Tuesday, June 24

Opening Ceremonies
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Grand Ballroom

Color Guard: Boy Scout Troop 116, Charter Organization—Acworth United Methodist Church, Acworth, GA

National Anthem: Student from the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School, Austell, GA

Welcome: J. Robert Flores, Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Washington, DC; Chief Richard J. Pennington, Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta, GA (invited)

Welcoming Remarks: Jeffrey Sedgwick, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC

Keynote Address: The Honorable Michael B. Mukasey, Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC

Breakout Sessions
10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Gangs on the Internet
Grand Salon C

This workshop will provide law enforcement officers, youth-serving professionals, and educators with an inside look at how social networking Web sites have changed youth dynamics and how gang members use these sites to communicate. (Also offered on Wednesday, June 25, at 3:30 p.m.)

Presenter: Detective Bruce Ferrell (retired), Omaha Police Department, Omaha, NE

Crips and Bloods on the East and West Coasts
Grand Salon B

This workshop will overview the current trends and activities of Crip- and Blood-affiliated gangs from coast to coast. Topics will include Crip and Blood identifiers—such as tattoos, clothing, and beads—and current crime trends. (Also offered on Wednesday, June 25, at 10:15 a.m.)

Presenters: Detective Wayne Caffey, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles, CA; Detective Stephanie Treadwell, Newark Police Department, Newark, NJ

Mexican Drug Cartels and Street Gangs
Grand Salon D

Mexican drug-trafficking organizations are increasingly using gangs from the United States to facilitate criminal activities in the United States and Mexico. This workshop will provide insights into the ways that United States gangs are becoming allied with these organized crime groups.

Presenter: Investigator Stephen Duncan, California Department of Justice, San Diego, CA

How to Create a Community Task Force
Cobb

Learn how a community came together to form a successful gang task force using the OJJDP Comprehensive Gang Model.

Presenter: Jerome “Jerry” Simon, Clark County Department of Juvenile Justice Services, Las Vegas, NV

Conducting Risk, Needs, and Strength Assessments
Clayton

In order to provide appropriate plans and services for high-risk youth, providers must have an accurate understanding of the true picture of clients’ needs and issues. This session will review why the assessment process is a critical foundation to providing good case management and service planning, what tools are available, and how to implement them appropriately.

Presenters: William Barton, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN; Valerie Boykin, Consultant, Washington, DC

Gang Prevention Through Targeted Outreach
Forsythe

This workshop will help youth service professionals and community leaders develop a comprehensive strategy to reach out to youth who are most at risk for gang involvement. Participants will learn to utilize the four components of targeted outreach: community mobilization, recruitment techniques, mainstreaming and programming, and case management.

Presenters: Kelly Drummond, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Knoxville, TN; Nathan Anguiano, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX

Dealing With Death, Grief, and Dying
Douglas/Paulding

Numerous youth involved in gang activity have a history of traumatic loss. This creative and hands-on session will provide strategies to use when working with youth to help them gain tools that adolescent offenders have described as “life changing.”

Presenter: Jackie Rogalski, St. Paul Public Schools, St. Paul, MN

Conducting Effective Outreach
Gwinnett/DeKalb

Outreach can be one of the most successful methods of engaging youth in gang intervention strategies. However, delivering quality outreach services can be challenging. This workshop will provide insights on how programs can create outreach services and strengthen the efforts of existing outreach staff.

Presenters: Victor Gonzalez, Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office, Houston, TX; Inshirah Jihada, Homewood YMCA, Pittsburgh, PA

Policing Gang-Intensive Communities
Walton

Many communities that are heavily impacted by gangs face serious challenges at the neighborhood level: abandoned properties, concentrations of high-crime levels, and neighborhood conflicts. This workshop will overview the strategies used by the Problem Properties Unit of the St. Louis County Police Department.

Presenter: Detective Bob Robinson, St. Louis County Police Department, St. Louis, MO

Gang Mediation and Truces: Challenges and Successes
Henry

Truces and mediation are often touted as different ways to address gang violence in local communities. Participants will learn about the process of mediation, the role of the mediator, and how to use mediation skills to help resolve disputes. In addition, there will be a candid discussion of the potential ramifications of gang truces, both positive and negative.

