Conducting gang-related murder investigations

Training Goals and Objectives

Gang-related murder investigations are vastly different than any other type of criminal investigation. Investigators assigned to these types of investigations, therefore, require specialized training. The purpose of this course is to provide attendees with the basic investigative tools needed to successfully conduct a proper Violent Gang Investigation. Topics include stabbings, shootings, bludgeoning's, and robberies. There is heavy emphasis on victim and witness identifications, including how to effectively conduct Show-ups, Photo-Displays, Live (physical) line-ups and in-court IDs. All aspects of the investigative process from beginning to end will be covered. Students are also encouraged to bring any unsolved, complex cases that will be evaluated on the final day of class.

Training Audience, Format and Content

This course is intended for those investigators who are newly assigned as Gang, Homicide, or Crimes Against Persons investigators (or seasoned investigators who desire a new perspective). It is also appropriate for those detectives or uniform personnel who may be required to assist in these types of investigations. Robbery Investigators, Crime-scene Technicians, General Investigators, Military Investigators, and Criminal Analysts, would also benefit from this training.

The course is conducted in 3 day sessions.  Instruction is provided through the use of a PowerPoint presentation that makes liberal use of authentic crime scene photographs. This insures that the topics discussed are portrayed as realistically as possible. Numerous handouts and videos are used as instructional aids.

Daily content and course schedule:

Day 1:

• Introduction to Gangs
• UCR and How It Relates to Gangs
• National and Local Gang Statistics
• Target Store Forensics
• Sources for the Investigator
• Types of Gang-related Murders / Violent Crimes
• Gang Types and Trends
• Gangs and Identity Theft
• Responding to the Scene of a Gang Murder / Violent Crime
• Forensic Evidence

Day 2:

• Handling Physical Evidence
• Interviewing Victims and Witnesses
• Perfect Strom (Str8t Drop Gang Case study)
• Mechanics of Questioning Gang Members
• Boobie Boys Gang Case Study
• Show-up Identification Procedures
• Profiling Gang Subjects
• Trash Pulls
• Photographic Line-ups
• Live (Physical) Line-ups

Day 3:

• Warrants
• Warrant Exceptions
• Post Arrest
• Obtaining Confessions
• Polygraphs / Voice Stress Analyzers
• Computers, Cell Phones, GPS Tracking, etc.
• Juvenile Gang subjects
• Report Writing
• Trial Preparation
• Working with Confidential Informants
• Wire Taps
• Federal Gang Investigations

Attendees are encouraged to bring unsolved gang-related cases to this class for discussion and evaluation.