The 2027 NGCRC 30th

GANG SPECIALIST TRAINING CONFERENCE:

The Preliminary or Advance Curriculum and Detailed Course Offerings for August 2 - August 4, 2027 in Chicago, Illinois.

Please note that the 2027 program is just now getting started and the curriculum is still adding courses. This is, therefore, an advance listing of the courses already approved for inclusion in the Official 2027 Curriculum. We expect to be adding more sessions to this curriculum on a regular basis.

The full conference information is available at https://ngcrc.com/conference.html

Last updated: Aug. 28, 2026

This listing includes Sessions #1 thru #??

(1) “Graffiti Identity 1 - Understanding the Game”, by Retired Detective Ken Davis, Yonkers Police Department, Yonkers, NY.

Two (2) hours

Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media

Abstract

As a police officer, he was a leading member of the Community Affair’s Division’s graffiti and gang unit (1990-2000). As a Board Member, with the Yonkers Community Action Program, he co-founded “Off the Wall”, a community-based graffiti art program that educated a community at-risk for HIV/AIDS through its work (1992-2002). Since retirement from the Yonkers Police Department, Davis has authored two books on the topic, TAG 18.3 (hardcover) and The Graffiti Identity (e-book), and continues to educate sworn and non-sworn professionals on how to more effectively respond to graffiti crimes and street gang violence.

Bio

Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.

(5) “Drug-Induced Homicide Investigations and Prosecutions: A Case Study and Step-By-Step Guide to Handling Fatal Overdose Cases and Prosecuting the Gang Members and Drug Dealers Who Dealt the Drugs”, by Stuart T. Welch, Senior Contact Attorney, Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, Bel Air, MD; Detective Paul Armiger, Aberdeen Police Department, Aberdeen, MD; and Detective Brandon Phipps, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Bel Air, MD.

Two (2) hours

Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Homicide Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Organized Crime; Gang Prosecution.

Abstract

Convicting a drug dealer/gang member of homicide/manslaughter for dealing drugs that resulted in a fatal overdose is a complicated by extremely useful tool in impacting the drug trade within gangs and other drug dealers. This session provides step-by-step details of how to investigate and prosecute drug dealers for fatal overdose cases from the very beginning of receiving the dispatch call to sentencing after conviction. You will get to hear real case examples from the perspective of the lead detective, lead prosecutor, and CDS expert that secured the first ever second-degree murder conviction in the State of Maryland for a drug dealer that dealt drugs resulting in a fatal overdose.

Bios

Stuart Welch, Assistant State’s Attorney, is the Senior Contact Attorney for the Felony Drugs and Guns Unit a the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he specializes in the prosecution of drug dealers responsible for fatal overdoses. He is specially assigned to the Harford County Drug Task Force. Stuart secured the first ever second-degree murder conviction in the State of Maryland of a drug dealer who distributed drugs causing a fatal overdose. Stuart’s article “Drug Induced Homicide: Prosecuting Fatal Overdose Cases” was published in the National District Attorneys Association’s (NDAA) 75^th Year Anniversary Edition of “The Prosecutor”, the NDAA’s legal publication. He received the NGCRC’s 2025 Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for superior accomplishments in gang prosecution, the 2025 Harford County Sheriff’s Salute Award for his work in securing the first manslaughter conviction in Harford County, Maryland, of a drug dealer causing a fatal overdose, as well as the 2026 Harford County Sheriff’s Office Unit Citation for th Task Force’s superior performance in dismantling drug, firearm, and sex trafficking organizations.

Detective Paul Armiger has been with the Aberdeen Police Department for over 6 years and he is currently assigned to the Special Investigations Division, Harford County Drug Task Force. During his assignment to the Drug Task Force, Detective Armiger has conducted and participated in hundreds of drug related investigations, including multiple Title III wiretap investigations, undercover hand-to-hand CDS purchases from members of drug trafficking organizations, and fatal overdose investigations. Detective Armiger assisted Stuart T. Welch, ASA, in securing the first ever second-degree conviction in the State of Maryland of a drug dealer who distributed drugs causing a fatal overdose. He received the 2026 Harford County Sheriff’s Office Unit Citation for the Task Force’s superior performance in dismantling drug, firearm, and sex trafficking organizations.