Presenters: Don E. Waters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX; John Stephan, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Chicago, IL

What All Educators Need to Know About Gangs
Fayette/Newton

This session will present a comprehensive, best-practice framework for dealing with gang-related behavior in a school setting. Those attending will learn a functional vocabulary of gang identification, factors determining degree of involvement, intervention and prevention activities, gang crisis prevention, and gang crisis management.

Presenter: Don Kodluboy, St. Paul, MN

Dispelling Gang Myths
Cherokee

This workshop will critically examine many of the myths and stereotypes about gangs that are commonly accepted as facts and provide attendees with information based on research to substantiate some of these beliefs and debunk others.

Presenters: James C. “Buddy” Howell, National Youth Gang Center, Pinehurst, NC; Al Valdez, University of California, Irvine, CA

Street Gang Patterns to Policy: Using Research to Inform Practice
Rockdale

This workshop will review the current knowledge about the patterns of street gangs in the United States and elsewhere, as well as major efforts to control gang activities. In doing so, prevailing myths and “conventional wisdoms” about gangs and responses to them will be challenged. Several decades of research on street gangs and control strategies will be drawn on to guide the development of more effective programs and policies. Finally, current examples of gang policy discourses will be discussed.

Presenters: Cheryl Maxson, University of California, Irvine, CA; Malcolm Klein, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Luncheon
Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Grand Ballroom

As the notorious leader of the violent Mau Maus gang, Nicky Cruz once stalked the mean streets of New York City. Now, he travels the world, taking a message of hope to broken young people. Nicky’s earliest memories are of a hellish childhood in Puerto Rico. Abuse and neglect turned Nicky into an uncontrollable child ruled by hatred. His father finally sent him to live with his brother in New York City. However, Nicky took to the streets, where he found his first “real family experience” in a gang. In the past 40 years, Nicky Cruz has worked around the world, speaking to hurting people in all walks of life and reaching out to thousands of inner-city gang members by speaking about his own experiences.

Speaker: Nicky Cruz, Author of Run, Baby, Run, New York, NY

Breakout Sessions
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Nation Gangs in the Midwest and East
Grand Salon B

The Folk and People Nation gangs of Chicago have spread nationwide, manifesting differently on the East Coast than in the Midwest. This presentation will highlight major Chicago street gangs—such as the Gangster Disciples, Vice Lords, and Latin Kings—and contrast these gangs with their counterparts on the East Coast. The violence perpetrated by these gangs will be discussed, as well as their organizational structure, symbols, and trends in criminal activity. (Also offered on Wednesday, June 25, at 1:30 p.m.)

Presenters: Sergeant Joseph Del Pilar, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL; Officer Moses Robinson, Rochester Police Department, Rochester, NY

White Subcultures
Grand Salon D

Groups such as Straight Edge and the Juggalos evolved out of the music scene and into the streets, committing criminal activities. This workshop will provide an overview of two distinctly different white subcultures that may cross the line into gang activity.

Presenters: Detective Andy Cowan, West Valley Police Department, West Valley, UT; Detective John Lefavor, West Valley Police Department, West Valley, UT

Mara Salvatrucha
Grand Salon C

One of the nation’s most notorious and fast-growing gangs, Mara Salvatrucha is an international street gang that is heavily involved in gang violence around the western hemisphere. This session will provide an overview of the history and activities of Mara Salvatrucha in the United States. (Also offered on Wednesday, June 25, at 10:15 a.m.)

Presenters: Al Valdez, University of California, Irvine, CA; Investigator Hector Alicea, New York State Police, Buffalo, NY

Implementing a Gang Crisis Response—Chicago CeaseFire: Part I
Fayette/Newton

Despite the drop in homicides in Chicago in recent years, gangs continue to account for the largest percentage of homicides in the City. CeaseFire (an initiative dedicated to stopping shootings and killings) provides on-the-spot alternatives to those who are at high risk of involvement in a shooting or killing, intervenes to prevent retaliations when a shooting or killing takes place, and utilizes street intelligence and the networks of its outreach staff to anticipate and prevent violence before it occurs. (Part II continued at 3:30 p.m.)

