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2009-1251-Minutes for Meeting May 04,2009 Recorded 6/10/2009DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL <j Monday, May 4, 2009 Allen Room, County Administration Building, 1300 NW Wall, Bend, OR MINUTES OF MEETING Present were Judge Michael Sullivan; County Administrator Dave Kanner; Commissioners Alan Unger and Tammy Baney; Ken Hales, Community Corrections; Deevy Holcomb, Juvenile Community Justice; Carl Rhodes, Oregon State Police; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Ron Roberts, Redmond Police Chief; Becky McDonald, 9-1-1; Mike Dugan, District Attorney; Hillary Saraceno, Commission on Children & Families; Eileen Stein, City of Sisters Administrator; Shelly Smith, KIDS Center; Aaron Brenneman, defense attorney; Sandi Baxter, Bend Police Chief; Sheriff Larry Blanton; Councilman Ed Boero of the City of Redmond; and Kendra Aper, District Attorney's Office; and guest Scott McGuire of ME. & Associates. No representatives of the media or other citizens were present. I Call to Order & Introductions Judge Sullivan opened the meeting at 3:35 p.m., at which time the attendees introduced themselves. II Consideration of Approval of April Minutes Ron Roberts moved approval and Carl Rhodes seconded; approval was unanimous. ESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL RECORDS NANCY BLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERK 1iJ LVr7 COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 06/10/2009 08:27:23 AM III Public Comment 11 1111111 11111111111111111111 2 3 None were offered. 2109-2 Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, May 4, 2009 Page 1 of 6 Pages IV Update regarding Consideration of "Opt Out" Commissioner Baney gave an overview of the issue, which involves State funding that is to be used for the supervision of felons. If funding drops to a certain level, counties can opt out of the program and let the State handle this function. There are some serious concerns. The State agreed to supervise felons at a certain level; however, the question becomes, how much of a decrease can be allowed. If the County opts out, local control will be lost, as the State would make these decisions. The overall concern from the judicial level as well as from the community was to retain local control no matter what the level of funding. Chief Roberts asked how this might look. Commissioner Baney explained that the County already does more than is required, such as supervising misdemeanants. The State could reduce some felons to misdemeanants or they could have offenders serve fewer months, thus reducing the State's workload. The County would not be supervising the same people as the State. District Attorney Mike Dugan queried how they could reduce the length of probation or supervision; this may not be possible depending upon the type of crime. Sentencing guidelines are followed by the judges, who could make findings for a longer period of time. Commissioner Baney stated that in regard to the County opting out, the Commissioners could not wait for the legislature to finish its deliberations; a decision had to be made before then. The County is invested in the community more than mandated by 1145 requirements. A hybrid is not desired, and local control is important. Dave Kanner asked how legislation could make felons into misdemeanants instead. Mr. Dugan said that they are looking at a lot of ways to save money, including changes to Measure 57 and how Measure 11 offenses are handled. They need to save $338 million out of the Corrections budget. Nothing has been decided yet. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, May 4, 2009 Page 2 of 6 Pages Commissioner Baney added that the County is looking at ways to save money through service delivery. Potentially Parole and Probation could be placed under the Sheriff's Office; this discussion was lively, and no agreement was reached. There is concern about opt-out next year, as there is too much to consider at this point. Judge Sullivan noted that the judges were asked for input, and consensus was that this should remain with the County, resulting in more flexibility. There is also a good working relationship between the County and local judicial. It is felt that local work is better; for instance, in regard to concurrent supervision for someone who has been found guilty of more than one offense. This can save a lot of resources. V Gang and Juvenile Violence Assessment Chief Ron Roberts and Deevy Holcomb presented the May 2009 final report regarding gang and juvenile violence. The Oregon Youth Authority had requested this type of information, so the local group applied for a grant to study this issue. (See attached information) Chief Roberts indicated that LPSCC is being asked to accept this report, which will be distributed more widely. Some recommendations would also be acted upon, such as the training module - who should provide the training and who should receive it. District Attorney Dugan stated that school resource officers have been very effective in not only identifying potential problems, but also in reducing those problems. Chief Roberts added that there are a number of ways to engage with youth, both inside and outside of the school environment. Ms. Holcomb said that there is a standing agenda item regarding gangs at the Safe School Alliance meetings. There does not seem to be a big problem in the area, although there can be sporadic quasi-gang activities. Mr. Dugan said that he does not want to see the community become complacent. Chief Roberts stated they do keep track of activity, as well as graffiti. Judge Sullivan said that due to budget constraints, there would have to be more than one training class to allow for officers to attend during regular work hours. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, May 4, 2009 Page 3 of 6 Pages Ken Hales said the report gives an objective overview, but more importantly gives some next steps to take. Sheriff Blanton indicated that this issue seems to be cyclical. There was far more tagging and potential for gang activity in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Chief Baxter says she seems more of this activity in people in their early 20's. Mr. Dugan moved acceptance of the document, and Hillary Saraceno seconded. Acceptance was unanimous. Sheriff Blanton recommended briefing training to expand on the definition and what the report found. Ms. Holcomb said that the assessment committee consists of five or six people, and one person can handle the training. This could be set up as needed with watch commanders to handle the different shifts. It might take some time to get to everyone. Chief Sandi Baxter suggested that the group get together soon to perhaps narrow down the scope of what would be presented to the officers. Chief Roberts agreed to draft the document and present it to other law enforcement officials for review. Commissioner Baney asked what the next steps are, and who would collect the data that officers note. Ken Hales replied that he can take the lead on what the agencies might come up with. Sheriff Blanton said that it isn't as much of a problem now as it was some time ago, but it is cyclical. The information is collected this way. Chief Roberts said that the information will get out via patrol briefings. There are laws regarding maintaining files that have to be considered. If everyone is using the same definitions, that is a good start. Eileen Stein stated that Sisters has had some experiences with tagging, and asked why Sisters was not included in the study. Ms. Holcomb explained that it is hard to use data from a small population and it was, in fact, challenging to use Redmond. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, May 4, 2009 Page 4 of 6 Pages Mr. Dugan said that some people are classified as wanna-be, which does not fall within the definition Chief Roberts stated that they are trying to get away from the "wanna-be" aspect; he does not think they are the same thing. That is why there are strategies to address these kinds of behaviors early. Judge Sullivan noted that there will be a review in sixty days regarding the status of the training, and suggestions on how to present this information to the rest of the community would be VI FY 2010 Crime Prevention Funds Ken Hales, at the request of the Board of Commissioners, gave an update of the Steering Committee's recommendations regarding crime prevention funds. (A copy of the recommendations is attached.) This may be in the County Administrator's proposed budget, and recommendations include the additional $25,850 for the Commission on Children & Families. Mr. Kanner stated that he did restore the cuts in the proposed budget, but this has to be approved. Hillary Saraceno noted that this funding is to fight crime by investing in kids, including the younger kids. This is not Head Start per se, but these programs, which are not a lot of money, can make a big difference. The District Attorney and Chief Roberts have made various presentations, which received a good response overall, with most of the media attention from the television stations. VII Community Justice Byrne Grants Mr. Hales gave a brief overview of current Byrne Grant applications. Three competitive grants were sought. The first two would partially supplant existing funding; the other is a new initiative. Mr. Dugan said that no one contacted him about input, and wanted to know if there would be funding available for court services as well as treatment services. Mr. Hales replied that they tried to put in enough money for the prior DUII Court, to cover all related costs. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, May 4, 2009 Page 5 of 6 Pages The intent of the grant is to hold everyone harmless. Commissioner Baney added that it would cover the cost of those doing the work. Mr. Hales stated that it is not a typical grant. It is abbreviated, and a lot of the work is conceptual at this point. It is not a decreasing grant amount or a seed grant. It would be good for two years. VIII Other Business Kendra Aper advised the group of the upcoming Northwest Investigators' Association conference for prosecutors and officers, including anyone who works with gangs. She will provide information to local law enforcement agencies. Chief Baxter noted that May 15 is Police Officers' Memorial Day. Typically the ceremony is rotated between agencies, and this year it is Bend Police Department's turn. The event will be held on Monday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at Les Schwab Amphitheater, and Judge Sullivan will be a speaker. Judge Sullivan said that Family Drug Court graduation is scheduled also for May 11. This has been a very successful program. Being no further items discussed, the meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, c Q Bonnie Baker Recording Secretary Attachments Exhibit A: Agenda Exhibit B: Sign in sheets Exhibit C: Information on Gang Assessment Exhibit D: Information on Crime Prevention Funding Exhibit E: Byrne Grant Program Details Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, May 4, 2009 Page 6 of 6 Pages DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL Monday, May 4, 2009, 3:30 p.m. Allen Room, County Administration Building, 1300 NW Wall, Bend, OR Agenda I Call to Order & Introductions Judge Sullivan II April Minutes Judge Sullivan Action: Approve minutes III Public Comment Judge Sullivan IV Opt Out Commissioner Tammy Baney Update Council on opt out consideration Attachment 1 V Gang and Juvenile Violence Assessment Attachment 2 Chief Ron Roberts Brief Council on assessment findings V1. FY 2010 Crime Prevention Funds Attachment 3 Ken Hales Advise Council of Steering Committee Recommendation VII Community Justice Byrne Grants Attachment 4 Ken Hales Brief Council on current applications VIII Other Business Judge Sullivan Exhibit- / of / Page z z H W 4 W .J CL V c ON 0 N w ~ C S w 1-7 Q b0 Q-4 72- INLI . cv Q ` , J 0 m 0 L N co N CL Exhibit L,,' Page of Z Z Z V W H 4 W J G. ON O N ~ C ~ H LEI C L V Q)l ii . 