Detective Brandon Phipps has been with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for over 14 years and he is currently assigned to the Special Investigations Division, Harford County Drug Task Force. Detective Phipps’ experience in investigating, surveilling, and dismantling drug trafficking organizations is so extensive that he has testified as an expert at the Circuit Court and even Federal Court level. He has investigated numerous fatal overdose cases, and continues to assist Stuart T. Welch, ASA, in convicting the drug dealers responsible for causing fatal overdoses. He received the 2026 Harford County Sheriff’s Office Unit Citation for the Task Force’s superior performance in dismantling drug, firearm, and sex trafficking organizations.

(7) “Graffiti Identity 2 - Writers, Crews, and Gang Graffiti", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.

One (1) hour

Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.

Abstract

Participants will learn how to recognize their presence and how to extract criminal and research intelligence through the graffiti they generate. Reinforcement of the graffiti identity (name, format, and style). This is part two of a three part course sequence.

Bio

education.

(12) “The Use of Drones By Gangs To Smuggle Contraband into Correctional Institutions: Part 1 of 3”, by George Knox, Ph.D. and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.

Special Note: This session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. It is technically ready to view and complete now, before the conference begins. You will automatically get a password for accessing the video training files once you register for the conference.

Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/dronepaper.pdf

Abstract

Gangs and STG’s have a long history in trying to control the smuggling of drugs and cell phones into prisons. The use of drones to smuggle contraband into correctional institutions began in earnest in 2013. That’s when four offenders were arrested in a drone smuggling incident at the Calhoun State Prison in Morgan, Georgia. This is a 3 part series of a narrated power point video presentation. Part 1 covers gang involvement with inmate economic rackets and smuggling contraband, and new FAA regulations. The problem of gangs/STG’s using drones and a detailed historical chronology of examples of prison drone smuggling is provided.

Bios

George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.

D. Lee Gilbertson is a tenured professor at a state university in Minnesota and has been teaching since August 2000. He has studied gangs, militias, and extremist groups since 1995. He actively consults in the US and the UK with attorneys, law enforcement investigators, and medical examiners in the areas of forensic victimology and postmortem assessment, as well as crime analysis and mapping. Lee has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has participated in all of the NGCRC Gang Colleges. He is a recipient of the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award (2002, 2005, 2008) and the Curtis Robinson Leadership Award (2015). Lee is the Executive Editor for the Journal of Gang Research and is a member of the NGCRC Staff. His background includes a Ph.D. in sociology, MS in criminal justice, and 16 years of exemplary military service (infantry and signals intelligence).

(13) “Graffiti Identity 3 - OTWs Productions and Street Gang Memorials”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Drugs; Gang Profile Analysis; Advanced Gang Identification; Gang Internet Investigation; Gangs and the Mass Media

Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.

Abstract

Participants will learn the purpose of OTWs productions and how to recognize street gang memorials

Bio

(14) “An Introduction to Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs”,by Dr. Andy Bain, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Criminal Justice & Sociology, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.

Two (2) hours

Session credits: Motorcycle Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; International and Transnational Gang Problems; Gang Profile Analysis.

Abstract

This session is designed to provide insight to the origins, identification, and organization of outlaw motorcycle gangs. It will also provide some key notes on differences that exist in the hierarchy of the motorcycle fraternity from identifying clubs, associations, outlaws and the 1%ers. The session will also spend some time considering the role and organization of support (puppet) clubs as a conduit between the organized clubs and society and as a source of new membership. Outlaw motorcycle gang members can turn up in almost every social setting and/or occupation and as such will be of interest to everyone with a role in the law enforcement process. The session is of importance to those examining the development of criminal networks and transnational crime.

