Problems for Today’s Communities Deputy Russ Williams Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Regional Gang Task Force
Speaker Introduction
Deputy Russ Williams Deputy Sheriff for nearly 17 years 9 Years at LA County Sheriff’s Dept ○ 6 years working the jails ○ 3 years patrolling Temple Station areas 7+ years at Riverside Sheriff’s Dept ○ 3+ years working gangs
The views and information presented today are mine, many from my own experiences. Most of the photos are public access from the internet. If you see someone pictured that you know, it DOES NOT mean they are a gang member or involved in criminal activity.
Objectives Learn what a gang is Learn how to recognize gang members Learn a little about guns, armed people, and concealed carry Learn to identify different styles of graffiti Learn a little about drugs, the various types of drugs, and drug dealers Learn to NOT be a victim of crime
RECOGNIZING GANG MEMBERS WHAT IS A CRIMINAL STREET GANG? California Penal Code 186.22 (STEP ACT)
A group of 3 or more people With a common sign or symbol
Engaged in an ongoing criminal enterprise
GANGS?
Recognizing Gangsters Gang Attire Tattoos Associates Activities
TATTOOS
Baseball caps Washington Nationals
“W” for “west side”
Pittsburgh Pirates
Patterson Park or Pomona, P-Locs
St Louis Cardinals
Lime Street Gang
Cincinnati Reds
Corona Varrio Locos
HAND SIGNS
GUNS
Recognizing armed people
Loose fitting clothing
Bulges around waistband area
Touching gun or area of gun frequently
Loose fitting clothing
Concealable firearms
Concealed Carry (CCW) So
you want to carry a gun for protection? Train, Train, Train
CCW Procedures Different in every county, see your local law enforcement
Must complete firearms safety course and qualify with your
gun Cost is usually around $500.00 Requirements ○ 1. Legal resident ○ 2. At least 21 years of age ○ 3. Good Cause ○ 4. Good Moral Character
http://www.californiaconcealedcarry.com
GRAFITTI Tagger Crew or Gangsters ??
TAGGER CREWS AND GANGS Usually coexist Have different styles of graffiti Typically are less violent Main mission is to place “tag” as many places as possible Graffiti costs city large amounts of money to remove
Riverside County Spends more than
$310,000 per year on graffiti abatement
TAGGER CREWS
DRUGS
WHAT DRUGS USERS BRING TO YOU
Increased crime in community Vehicle thefts Burglaries to cars and homes Possible violence from rival gangs / dealers
Availability of drugs to kids in the community
What Methamphetamine does to a person over time
How do you know if drugs are in your community?
Dealers in the area Vehicle traffic Foot traffic Bicycles traffic Numerous visitors to houses that stay for a short
time
What you can do to avoid becoming a victim
Don’t confront gang members Call the police
Avoid being a burglary victim
Lock doors & windows Alarm systems Exterior lights with motion sensors Dogs Video surveillance Alarm system sign out front or on window Clear house of door hangers, pick up newspapers, have neighbor p/u when on vacation Interior lights on random timers
Marijuana Grow Houses
Grow houses Little traffic or rare visits by occupants Fans on at night Smell of marijuana around house Electrical box work ○ 498(d) PC for stolen electricity
Butane canisters in trash ○ From producing concentrated cannabis
Questions?
Deputy Russ Williams Riverside Country Sheriff’s Department Gang Task Force Region 7 Russwill@riversidesheriff.org