1 V C O O N UO C C z v v o a J Val JI ti c 0 m c v L (V v a .uAllivill Page ofZ Attachment 2 2008 Deschutes County Youth Gang Assessment Executive Summary The cities of Bend and Redmond grew to a combined population of about 100,000 in the last several years. One common public safety problem in most cities over 100,000 is the presence of youth and adult gangs. Youth gang activity can pose serious threats to public safety and community health. Gang-related delinquency sometimes requires a different set of responses than individual youth delinquency. Are there youth gangs in Redmond and Bend? If so, what behaviors are being observed? What are public safety officials doing about them? What should they be doing about them? During late 2008 and early 2009, these questions were posed to more than 200 residents, students, police officers, probation officers, school staff, parents and other public safety officials through interviews, surveys or focus groups in Bend and Redmond. Police, school and US Census data and other jurisdictions' experience with gangs were analyzed. A multi-agency committee directed and assisted in conducting the assessment. one percent in Redmond. School databases reflect little or no gang-related disciplinary incidents. There is no evidence of significant community risk factors at this time. 3. Approximately 62% of public safety and community agency officials surveyed believe there is a gang problem in the community due to a perceived increase in vandalism and public nuisance. 23% of school staff believes gangs are a problem as perceived by clothing and language. High school students participating in focus groups were unlikely to report a school or community gang problem in either Bend or Redmond. 4. Assessment results suggest emerging, Level 1 (see Gang Continuum in Appendix A of this report) youth gang activity in Bend and Redmond: two to three ephemeral, small, loosely organized groups engaging in delinquency and mostly property criminal behavior, with isolated arrests and accounts of person crimes. This report details the key findings and recommendations of the 2008 Deschutes County Youth Gang Assessment, with hopes that its blueprint for future prevention and intervention with youth gangs in the area will find support in each agency and organization with a role to play. A. Key Findings There is a lack of common definition or consistent criteria between and among public safety agencies and schools about what constitutes gang activity. 2. Gang activity accounts for very little verified criminal activity in either city: less than one percent of arrests in Bend; less than one-half of B. Key Recommendations Develop-and train public safety, school and community agencies on the Gang Continuum: a four-level continuum of observable negative / criminal behaviors, and individual and community risk factors. The Gang Continuum can be found in Appendix A of this report. 2. Develop consistent statistical and information gathering methods within public safety and school agencies to appropriately track and respond to individual Gang Continuum behaviors. 3. Use a combination of prevention, intervention and suppression techniques appropriate to the identified level of observable gang activity that a youth or group is perpetrating. 2008 Deschutes County Youth Gang Assessment Executive Report Page 1 of 2 C. Table 1. Summary of assessment questions, findings and recommendations Question Finding Recommendations Are there youth Emerging Level 1 gang activity in each city Integrate the Gang Continuum in gangs in Redmond with very little verified criminal activity. For awareness and training. and Bend? Redmond, see p. 9. For Bend, see p. 17. Utilize a combination of prevention, intervention and suppression techniques. What problem Intimidation, bullying, group based Develop a common definition, track behaviors are retaliation. Sporadic gang affected graffiti. gang-related activities consistently. presented by youth Isolated incidents of assault, generally Consider routine participation in gangs? between groups or members of different regional/state information networks. groups. For Redmond, see .9. For Bend, see .17. What is community Community residents and parents Integrate the Gang Continuum in perception? interviewed do not feel there is a gang awareness and training. problem. 64% of public safety system officials ■ Establish information tracking protocol believe there is a gang problem (see p.22). about youth gang activity to be used within and between schools, juvenile For Redmond, see p.12. For Bend, see p.19. community justice, police, and district attorney. What is school Both teachers and students perceive very little ■ Integrate the Gang Continuum in perception? gang activity. 