Bio

Dr. Andy Bain is an assistant professor of Criminal Justice Studies at Westminster College, PA. He holds a Ph.D. in Offender Behavior, a Msc. Criminal Justice and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. Andy has authored, and edited numerous books, chapters, and articles, on the outlaw motorcycle gangs; law enforcement and technology; and, professional risk working with mental health, social care, and criminal justice, publishing with a number of leading international academic and professional journals. His professional background includes four years with the National Probation Service (England & Wales) and six years running a successful Criminal Justice Consultancy Group, providing guidance and advice to law enforcement agencies and correctional bodies. This, in turn led to the publication of a number of local and national policing and corrections reports.

(19) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 1 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.

One (1) hour

Note: This is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. Available for viewing now.

Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Groups / White Racist Extremist Gangs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs.

Abstract

This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: special housing for informants; racial conflicts and race relations; contraband cell phones; overcrowding and stress and trauma on the job; suicide problems by inmates and staff; the “VID” factor and PTSD; exposure to trauma and stress on the job; increased radicalization of inmates; religious extremism; gang/STG abuse of religious worship; review of the largest white racist extremist gangs; Islamic gangs and gangs that seek to control religious services; the concept of gang density and its three measurement components; gang recruitment behind bars; inmate complaints about gang recruitment; extent of recruitment in prisons today.

Bio

George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.

(20) “A Basic Street Gangs Investigation", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.

One (1) hour

Notice: This course is restricted to Law Enforcement Only.

Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.

Abstract

The instructor will give an overview of one of his past street gang investigations. The session covers the example of initiating two search warrants simultaneously at separate locations: leader and second-in-command’s residences. The course covers an overview of the search warrant return (criminal evidence and gang’s intelligence)..

Bio

(21) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 2 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.

One (1) hour

Note: This is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — available to view now through the VIDEOPAGE.

Abstract

This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: measuring the three aspects of gang density; how gang importation is added with joining inside; extent to which prisons report white inmates have a separate gang; names of the largest gangs in American prisons; the prevalence of reports of military trained gang members; names of the largest motorcycle gangs behind bars; reports of gang leaders influencing politicians; pressure to play down the gang problem; political corruption over time: 1994 to present; whether gangs that exist inside operate by the same name outside of prison; comparing street gangs and prison gangs; the extent to which gangs/STGs cause management problems; the problem of housing all members of one gang together.

Bio

George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.

(22) “Strategies for Working With Gang Involved Youth in Juvenile Facilities”, by Martha Wall-Whitfield, Ph.D., Principal, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, Bryant, AR.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators; Gang Prevention Skills.

Abstract

In this session, participants will examine the juvenile justice system and the issues that occur within barbed wire concerning youth involved in gangs. The workshop will unpack practical strategies for handling gang issues in juvenile facilities as well as offering discussion opportunities for participants to share their own successful strategies.

Bio

Dr. Martha Wall-Whitfield is an educator from Little Rock, Arkansas where she is currently the Founder and Principal of Legacy Christian Academy, a private Christian school for at-risk youth and kids from trauma. She was formerly the District Principal for all juvenile correctional facilities in the state of Arkansas and also served as Principal at the state’s largest juvenile facility for incarcerated youth for seven years. She has taught for over 16 years at the University level as an Assistant Professor for Averett University and as an Adjunct for Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Arkansas Little Rock, and Arkansas State University. Dr. Whitfield is a mom of five and a Mimi to five. She is active in both her church and the community as a foster and adoptive parent and foster parent trainer for the state.

(29) “Gang Ethics 101 - Don’t Shoot the Messenger", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gangs and the Mass Media; Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators.

Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.

Abstract

This course addresses current trends challenging the modern-day gang specialist. It reviews current issues that affect how we apply apprehension, prosecution, prevention, intervention, restorative justice, and information management practices to gangs and gang members. There are many ethical issues in dealing with gangs and gang members, and it affects every stage of the process, from investigation to aftercare, even gang research itself. Should violence interrupter staff be required to “warn and protect” when they learn that gun violence is imminent? Should someone who joins a gang remain in a gang database for the rest of their life? Attend this session to learn about ethical guidelines for dealing with gangs and gang members and to share your own scenarios.

