usuallypunishesaconspiracythesameasifthetargetcrimeactuallyoccurred. Finally,

ifthetargetcrimeisattemptedoractuallyoccurs,thereisseparatecriminalliabilityfor

attemptedorcompletedcrime.

INVESTIGATIONCONSIDERATIONS

Frequently,inagangcontext,agroupratherthananindividualcommitscrime.

Anytimemultipleparticipantscommitacrime, it is important to investigatethecrime

with group criminal liability concepts in mind. When there aremultiple possible

criminalperpetrators,itisimportanttofocusontheactionsofeachsuspect,notjustthe

obviousones.

CrimeScene

Evidence found at a crime scene may indicate the involvement of multiple

suspects. Physical evidence is powerful corroboration of victim, witness, and/or

suspectstatements. Everyreasonableeffortshouldbemade tocollectandanalyzeall

availablecrimesceneevidence. Issuestoconsiderinclude:


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(1) Weremultipleweaponsused?

Were different caliber expended bullet casings or

projectilesfoundatashooting?

Weredifferenttypesofweaponsleftatthecrimescene?

Dothevictimswoundsindicatemorethanoneweapon

wasused?

(2) Is the available fingerprint,blood, orDNA evidence indicative of

severalperpetrators?

(3) Were any other instrumentalities of the crime left behind

demonstratinggroupcriminalbehavior?

Itemsofclothing,notes,multiplevehicles,etc.

(4) Is there any security video available from the scene or nearbylocationswhere thesuspectsmayhavebeenjustbeforeorafter the

crime?

(5) Is there any other physical evidence that has a tendency to show

therewasagroupofperpetrators involved in the crimewhowere

assistingeachotherinthecommissionoftheoffenseorfacilitatingor

encouragingthecommissionoftheoffense?

(6)Was

there

any

fresh

graffiti

sprayed

inthe

area

immediately

before

orafter thecrime thatcouldbeagangsclaimof responsibility for

thecrime?

(7) Were the victims or intended victims documented gangmembers

basedonpolicerecords?

WitnessStatements

Obviously,

witnesses

are

a

valuable

source

of

information

in

multiple

perpetratorcrimes. Sometimes,however,witnessesareallowedtogiveconclusionary

statements (e.g., They all attacked thevictim! or The skinnyguywas acting as a

lookout.) insteadofdetailedaccountsofeachsuspects involvement. It is important

for witnesses to fully describe the actions of each perpetrator, whenever possible.

Witnessesshouldalsobeseparatedfromeachotherassoonaspossibleandinterviewed

individually. Finally,wheneverpossible,witnessesshouldbetaperecordedtoensure


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that the witnesses stories are unquestionably memorialized should the witnesses

becomeuncooperativeduringcourttestimony.

Witnessestoacrimecanprovideimportantinformationinthefollowingareas:

(1) Numberofsuspects.

(2) Specificactionsofeachsuspect.

(3) Whetherthesuspectsarrivedand/orlefttogether.

(4) How thesuspects talkedand interactedwitheachother. (Did they

speak to one another as if they were associated, and were they

directingeachotherduringthecommissionofthecrime?)

(5) Were theremultipledirectperpetratorsof thecrime (e.g., shooters,

stabbers,spraypainters,orbeergrabbersinabeerrun)?

(6) Werethesuspectsdressedsimilarlyorinthesamecolorofclothes?

(7) Was a gang name announced or were hand signs used before,

during,orimmediatelyafterthecommissionofthecrime?

(8)Were

the

suspects

known

tothe

victim(s)

and

witness(es)

and

known

asgangmembers?

(9) Was someone acting as a lookout (have thewitnessbe specific in

describingthesuspectsactions)orasadistractionwhileotherswere

stealing property or running out of the convenience store with

alcoholorotherstolenproperty?

(10) Any other suspect actions that indicate prior planning and

agreement.

Itisimportanttorememberthataconspiracyisacompletedcrimeeitheratthe

timeoftheagreementtocommitacrimeor,inthosestatesrequiringit,atthetimeofan

overtactbyoneoftheconspiratorsinfurtheranceoftheagreementtocommitacrime.

There may be no traditional crime scene with a conspiracy because the wouldbe

perpetrators did not complete the agreedupon crimebefore something caused the

cessationofthemovementtowardthecrimescompletion. Likewise,inanaidingand


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abetting situation, if the crime is attempted but not completed, then the direct

perpetratorsandtheaidersandabettorsarestillliablefortheattempt.

Consider thefollowingscenario todemonstratewhencriminal liabilityattaches

despitetheperpetrator(s)notcompletingtheintendedcrime.

Whiledriving inacar,agroupof fourgangmembersarestoppedbyapatrol

officerforaroutinevehiclecodeviolation. Thecarturnsouttobestolen. Asearchof

thecarrevealsfourskimasks,twohandguns,arollofducttape,astungun,andamap

tothehomeofajewelrymerchant,whoisneitherrelatedtoanyofthegangmembers

norknowsanyofthem. Totheexperiencedganginvestigatororprosecutor,thesefacts

arepowerfulevidenceofaconspiracytocommitaresidentialrobbery.