36% of Redmond high school awareness and training. staff believe there is a gang problem at school; • Consistent school policy and 23% of Bend high school staff do so. messaging. ■ Establish information tracking protocol For Redmond, see p.10-11. For Bend, see p. about youth gang activity to be used 17-19. within and between schools, juvenile community justice, police, district attorney Are there any General high-crime areas in each city were Ensure continued prompt police community / identified by residents, students and police. response to crimes and quick graffiti demographic risk Limited apparent community risk factors. clean-up efforts. factors for gang Citizens report faith in the police. Monitor key demographic gang risk activity? factors.such as poverty, crime,, neighborhood health/wellness. What are current 1. Interagency discussion: Safe School Alliance - informal / in progress prevention / 2. Graffiti-removal - Police and_JCJ intervention 3. Gang-risk family treatment: Juvenile Community Justice - grant funded strategies? 4. Improving information gathering / documentation- Bend PD - in progress 5, Coordinating prosecutorial response - in progress What are best 1. Common definition and recognition of the risks and opportunities of Level 1 activity; prevention / 2. Inter-agency communication, consistency, vigilance, training and awareness; intervention 3. Consistent application of definition to track police and school incidents; strategies for the 4. Universal prevention programs, particularly in schools; and problem/s we 5. Combination of service provision, specialized case management and suppression for have? any gang-involved youth displaying Level 1 or 2 or beyond behavior. 2009 Deschutes County Youth Gang Assessment Final Report May 2009 Research method • Followed established, OJJDP assessment model • Looked for - Quantitative evidence : arrests, referrals, victims - Qualitative evidence: police, teachers, students, youth workers, probation officers • Heard from nearly 300 individuals Highlights • Deschutes County urbanizing and changing; juvenile crime changing likewise • Evidence of sporadic, unorganized, low level gang affected delinquency and gang activity • Evidence that training is needed: - Gang activity v. gang-affected youth cultural norms - Criteria for gang activity - Consistent info management re: gangs Ex c Sum (p.2-3); Key Findings dmond,p.9, Bend (p.17, 19) • Lack of common, consistent definition and tracking about what constitutes youth gang activity • Evidence of very little delinquency, criminality, victimization as a result of youth gang activity in Bend or Redmond • Evidence that teachers and police officers believe the problem to be greater than it quantitatively appears to be 1 Re mond and Key Recommendations d(p.24-26) • Get stakeholders on common ground with definition and levels of gang activity and appropriate prevention, intervention or suppression techniques • Police and schools develop consistent statistical and information gathering methods to improve quantitative evidence Cultural Competency r e d(p.18,,119)'") • Tendency amongst some to associate gang activity with vocabulary, dress or other non-criminal conduct. • Respondents more likely to associate groups of Latino adolescents as potential gangs. • Need to improve cultural competency and clear understanding legitimate gang criteria. Gang definitions • Ongoing association • 3 + individuals • Common name, symbol, identifier • Members engage in pattern of delinquent and criminal activity • Membership or affiliation must be admitted or confirmed by reliable source with additional corroboration based on evidence of above Gang Continuum x l endixA • Not all gangs are alike, present same risks, or require the same response • Four level continuum addressing: - Individual risk factors - Community risk factors - Observable behaviors - Protective factors (Indiv and Comm) - Recommended strategies 2 Gang Continuum ^ A endixA LEVEL 1 Outward Behavior: Emulating, experimenting street gang "image", Negative group intimidation, Individuals free to cease activity, No active rivalries Individual Thinking: Socializing, belonging, identity, power Individual Risk Factors: Anti-social attitudes, values, beliefs, Anti-social peers, Mild criminal behavior, Poorfamily supervision Community Risk Factors: Ignoring problem, Isolated/disenfranchised communities, High rates of poverty, Decrepit/under-policed areas Protective Factors: Positive, non-gang affected peers, Positive recreationlcultural activities, School attachment/ positive adult, Clean, graffiti-tree neighborhood Strategy: Universal Prevention: Consistent policy/message/awareness (Schools), GREAT (Police, Schools), Positive recreation/cultural activities Targeted Prevention Early identification and opportunities to desist (Schools, Juvenile, Police) Functional Family Therapy (Juvenile), Boys and Girls Club Targeted Outreach Moving Forward • Report approval: LPSCC • Report dissemination: Assessment Cmte - Stakeholders who participated - Safe School Alliance • Acting on recommendations: - 2-hour training module on definitions, continuum: who? - Individual and collaborative agency improvements • Monitoring progress: LPSCC 3 2008 Deschutes County Youth Gang Assessment Final Report May 4, 2009 Acknowledgment Funding: This assessment and report were sponsored through funds awarded by the Oregon Youth Authority to Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice for gang intervention services. Approval: The Deschutes County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council accepted this report on May 4, 2009 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Table of Contents Executive summary 1 Introduction 3 Definitions 4 Findings: Redmond 6 Findings: Bend 14 Public safety system interviews 22 Gang-identified youth interviews 23 