Bio

(31) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 3 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.

One (1) hour

Note: This is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — available for viewing now through the VIDEOPAGE.

Abstract

This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: gang/STG member control of inmate economic rackets; cash seized from gang inmates; stronger gang affiliation after serving time; STG’s smuggle in contraband cell phones, make more improvised weapons; extent of formal gang training for prison staff today; threats and assaults against staff from prison gang members; the 2015 New York correctional union protest billboard portends the future — more protest billboards; whether inmate classification systems take gang membership into account; gangs extort money from inmate workers; whether Islamic inmates have separate gangs; are gang members more lawsuit oriented than non-gang members; the three types of prison riots; best estimate for latent terrorists; who wants tougher laws and zero-tolerance; the scarcity of gang renouncement programs; could improving race relations help reduce gang violence in prison; what support exists for no human contact status; large support exists for telephone and mail monitoring.

Bio

George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.

(32) “Street Gangs Well Defined - For Criminal or Research Intelligence", by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.

One (1) hour

Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.

Abstract

Participants will learn how to apply tools and measurement to street groups for research and investigative purposes. The instructor will also address the groups inner dynamics, criminal activities, colors and lifespan.

Bio

(34) “The Use of Drones By Gangs To Smuggle Contraband into Correctional Institutions: Part 2 of 3”, by George Knox, Ph.D. and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.

Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/dronepaper.pdf

Abstract

Part 2 in this series provides recent findings from national jail and prison surveys about drones and smuggling. Financial factors are examined with a look at drone incidents in the federal prison system (BOP). An intensive profile analysis is provided for specific drone investigation and prosecution cases — Operation Cellmate (2014-2017) and the Muzzicato case (2019-2020).

Bios

(36) “An Introduction to the Dark Web for Gang Internet Investigation”, by Dr. Andy Bain, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Criminal Justice & Sociology, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Gang Internet Investigation; Gang Profile Analysis; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; International and Transnational Gang Problems.

Abstract

This session provides an introductory level examination of investigating gangs in the dark networks of the world wide web. We will review two case examples: 1. Ross Ulbrict- Silk Road Creator (illicit drug sales on the net), and 2. Matthew Falder - Gumtree Pedophile. In this session you will learn how gangs are using the net, and the development of networks inside the web. Also covered is a comparison between cyber gangs and “traditional” gangs, examples including: 1. The ‘Black Death Group’; 2. The UN investigation into connections between Central American Gangs and Drug Cartels; and 3. Organ Trafficking/Traffickers on the web (using the example from Pakistan). Attend this session to find out what we know and what to look for in your searches. Learn about TOR and other protection software used to hide inside the web, ho do you combat anonymity network software, and the things you need to be aware of as you work in this area. We will also provide you with a list of key terms and resources to help facilitate successful investigations.

Bio

Andy Bain is an assistant professor of Criminal Justice Studies at Westminster College, PA. He holds a Ph.D. in Offender Behavior, a Msc. Criminal Justice and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. Andy has authored, and edited numerous books, chapters, and articles, on the outlaw motorcycle gangs; law enforcement and technology; and, professional risk working with mental health, social care, and criminal justice, publishing with a number of leading international academic and professional journals. His professional background includes four years with the National Probation Service (England & Wales) and six years running a successful Criminal Justice Consultancy Group, providing guidance and advice to law enforcement agencies and correctional bodies. This, in turn led to the publication of a number of local and national policing and corrections reports.

(37) “The Law Enforcement, Prosecution, and Corrections Networking Reception”, by Kenneth Davis and Gregg W. Etter Sr., NGCRC Staff.

One (1) hour

Special Note: 5pm-6pm in the Millenium Park Room, Tuesday, August 4, 2026. You need a ticket for the event, you get the ticket by signing up for it on your registration form. The ticket will be waiting for you in your registration packet you receive when you pick up your conference ID credentials.

