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Identifying and Interviewing Gang Members

NCJ Number
174996
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 25 Issue: 10 Dated: October 1998 Pages: 86-88-93
Author(s)
J Lanata
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article identifies and discusses the keys in developing a strategy for an effective post-arrest interview with a gang member.
Abstract
The four keys in developing such a strategy are categorizing gang members according to their level of involvement, strategies for interviewing associate and peripheral gang members, recognizing and interviewing hardcore gang members, and asking the right questions. From an interview and interrogation perspective, gang leaders and hardcore members should be approached differently from either associate or peripheral members. Interviewers can expect less success in eliciting statements from hardcore gang members than from others. The associate member has a full knowledge of gang activities and often is involved in the same criminal acts as hardcore members; however, the commitment level of the associate member is different from that of the hardcore member. There are typically other people and things that the associate member values more than the gang. Background information on what the associate member may value outside of the gang should be obtained before conducting the interview. Investigators should use a direct approach with associate and peripheral gang members. Emphasis should be placed on criminal liability and the possibility that the associate member may lose what he values most. This article also discusses unifying factors and the gang member's willingness to cooperate, California black gangs, Hispanic gang members, hardcore members of Mara Salvatrucha, Chicago gang members, Asian gang members, exploiting gang members' pride in the gang, and following the subject's lead.

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