Presenters: Jalon Arthur, CeaseFire, Chicago, IL; Candice Kane, CeaseFire, Chicago, IL; Frank Perez, CeaseFire, Chicago, IL

Case Managing Gang-Involved Youth: Part I
Cherokee

Learn case management techniques from professionals who have spent years working with gang members and at-risk youth. From the ABCs of good case management practice to the specific issues that arise when providing case management to gang-involved youth. (Part II continued at 3:30 p.m.)

Presenters: Valerie Boykin, Washington, DC; Melinda Leabch, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX; John Torres, Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families, San Francisco, CA

Gang-Related Witness Intimidation
Walton

Without witnesses, the criminal justice system does not work. However, with gang cultural philosophies against testifying, such as “snitches get stitches” and “no snitching,” attempting to convince witnesses to collaborate has become more difficult. This workshop will overview strategies and policies to reduce the impact of gang-related intimidation of witnesses.

Presenters: John Anderson, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Santa Ana, CA; Jared Moses, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles, CA

Gang Intervention Through Targeted Outreach: Part I
Rockdale

Learn about the components that make up BGCA’s gang intervention approach. This session will look at how to mobilize a community, recruit, program for, and manage the cases of gang-involved youth. (Part II continued at 3:30 p.m.)

Presenters: David Mauroff, McCormack Baron Ragan, San Francisco, CA; Nathan Anguiano, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX; Enrique Estrada, Neighborhood House, Newport, MN

Employment Issues With Gang-Involved Youth: Part I
Gwinnett/DeKalb

Many gang members express a desire to gain meaningful employment but lack vital skills to succeed in the job market. This session covers several strategies for assisting gang-involved youth, including supportive employment with community business partners, effective preemployment training, training for prospective employers, selling the concept of employing gang-involved youth, and monitoring and supporting employed youth. (Part II continued at 3:30 p.m.)

Presenters: Rich Parks, YouthForce, Salt Lake City, UT; Leticia Medina, Colors of Success, Salt Lake City, UT; Bryon “BK” Myles, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX

Targeted Reentry Programs—Clubs and Corrections: Part I
Clayton

This session will explore ways to serve some of our country’s most marginalized youth—those making the transition back into the community after being incarcerated. Also presented will be ways to initiate and sustain a partnership with county and state correctional institutions and will describe the Targeted Reentry model, which is based on the Intensive Aftercare Program model. A review of Indiana University evaluation results will be discussed. (Part II continued at 3:30 p.m.)

Presenters: Alicia Stigerwalt, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska, Anchorage, AK; Roger Jarjoura, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Creative Gang Sentencing Options
Douglas/Paulding

Judges and other court employees must “think outside the box” when dealing with gang members involved in the juvenile justice system. This session will feature a trend-setting judge who has pushed the boundaries of the justice system in order to reach out and intervene with juvenile gang members effectively. The session will also provide program recommendations for agencies working with court-involved youth.

Presenter: The Honorable Andrew A. Valdez, Third District Juvenile Court, Salt Lake City, UT

School-Based Prevention and Intervention Programs
Henry

What can schools do to prevent gang-joining and intervene with students who are gang-involved? This workshop will overview three different gang prevention/intervention strategies that have been successfully implemented in communities across the United States.

Presenters: Duane Bourdeaux, Colors of Success, Salt Lake City, UT; Wayne Sakamoto, Murieta School District, Riverside, CA; Stephanie Rapp, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Washington, DC

Alternatives to Incarceration
Cobb

This workshop will present what can be accomplished by working with courts and probation in conjunction with diversion programs as opposed to incarcerating youth.

Presenters: Frank Hosch, Ramsey County Community Corrections Department, St. Paul, MN; William Barton, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Promising Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Anti-Gang Strategies
Forsythe

In the face of the high rate of youth gang and gun violence, criminal justice professionals are working together to identify the best strategies to reduce gang and gun violence. PSN has proven to be a very successful strategy. This session will present promising practices and real-life examples of reducing juvenile violence based on partnership, community engagement, the identification of risk factors, prevention strategies, and how to leverage resources.