Session credits: Corrections/STG Gang Intelligence; Dealing with Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prosecution.

Abstract

This session is the official meeting of the Law Enforcement/Corrections Networking Reception sponsored by the National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC) and hosted by Kenneth Davis and Fred Moreno. You are invited to bring your agency patches as you can be part of a National Patch Swap. Valuable door prizes are given to session participants. Many people return to the NGCRC conference as this is an incredible networking opportunity.

Bios

Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D. is a Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office after serving from 1977 to 2006. He is rated as a gang expert by the National Gang Crime Research Center. He has written extensively and presented classes on gangs, white supremacist groups and police management topics in the United States and Canada. Dr. Etter earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wichita State University and his Doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Etter is the author of numerous books, book chapters, edited and refereed articles. His latest book is: Gangs and Organized Crime which he authored with Dr. George W. Knox and Dr. Carter F. Smith.

(39) “The Graffiti Identity 4 - Case Studies on Two Yonkers’ Prolific Graffiti Writers: One With International Connection, Another With Multi-Crew/Street Gang Membership Privileges”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.

One (1) hour

Note: This session is scheduled for both classroom-based teaching and available now through the video-based training platform.

Abstract

Attend this session to get insight on how some graffiti writers operate in complex and sophisticated ways. The presenter provides insight from two different profile analyses from his experience as a gang and graffiti investigator.

Bio

(43) “Care Theory and Gangs: Implications for Prevention/Intervention Programming in K-12 Schools”, by Martha Wall-Whitfield, Ph.D., Principal, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, Bryant, AR.

Two (2) hours

Session credits: Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang Counseling Skills; Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators; Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Gangs and Mental Health.

Abstract

In this session, participants will learn about care theory and implications of this theory when dealing with gang members in a school or juvenile facility. This knowledge will then be applied to practical applications that can be used in the field to help students and staff be productive in class or on site despite gang affiliations. Later in the presentation, the discussion of care theory and practical examples will be linked to Biblical principles.

Bio

(44) “The Christian Gang Specialist Reception”, by Martha Wall-Whitfield, Ph.D., Principal, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, Bryant, AR; and George Knox, NGCRC Staff.

One (1) hour

Note: this is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, noon. It is a ticketed event, you need to sign up for it in advance on your registration form.

Session credits: Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention Services; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills.

Abstract

This is available only to persons registered for the conference. This will be held during the “lunch hour” (12pm - 1pm) on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026. If you answered "YES" to the question on your registration form "I am interested in networking with Christian gang specialists while at this conference", then you received a special TICKET inside your registration materials. If you answered "NO" or left the question blank, it was assumed you are not interested. If you would like to change your mind, then you must do so prior to showing up at the conference: you can do it simply by mailing the NGCRC Conference Processing Center a letter or memo to the effect “if I was listed as NO or BLANK for the Christian Gang Specialist Reception, I wish to modify my registration data to reflect the new code of YES for attending this gang specialist networking event”. As we need to plan on how many are attending, no "walk ins" will be allowed. And as is the NGCRC tradition, of course, there are "door prizes" at this reception. Come prepared for some amazing testimony. This is open to anyone for any certification or non-certification registration, you need not be signed up for the Faith Based Programs certification option to attend this session. The NGCRC has been doing the Christian Reception since 1997. It is part of the strong positive tradition of the NGCRC to provide unique training and networking opportunities to those who attend the NGCRC training conference. The hosts are NGCRC staff. The format this year will be a sandwich luncheon format with the opportunity to give testimony, door prizes, etc.

Bios

George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.

(46) “Where’s Your Library Card, Reviving an Old Search Tool”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Advanced Gang Identification; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Counseling Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills; Gang Internet Investigation.

Abstract

Participants will be introduced to a traditional gang internet investigation tool - - - using basic search techniques and alerts. Adding this kind of basic search as a routinized daily activity will increase the effectiveness of your ability to keep a handle on the gang problem.

