Topic 3 Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the typical behavior of suspected gang members when approached by staff?
Less likely to offer information or assistance, typically approach in groups, may manipulate staff.
Gang members often approach staff only when they have an agenda, such as dropping out of the gang or seeking classification.
What items are gang members more likely to carry?
- Contraband
- Gang paraphernalia (kites, scrolls)
- Weapons
- Tattoo equipment
These items can indicate gang affiliation and behavior.
What should officers observe to identify gang status?
- Grouping with known gang members
- Tattoos or new gang-related tattoos
- Shadowing by gang members
- Graffiti or personal items marked with gang names
These observations can assist in classifying incarcerated persons as gang members.
How should incarcerated persons be treated regardless of gang affiliation?
All incarcerated persons must be treated equally, regardless of gang membership.
Gang members may have potential for certain actions but are not inherently more dangerous than non-gang members.
Define a gang.
A group of persons working to unlawful or antisocial ends.
California Penal Code 186.22 outlines gang participation and related punishments.
What actions may gangs take in a housing unit where they are the majority?
- Charge ‘rent’ to non-members
- Take a cut of possessions
- Control common areas
- Hold favorable work assignments
This control can create a challenging environment for non-gang members.
List methods gangs use to manipulate incarcerated persons.
- Intimidation
- Hoarding supplies
- Restricting access to facilities
- Coercing other gangs
These tactics help gangs maintain control and power within the unit.
What are some group activities that gangs may conduct in custody?
- Group exercise
- Community feeding events
- Morning wake-up calls
These activities serve to reinforce gang unity and presence.
What can officers do to intervene in gang activities?
- Break up groups of gang members
- Prevent mass approaches to the podium
- Remove gang-marked clothing
- Document gang activities
Intervention is necessary to prevent gangs from exerting power in housing units.
What are common characteristics of local street gangs?
- Intimidation and extortion
- Vandalism, theft, assault
- Drug trafficking, stabbings, shootings
- Use of specific colors, hand signals, and graffiti
These characteristics help identify gang presence and activities in communities.
What forms of written communication do gang members use?
- Kites
- Letters
- Visits (written communication)
- Fishing (passing items between cells)
These methods help gangs communicate without detection.
Identify some verbal communication methods used by gang members.
- Face-to-face communication
- Using incarcerated persons as runners
- Yelling from doors
These methods can help convey information discreetly.
What factors should be considered when managing informants?
- Understanding the informant’s motivations
- Maintaining safety and security
- Establishing rules for cooperation
- Verifying information
Proper management is crucial to ensure the informant’s safety and reliability.
What are the potential risks of using an informant?
- Possible manipulation for personal gain
- Risk of retaliation from gang members
- Reliability of the informant
- Willingness to testify
Assessing these factors is essential for effective informant management.
Fill in the blank: Gang members may use intimidation by _______.
fear
True or False: Non-gang related incarcerated persons are incapable of similar actions as gang members.
False
What is the significance of graffiti in gang culture?
It marks territory and intimidates rival gangs.
Gang graffiti can cause significant property damage and is a method of communication.