Presenters: James C. “Buddy” Howell, National Youth Gang Center, Pinehurst, NC; Gregory Joy, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Washington, DC; Michelle Metts, American Probation and Parole Association, Lexington, KY; John Wilkinson, National District Attorneys Association, Alexandria, VA

Breakout Sessions
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Hispanic Gangs From Coast to Coast
Grand Salon B

This workshop will cover the evolution, identifiers, and activities of large Hispanic gangs—such as the Sureños, Norteños, and 18th Street—as they have spread across the United States from the West to the East. (Also offered on Wednesday, June 25, at 3:30 p.m.)

Presenters: Investigator Hector Alicea, New York State Police, Buffalo, NY; Al Valdez, University of California, Irvine, CA

Gangster Rap
Grand Salon C

This workshop will explore the history of hip hop and gangster rap. Participants will learn about the development of rap music, hip hop culture, its entrance into popular culture, and the commercialization of rap music. This workshop is a must for professionals dealing with gang-involved youth and will create a greater understanding of this genre of music and its impact on youth culture. (Also offered on Wednesday, June 25, at 3:30 p.m.)

Presenter: Detective Ernest Cuthbertson, Greensboro Police Department, Greensboro, NC

Race-Based Gang Conflicts
Grand Salon D

Gangs in California are pursuing vendettas with violence against gang members and innocent community members alike on the basis of skin color and ethnicity. This workshop will overview this trend, possible ramifications, and solutions.

Presenter: Detective Wayne Caffey, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles, CA

Implementing a Gang Crisis Response—Chicago CeaseFire: Part II
Fayette/Newton

(Continued from 1:30 p.m.)

Case Managing Gang-Involved Youth: Part II
Cherokee

(Continued from 1:30 p.m.)

Gang Homicide: From Incident to Resolution
Walton

This session will cover a gang-related homicide, from the commission of the crime through the arrest and prosecution of the case in court. Participants will gain perspective on police/prosecutorial responses to violent gang crimes.

Presenter: Jeffrey Wennar, Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, Rockville, MD

Gang Intervention Through Targeted Outreach: Part II
Rockdale

(Continued from 1:30 p.m.)

Employment Issues With Gang-Involved Youth: Part II
Gwinnett/DeKalb

(Continued from 1:30 p.m.)

Targeted Reentry Programs—Clubs and Corrections: Part II
Clayton

(Continued from 1:30 p.m.)

Law Enforcement—Outreach Partnerships
Douglas/Paulding

Police departments around the United States are learning that in order to effectively counter gang violence in the community, they must engage with new community partners who can effectively reach young people and their families. This workshop will overview examples of these partnerships and provide law enforcement and outreach participants with insights on how these partnerships can be created and strengthened.

Presenters: Officer Moses Robinson, Rochester Police Department, Rochester, NY; Detective Stephanie Treadwell, Newark Police Department, Newark, NJ; Melvin C. Carter III, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX

Truancy Programming to Address Gangs
Henry

What part does truancy play in the lives of gang-involved youth? This session will identify what is being done to keep gang-involved at-risk youth in school and encourage them to leave gangs.

Presenters: Kelly Drummond, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Knoxville, TN; Shelley Grant, State Attorney’s Office, Jacksonville, FL

A Statewide Strategy to Address Gangs
Forsythe

Three years ago, Oklahoma created a statewide steering committee to develop programming and strategies to address gang prevention, intervention, and suppression. This committee began working with communities around the state to implement comprehensive approaches to gangs and make policy recommendations. This workshop will overview that process and provide recommendations based upon experience.

Presenters: Carol Marsh, Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, Oklahoma City, OK; Representative Gus Blackwell, Oklahoma House of Representatives, Oklahoma City, OK; R. Darrell Weaver, Director, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Oklahoma City, OK

The Gang Reduction Program: Lessons Learned
Cobb

The Gang Reduction Program, funded by OJJDP, was designed with the goal of reducing youth gang crime in targeted neighborhoods by incorporating an integrated approach that includes primary prevention and secondary prevention, as well as intervention, suppression, and reentry strategies. This workshop will outline lessons learned about program planning and implementation from the Gang Reduction Program.

Presenters: Esther Welch, Virginia Attorney General’s Office, Richmond, VA; Kimberly Hale, National Youth Gang Center, Tallahassee, FL; Laura Kallus, PanZOu Project, North Miami Beach, FL; Lieutenant Harvey S. Powers, Richmond Police Department, Richmond, VA; Mirva Cadet, PanZOu Project, North Miami Beach, FL