Bio

(48) “Gang/STG Corrections Intelligence: What We Know From State Prisons in the USA — Part 4 of 4”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.

One (1) hour

Note: This is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — available for viewing now through the VIDEOPAGE.

Abstract

This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American state prisons. Attendees are provided a full coverage of the latest accurate information on the following topics covered: 3^rd component of gang density; few prisons have programs to help gang/STG inmates quit the gang; small percentage who quit gang life while in prison means basically the first two components of gang density have the greatest weight; gang density adjustment to 63.8% in U.S. prisons is the only estimate with the rigorous three point or triangulated measurement approach; review of the use of 20 strategies to control gangs/STGs; the issue of bus therapy; overwhelming majority of prisons want Congress to pass legislation enabling prisons to jam cell phone signals; new development — about 1/3 of U.S. prisons now report drones have been used to smuggle in contraband (cell phones, drugs); also new — 37.9% of prisons now provide inmates with internet access or email; almost all recognize internet access for inmates creates a new type of danger; few prisons (13.8%) allow prisoner to prisoner email; low grade for federal leadership in responding to the gang problem in the last year; 89.7% expect the gang problem in corrections to increase in the next few years; 79.3% expect the problem of inmate violence from gang members to increase; three-fourths expect an increase in gang members abusing religious rights; 72.4% expect an increase in gang members assaulting correctional officers; and 44.8% expect an increase in radical militancy among inmates.

Bio

George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.

(49) “The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Gang Membership: Developing Intervention Service Components”, by Martha Wall-Whitfield, Ph.D., Principal, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, Bryant, AR.

One (1) hour

Abstract

In this interactive session, participants will explore gang membership through a trauma-informed lens. Brain research on trauma will be presented as well as practical “do’s and don’ts” when dealing with students from trauma. Participants will learn what a trauma informed school and a trauma informed classroom look like. All of this information will then be directly linked to teaching gang-involved students in schools.

Bio

(50) “Within a Decade: How the Community Affairs Division Managed Graffiti Vandalism and Street Gang Activities While Attending Its Affairs”, by Retired Detective Ken Davis, Yonkers Police Department, Yonkers, NY.

Two (2) hours

Abstract

Bio

(51) “Gang Prevention - Intervention - Counseling Networking Reception”. by Martha Wall-Whitfield, Ph.D., Principal, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, Bryant, AR and Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D., Special Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer, Gang Alternatives Program; Director, Gangfree Life Academy^®; Chair, UCLA/RAND Prevention Research CAB; Los Angeles, CA.

One (1) hour

Special Note: 5pm-6pm, Monday, August 4, 2025. You need a ticket for the event, you get the ticket by signing up for it on your registration form. The ticket will be waiting for you in your registration packet you receive when you pick up your conference ID credentials.

Session Credits: Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists; Gang Counseling Skills; Gang Prevention Skills; Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gangs and Mental Health.

Special Procedure for Sign Up: You need to check the “box” on your registration form in order to qualify to attend this event. It is a “ticketed” event. You get the ticket by signing up for it on the registration form itself or by using the ticket request form at the website, or by sending in a request to that effect..

Abstract

The gang intervention/prevention reception is a special event at the NGCRC and it has a long history of also being a valuable networking session. Come hear some analysis of the current state of affairs in gang prevention and learn about some people who are really making a difference in the world. This is also the time and venue in which the “NGCRC Spirit of Excellence Awards” are made. There are also door prizes in a random drawing based on your ticket to the event. You need to have a ticket to attend this event. The only way to get a ticket is to sign up for it in advance on the registration form itself.

Bios

This reception is always hosted by trusted NGCRC staff. Hosts for 2026 are Dr. Martha Wall-Whitfield and Dr. Douglas L. Semark.