GangExpertTestimony

Agangexperts testimony iscritical ingangaidingandabetting situations. A

gang expert is someone who, through training, experience, and/or education, is

thoroughlyconversantwithgangdynamics. Theexpertcanhelpexplaintypicalgang

behaviorsthatarepatheticallypredictablebutbeyondthecommonexperienceofmost

jurors. Followingisalisting(althoughinnowayanexhaustivelist)ofseveralcommon

gang dynamic concepts and gangbehavior examples of aidingandabetting and/or

conspiracysituations:

(1) Backingup. Gangmembersareexpectedtostandbywhileafellowgangmember confronts or is confrontedby a rival or commits a

crime incasethefellowgangmemberneedshelp. Thefellowgang

members are not merely present but rather standing ready and

willingtostepinwithassistanceshouldthefellowperpetratinggang

memberneedhelp. Thegangmembersbackinguptheperpetrating

gang member lend confidence to the perpetrator(s) and help

encouragethecommissionoftheoffense.

(2)

Driving

the

car.

The

driver

in

a

number

of

crimes

is

a

necessary

facilitatorinthecommissionoftheoffenses. Drivebyshootingsand

commercial robberies are good examples of crimes frequently

involvingdriverswhoarenotthedirectperpetratorsoftheoffenses.

(3) Yellingthegangname. Fellowgangmembersoftenclaim(speakor

yell) theirgangsnamewhileoneoftheirgangmemberscommitsa


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crime. Thisaffordsnotorietytothegangforthecriminalactivityofa

member. It also lends encouragement for thedirectperpetrator to

completetheoffense.

(4) Throwing hand signs. Gang members enjoy their notoriety.

Frequently, immediately preceding a crime or during the

commission of a crime, gang members who are not direct

perpetrators of the offense throw their gang hand signs as

encouragement to their fellow,directperpetratorgangmembersor

asasigntothevictimsoftheperpetratorsstatusasgangmembers.

(5) Preventing others from interfering. Gang members occasionally

prevent others from interfering in a fightbetween a fellow gang

memberandanotherpersonorinthecommissionofsomeothersort

ofcrime. Thisconductpromotesandassists in thecompletionofacrimebyensuringunfetteredaccesstothevictim.

(6) Keeping lookout orwatching for thepolice. Gangmembers often

keep guardwhile fellow gangmembers commit criminal offenses.

Theknowledgethatothersarewatchingoutforyouencouragesthe

continuedcommissionofacrime. Italsoallows theperpetrator to

focussolelyonthecrimeinsteadoflookingaroundtoseewhetherhe

orshehasbeendetected. A lookout iscommonlyutilized instreet

narcoticstransactions

or

spray

painting

expeditions.

(7) Calling the homies when rivals are seen. This behavior alerts

fellowgangmemberstothepresenceofrivals,which,inturn,allows

forassaultiveconductagainsttherivals.

(8) Stealing a car (Gride) for some other crimeusually a driveby

shootingor robbery. Whenagangmemberknowinglystealsacar

for use in some other crime, the gangmember is facilitating the

commission of the other offense. The gangmember is therefore

equallyliableforthecommissionofthecrimedoneinthecarafterit

wasstolen.


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(9) Getting or holding a weaponthe gang gun. Gang experts

usuallyopine thatwhen agangmemberhas agun, anyone in the

gangcanusethegun. Further,followingacrime,itiscommonfora

noninvolvedgangmembertoholdthegununtiltheheatdiesdown.

Eithersituationhelpsthegangobtain,use,andconcealitscollective

cacheoffirearms.

In order for an expert to render such opinions, however, it is critical to have

plentifulevidenceofasuspectsgangaffiliation. Allpriorfieldinterviewcards;crime

reports; pictures; correspondence; documented admissions of gang membership to

teachers,probationorparoleofficers,ortojailers; interviewstatements;andanyother

pieceofgangmembershipevidenceshouldbegatheredforusebytheexpertincourt.

SuspectInterviewStatements

Someofthemostdamagingevidenceinacriminalcaseisadmissionsmadebya

suspect. Inagangcrimesituation,gangdynamicsareimportantareasofinquiryforan

investigatingofficerduringasuspectinterview. Itishelpfulinagroupcrimescenario

tokeep thedynamicsofgroupcrime inmind;e.g.,allegianceto thegroup,asenseof

invincibilitywhileinthegroup,relianceofthegrouponthosewhohavecommittedto

theplannedbehavior,thedivisionof taskspossiblewithmultiplecrimepartners,and

alcoholornarcoticuse.

Often,gangmembersdiscusstheirgangmembershipwiththepoliceevenwhenreluctant to admit participation in a crime. Under such circumstances, valuable

informationisobtainablefromgangmembersuspects. Interviewtopicsshouldmirror

theeventualtestimonyofthegangexpert. Itisusefultohavethegangsuspectlayout

theganggroupdynamicsthatareexplainedabove.

Interviewtopicswithagangmembersuspectshouldinclude:

(1) Attachmenttoandidentificationwiththegang.

(2) Thegangbeing theprimary focus andmost important aspectof a

gangmemberslife.

(3) Allegiancetothegangandtofellowgangmembers.


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(4) Putting inworkforthegangwhencalleduponandknowingwhen

joining agang that someday thegangmemberwillbe expected to

commitcrimeonbehalfofthegang.

(5) Representingorbeingdownforthegangbyneverbackingaway

fromachallengeandalwaysbackingupafellowgangmember.

(6) Thecodeofnevercooperatingwiththepoliceandtheimportanceof

neverbeinglabeledasnitchorarat.

(7) History of the suspectsgang, thenumber ofmembers, the gangs

territory(ifterritorial),andthetypesofcrimesthegangisknownfor

(evenifthesuspectdeniesanyinvolvementinthosecrimes).

(8) Initiation rituals ofwal

Documents

Street Gang Prosecution Manual 2009 - DOJ