Recommendations 24 Appendix A: Gang continuum Attached Appendix B: List of assessment committees Attached Appendix C: Data collection instruments Attached Appendix D: Police gang activity documentation tips Attached 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Executive Summary The cities of Bend and Redmond grew to a combined population of about 100,000 in the last several years. One common public safety problem in most cities over 100,000 is the presence of youth and adult gangs. Youth gang activity can pose serious threats to public safety and community health. Gang-related delinquency sometimes requires a different set of responses than individual youth delinquency. Are there youth gangs in Redmond and Bend? If so, what behaviors are being observed? What are public safety officials doing about them? What should they be doing about them? During late 2008 and early 2009, these questions were posed to more than 200 residents, students, police officers, probation officers, school staff, parents and other public safety officials through interviews, surveys or focus groups in Bend and Redmond. Police, school and US Census data and other jurisdictions' experience with gangs were analyzed. A multi-agency committee directed and assisted in conducting the assessment. This report details the key findings and recommendations of the 2008 Deschutes County Youth Gang Assessment, with hopes that its blueprint for future prevention and intervention with youth gangs in the area will find support in each agency and organization with a role to play. A. Key Findings 1. There is a lack of common definition or consistent criteria between and among public safety agencies and schools about what constitutes gang activity. Gang activity accounts for very little verified criminal activity in either city: less than one percent of arrests in Bend; less than one-half of one percent in Redmond. School databases reflect little or no gang-related disciplinary incidents. There is no evidence of significant community risk factors at this time. 3. Approximately 62% of public safety and community agency officials surveyed believe there is a gang problem in the community due to a perceived increase in vandalism and public nuisance. 23% of school staff believes gangs are a problem as perceived by clothing and language. High school students participating in focus groups were unlikely to report a school or community gang problem in either Bend or Redmond. 4. Assessment results suggest emerging, Level 1 (see Gang Continuum in Appendix A of this report) youth gang activity in Bend and Redmond: two to three ephemeral, small, loosely organized groups engaging in delinquency and mostly property criminal behavior, with isolated arrests and accounts of person crimes. B. Key Recommendations 1. Develop and train public safety, school and community agencies on the Gang Continuum: a four-level continuum of observable negative / criminal behaviors, and individual and comnumity risk factors. The Gang Continuum can be found in Appendix A of this report. 2. Develop consistent statistical and information gathering methods within public safety and school agencies to appropriately track and respond to individual Gang Continuum behaviors. Use a combination of prevention, intervention and suppression techniques appropriate to the identified level of observable gang activity that a youth or group is perpetrating. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 1 of 29 C. Table 1. Summary of assessment questions, findings and recommendations Question Finding Recommendations Are there youth Emerging Level 1 gang activity in each city Integrate the Gang Continuum in gangs in Redmond with very little verified criminal activity. For awareness and training. and Bend? Redmond, see p. 9. For Bend, see p. 17. Utilize a combination of prevention, intervention and suppression techniques. What problem Intimidation, bullying, group based Develop a common definition, track behaviors are retaliation. Sporadic gang affected graffiti. gang-related activities consistently. presented by youth Isolated incidents of assault, generally Consider routine participation in gangs? between groups or members of different regional/state information networks. groups. For Redmond, see .9. For Bend, see .17. What is community Community residents and parents Integrate the Gang Continuum in perception? interviewed do not feel there is a gang awareness and training. problem. 64% of public safety system officials ■ Establish information tracking protocol believe there is a gang problem (see p.22). about youth gang activity to be used within and between schools, juvenile For Redmond, see p.12. For Bend, see p.19. community justice, police, and district attorney. What is school Both teachers and students perceive very little ■ Integrate the Gang Continuum in perception? gang activity. 36% of Redmond high school awareness and training. staff believe there is a gang problem at school; ■ Consistent school policy and 23% of Bend high school staff do so. messaging. ■ Establish information tracking protocol For Redmond, see p.10-11. For Bend, see p. about youth gang activity to be used 17-19. within and between schools, juvenile community justice, police, district attorney Are there any General high-crime areas in each city were Ensure continued prompt police community / identified by residents, students and police. response to crimes and quick graffiti demographic risk Limited apparent community risk factors. clean-up efforts. factors for gang Citizens report faith in the police. Monitor key demographic gang risk activity? factors such as poverty, crime, neighborhood health/wellness. What are current 1. Interagency discussion: Safe School Alliance - informal / in progress prevention / 2. Graffiti-removal - Police and JCJ intervention 3. Gang-risk family treatment: Juvenile Community Justice - grant funded strategies? 