Douglas L. Semark, Ph.D.is a nonprofit leader with four decades of experience, including 17 years as Executive Director of the Gang Alternatives Program (GAP) in Los Angeles. Semi-retired, he now serves as Executive to the Board and Chief Learning Officer. He provides gang and violence prevention professional development for K-12 school counselors; serves in various advisory capacities; such as the NGCRC, and works with local and national agencies in the areas of violence reduction and community rebuilding. He is currently the Director and lead instructor of the Gangfree Life Academy^®.

(52) “Gang/STG Intelligence: What We Know from the U.S. County Jails”, by George W. Knox, Ph.D., Executive Director, NGCRC.

One (1) hour

Note: this session is provided through the NGCRC’s Digital Video Training Platform — the VIDEOPAGE. So it is available online now through Aug. 2, 2023.

Abstract

This presentation focuses on what we know about gang and STG activity inside American county jails. It covers the kinds of challenges that jail correctional officers face in the real world. Examined in detail are those aspects of gang life that impact on safety and security (fights, threats, attacks, homemade weapons, racial conflict, etc). Attendees will learn get a detailed briefing on what is going on with regard to gangs in the context of American county jail facilities. Upon completion attendees will have a better understanding of the national picture of dealing with gangs in the jail environment.

Bio

George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.

(53) “The Use of Drones By Gangs To Smuggle Contraband into Correctional Institutions: Part 3 of 3”, by George Knox, Ph.D. and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence; Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole; Gangs and Drugs; Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills.

Special note on required reading: please read before viewing this video consists of a document located at: https://ngcrc.com/dronepaper.pdf

Abstract

Part 3 provides two more important drone investigation and prosecution case studies — th Kinser case (2018-2020) and the Fort Dix case (2018-2020). The less successful prosecution case involving the 107 Hoover Crips case in the incident at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary is reviewed. Possible covert indicators of drone smuggling are reviewed along with a listing of the most common types of contraband smuggled into prisons. Drone countermeasures and assistance to correctional agencies is discussed. A short 20-question quiz covers the full 3-part training video series.

Bios

(54) “Introduction to Separatist, Racist and Extremist Groups (SREG’s)”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor, Journal of Gang Research.

Two (2) hours

Session credits: Gang Profile Analysis; Hate Group/White Racist Extremist Gangs; Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Graffiti Identification and Analysis; Domestic Counter Terrorism Skills; Advanced Gang Identification.

Note: This session is scheduled for the videopage only and is available now through the video-based training platform.

Abstract

This session is an introduction to the various Separatist, Racist, and Extremist Groups (SREGs) in the United States today. The instructors review the founders, origins, beliefs, practices, past and current activities, and significant symbology (e.g., phrases, graffiti, and dates). Call them “Hate Groups” is too simplistic and does not capture the complexity of the problem. The instructors discuss groups that are based on religious belief, political ideology, or racial views.

Bio

(55) “The Probation Officers/Court Staff Reception” by Dr. Andy Bain, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Criminal Justice & Sociology, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA; and Irene C. Paredes, Lake County Superior Court Juvenile Division, Crown Point, IN.

. One (1) hour

Session Credits: Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole.

Note: This is held during noon time on Monday, Aug. 3^rd, and so that is why it is a ticketed event; you get your ticket by signing up for it on your registration form.

Abstract

This is a special reception for probation officers (juvenile and adult - - - county, state, and federal) and court personnel. It is held during the lunch hour on Monday. The purpose is to express appreciation to probation officers for their service in upholding the rule of law. If you are a probation officer or work for the court, come and attend, find a warm, friendly environment. Door prizes. Great chances to network and mingle. Learn something new, meet somebody new. Sponsored by the NGCRC staff, you will feel appreciated here. You need to sign up for it in advance as it is a ticketed event. You can sign up for it on your registration form.

Bios

Irene C. Paredes is a probation officer in the Lake County Superior Court, Juvenile Division, Crown Point, IN. She is NGCRC staff, heads up the Operations Center, and has been attending and working with the NGCRC for decades.

(59) “Defining and Understanding Organized Retail Crime”, by Dr. Andy Bain, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Criminal Justice & Sociology, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gangs and Organized Crime.