4. Improving information gathering / documentation- Bend PD - in progress 5. Coordinating prosecutorial response - in progress What are best I. Common definition and recognition of the risks and opportunities of Level I activity; prevention / 2. Inter-agency communication, consistency, vigilance, training and awareness; intervention 3. Consistent application of definition to track police and school incidents; strategies for the 4. Universal prevention programs, particularly in schools; and problem/s we 5. Combination of service provision, specialized case management and suppression for have? any gang-involved youth displaying Level 1 or 2 or beyond behavior. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 2 of 29 II. Introduction A. Purpose In December 2007, the Oregon Youth Authority released a request for applications to county juvenile departments to provide evidence-based youth gang intervention services. In order to determine if there was merit to apply for funds in Deschutes County, the juvenile community justice department (JCJ) sought feedback from several public safety partner agencies. Agencies presented a variance of opinions on the first, most basic question: Is there a gang problem in Deschutes County? Some said "yes", pointing to the increase in gang-affected graffiti seen over the recent years and certain criminal incidents felt by law enforcement to be gang-affected. Others disagreed, stating most graffiti has nothing to do with gang involvement and skepticism that any group based criminal behavior they had seen was "true" gang involvement. Further, they pointed to a lack of empirical evidence (arrests, referrals, incidents) regarding gang activity in the area. On the other hand, a universally shared perception was that the county's population growth and the wider growth nationally in youth access to media/technology has contributed to a shift in the general "feel" and cultural norms/values from the area's traditionally "small town" / rural atmosphere. Agencies pointed to increasing cultural and racial diversity, larger high schools, and youth oriented towards popular fashion, music and vocabulary, as trends linked to greater possible gang involvement. As a result of these initial responses to the idea of seeking grant funding for gang intervention, JCJ, in partnership with public safety agencies in the county, applied for and was awarded a grant to conduct a methodical assessment of the status of gang development in the cities of Bend and Redmond in order to: 1. Gain common definition within public safety agencies of the terms "gang", "gang member" and "gang incident". 2. Assess status of gang development in cities of Bend and Redmond using empirical and qualitative research methods. 3. Recommend appropriate prevention and/or intervention strategies based on findings. B. Process There are many credible resources available to assess gang development, and identify the best prevention or intervention strategies. One is the federal Office of juvenile justice Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), which over the last decade developed a Community Assessment Model, used in cities across the country, to assess those factors that can gauge a community's risk of gang activity. OJJDP is clear that gangs do not develop the same way in all places. However, most gang problems can be revealed by looking at the same kinds of indicators. These are: 1. Crime statistics / police information. 2. School disciplinary statistics. 3. School students / staff perceptions. 4. Community resident and leader perceptions. 5. Community demographic factors. OJJDP provides an extensive handbook, with instructions and tips for managing, researching, writing and ultimately using the assessment report to prevent or intervene with the local, actual determined ga)ig activity. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 3 of 29 While JCJ acted as the assessment project coordinator, the assessment model required three main entities, comprised of key public safety partners: Steering Committee: Oversee the assessment generally; approve findings and recommendations; facilitate the implementation of strategies in the post-assessment phase. Assessment Committee: Oversee research and writing, including identifying data sources and methods. Research Partner: Qualified, higher education representative to assist in data collection and analysis. A list of the members of these respective committees is included in Appendix B. III. Definitions Gangs are a long and varied phenomenon in the history of the United States. While most people will identify many of the same characteristics when asked to define the term, it is also likely that 10 different people will offer 10 slightly different responses. It is also the case that gangs develop differently in different places. What happened in one place is not necessarily what will occur in another. Without guidance and leadership, public safety decision makers, from street patrol officers to data collection staff, will also apply individual, subjective opinion when tracking incidents, writing arrest reports or talking with a suspect. This situation leaves policy makers at a loss to either accurately describe, or intervene in gang activity. While never enough for a police or school agency to adjust policy, subjective, anecdotal reporting does have a form of power to color the tone of the debate, without corroborating, "hard" evidence to confirm, or disprove the anecdotal evidence. This assessment was in part prompted by lack of consensus on what youth gangs are, and whether they are operating in Bend and Redmond. One of the first tasks, therefore, was to determine a set of definitions that had merit, reflected key elements of known and generally agreed upon characteristics of gangs, and could be applied to the cities of Bend and Redmond. Not only did the definitions assist the project in asking for perceptions and "hard" data from stakeholders to complete the assessment, but research suggest that adopting a jurisdiction-wide definition of these terms is one of the first ad requisite steps towards prevention and intervention of the problem in the first place. The assessment and steering committees examined a number of sociological, historical, law enforcement and legal definitions before drafting a local definition. The steering committee presented its work to the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) in October, which approved the following definitions related to youth gangs: 1. "Gang": An ongoing organization, association or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which has a common name and/or identifying symbol, a high level of interaction with each other to the exclusion of others, whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal activity* in Central Oregon. *This activity may or may not be linked to a specific neighborhood / location. Criminal activity includes any ORS listed crime, or offense committed by a youth that would be a crime if the youth were an adult. 2. "Gang Member": 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 4 of 29 An individual who admits membership in a gang will be considered a gang member. An individual who has not admitted membership in a gang must meet two of the following criteria to be considered a gang member: a. Has been identified as a gang member by a reliable informant, and that identity is corroborated by independent information; and/or b. Resides in or frequents in a particular gang area, affects gang style of dress, hand signs, symbols or tattoos, or maintains ongoing relationships with identified gang members; and/or c. Has been arrested in the company of identified gang members for offenses consistent with gang activity. 3. "Gang Affiliate": An individual who neither admits membership in a gang, nor meets two of the listed criteria for gang membership, but is known to affiliate with identified gang members and law enforcement has established a reasonable suspicion that the individual is involved in criminal activity, or promotes criminal activity of a gang. 4. "Gang Incident": a. Member-based: Incident involving an identified gang member, regardless of what prompted the commission of the incident. b. Motive-based: Incident that furthers the ends of the gang 5. "Youth" For the purposes of this assessment, "youth" is defined to be ages 11-22. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 5 of 29 IV. Findings: Redmond A. Demographics Redmond, a city of approximately 25,000 people, up from approximately 15,000 only 10 years ago,, is a microcosm of the population and cultural shifts that took place across the country in first decade of 2000. As part of Central Oregon's growing popularity generally, the city has changed from a small town in a mostly rural county to a small city in an increasingly urbanized county - seemingly overnight, particularly to residents who lived here before the population boom. Most of the growth in Redmond has been due to migration of families, with a majority of new residents having children under age 18 years. The racial and ethnic distribution has remained primarily white/Caucasian, with the Hispanic population growing the most, from 2.8% in 2000 to 5.5% of the population in 2007 (US Census Bureau, 2007). Other minority populations, including Black/African Americans, Native Americans, and Asians, combined make up less than 5% of the population. Community risk factors for gang development were analyzed using US Census 2007 data. These include: ■ Poverty: The median income for Redmond overall is $56,053, with 8.2% living below the poverty line. However, seventy-seven per cent of low median income families were paying more than 30% of their income on housing and 40% of Redmond School District students participate in the free/reduced lunch program2. ■ Single-parent households: The lack of supervision and economic stressors associated with many sing- parent households represents a possible risk factor for gang development. Eight per cent of the families living in Redmond were single-parent families; however, these families were over-represented in the families living in poverty. B. Crime Statistics A growth in population and a growth in crimes do not necessarily translate into a growth in gang-related crimes. The assessment studied both crime and gang-related crime during the last two years in Redmond in two different ways: crime statistics and police information. Gang-related arrests were analyzed in relationship to all criminal arrests in certain crime type areas - those shown to be most related to gang crime, when gang crime does occur (a list of crime types analyzed can be found in Appendix C, p1). Before the statistical analysis could even begin a challenge to the results - whatever they would be - existed. According to police, gang activity has flared up from time to time over the last 20 years, but has accounted for such limited criminal activity, the Redmond police department has no official policy or procedure in place for officers or clerical staff to denote when an arrest is gang-related. If the arresting officer notes it in the police report, it is likely to be coded as such in the database. But because no official definition is in place, observations and notes are not consistently tracked. This made the statistical analysis something of a preliminary exercise, no matter how thoroughly the databases were examined at this point in time. With these caveats in mind, three questions were applied to overall crime statistics for the last two years: How much of the overall crime problem is attributed to gangs? 