Abstract

Organized retail crime is one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises seen in recent years. In 2020 Matas was reporting an economic cost of $30 billion (US) per year, but within two years Bailey (2023) and Harrison (2023) had noted that retail theft had risen to some $112 billion - USD. Yet, even in the knowledge of rising costs, it seems that the industry lacks commonality of definition and strategic partnership in combating this type of offending. This session aims to provide clarity to the structure and organization of the criminal groups involved in these types of offenses, and to examine the use of and recording of a standardized definition.

Bio

(68) “The OMCG in a Global Perspective”,by Dr. Andy Bain, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Criminal Justice & Sociology, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.

One (1) hour

Session credits: Gang Crime Investigation Skills; Gang Profile Analysis; Motorcycle Gangs; International and Transnational Gang Problems.

Abstract

In recent years there has been a clear move to control, organize, and police, the motorcycle gangs (OMCG). This session will add to the body of knowledge, identify areas for growth in the policing of OMCG, and provide for some introduction to the alternative approaches taken in partner jurisdictions. With this in mind the session provides for an explanation of three jurisdictional approaches to tackling the continued position of the OMCG. We will look at the use of RICO laws in the US, and compare this to the VLAD laws in Australia, and the UK where the OMCG members are views as individual offenders - for the purpose of prosecution.

Bio

(74) “Tour of the Cook County Temporary Juvenile Detention Center”, A Field Training Event for August 2, 2027 (Monday) and August 3, 2027 (Tuesday), by Jose L. Vergara, MSW, Chicago, IL. Currently OPEN.

Two (2) Hours

Note: you need to sign up for this event using the form at the conference website.

Session credits: Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities.

Abstract and Description

Participation is limited to the first twenty (20) persons signed up, on a first come, first served basis. The tour will be closed when the total number signed up is 20. Participants will meet in the front of the hotel leaving at 12:00pm noon or shortly thereafter (until bus is full, or until transportation window closes, whichever is first). It will arrive at the tour location approximately 1:00pm which is: Main Entrance, CCTJDC, 1100 S. Hamilton, Chicago, IL 60612 (approx. 5 miles from the hotel). You will return to the hotel when the tour ends at approximately 3:00pm. There are two events: one for Monday, Aug. 3 2026 and one for Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The website (https://ngcrc.com/conference.html) has a “signup” form to sign up for one of the events. You can also just email the NGCRC to the effect you want the Monday or Tuesday tour. Be punctual (12pm noon bus leaves with or without you even if you are signed up). Do not bring anything that would be contraband in a secure correctional facility (no phones, no weapons, no tobacco, no lighters, etc).

Bio

Jose Vergara, MSW is the liaison for this event. He is a gang specialist and juvenile justice advocate working at the Cook County Temporary Juvenile Detention Center in Chicago.

(80) “Modern Gang Problems in Schools: Assessing Threats and Strengthening Prevention”, by Dr. Martha Whitfield, Principal, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, Bryant, AR.

Two (2) hours

Session credits: Gang Problems in K-12 Schools; Gang and Violence Prevention for School Administrators; Gang Prevention Skills; Gangs and Mental Health; Gangs and the Mass Media.

Abstract

The presentation Modern Gang Problems in Schools: Assessing Threats and Strengthening Prevention (2025) explores the growing challenge of gang influence in today’s educational environments. It begins by highlighting the rise in gang activity within schools and its serious impact on safety, student well-being, and communities. Dr. Whitfield will examine how gangs have evolved to become more digital, decentralized, and youth-focused, even reaching middle and elementary schools. A key focus is on how social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are used to glamorize gang life and recruit students through private messaging and viral trends. The session introduces modern risk assessment tools and data-driven strategies to identify at-risk students, while addressing challenges such as privacy and inter-agency collaboration. It also stresses the need for stronger social and emotional learning (SEL) programs to help students resist gang recruitment. Holistic prevention strategies involving families, schools, and law enforcement are recommended, along with updated staff training and digital monitoring policies.

Bio