1 Portland State University, Population Research Center. Population Estimates December 31, 2002 and July 1, 2008. Verbal and email communication. L. Dixon, Redmond School District. February 2009. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 6 of 29 In the crime types analyzed, between 2007 and 2008, arrests dropped by 23% (from 3,109 to 2,367). In both years, vandalism and larceny (low level theft) were the largest crime types by arrest in Redmond, each accounting for approximately 40% of all arrests tallied. Out of 5,473 total arrests in 2007 and 2008, 21 are listed in the Redmond police database as gang-involved: less than one-half of one percent (0.04%). In order of frequency, the arrests were for: larceny/theft, drugs and minimal violent offenses. Data available suggests that half of the gang-related arrests were of individuals 22 and younger; with the others either older, or unknown. What crimes are gang members committing? Of the arrests listed as gang-related, more than half were for larceny. Information suggests that graffiti may actually be the most likely crime type to involve gang-related offenders, but the data was unable to confirm this'. In 2008, one arrest each for rape and robbery was listed as gang-related, and three drug arrests. There were a total of 12 and nine gang-related arrests respectively in 2007 and 2008. Has this changed over time? In what ways? There was no noticeable shift in the two years analyzed. Police information and anecdotal evidence suggests that the demographic membership of gang activity has changed more than the type of or amount of gang activity. The appearance of gangs with membership and affiliation by Latino males, representing symbols and names of established gangs from other areas is a shift from the past, when gangs were primarily populated by Caucasian males and were fully local/unique in origin. C. Police Information With the understanding that the quantitative data may not be entirely accurate, the assessment relied heavily on the qualitative method of information gathering: police information. School resource officers and police detectives were systematically interviewed for the knowledge they hold about possible gang activity due to relationships with offenders and others, and time spent on the street, in communities and in the hallways. Those interviewed provided another perspective to the raw numbers provided by the police department database. While not contradicting the database, indeed confirming that gang activity at present does not account for a significant amount of criminal activity in Redmond; officers were able to provide additional information that helps describe the situation more completely. Questions asked can be found in Appendix C, p. 2. They included: What gangs are active? What is their membership number, demographic make-up? Both school resource officers and police detectives are aware of three youth gangs operating in Redmond, with total membership between 12-28, Hispanic and Caucasian individuals, aged late teens to early twenties. The majority of members are male, with one gang having female membership. An unidentified number of affiliates were mentioned without any specificity. One gang emerged in early 2009; two have been present in some capacity for one-two years. 3 Data provided to the assessment team by the Redmond Police Department listed all graffiti arrests as gang-related, something highly unlikely by national standards, and confirmed to be unlikely by Redmond officials during the course of the assessment. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 7 of 29 Two of the groups represent the colors, symbols and names of two commonly known, large-scale gangs - Nortenos and Surenos - which emerged as two rival gangs from the California prison system in the mid 1900's between prisoners identifying either as northern or southern Mexican descent. Officers state there is no evidence that they are "set-specific" - i.e. formally tied to the structure or leadership of those established gang networks. They suggest that some members have family or friends located in California who may live in areas in which Norteno/Sureno gang activity exists and/or be members themselves, but that no formal relationship appears to exist. The newest group to emerge appears to be local in origin, using a name and colors not affiliated with known gangs outside of Redmond. A unique feature of this gang is police information regarding female involvement. What crimes are gangs and gang members committing? The gangs described are informal street-gangs responsible for intimidation, harassment, drug crimes, vandalism/graffiti and limited person/weapons related arrests. The officers stated there is no evidence that these gangs were entrepreneurial, drug trafficking organizations or gangs, or in formal relationship with any known drug trafficking organization. Due to current investigations and protection of information efforts, the assessment was not able to confirm the specific number of arrests that the activities described resulted in. 3. When and where are gang-related crimes being committed? Police identified central, slightly north, and west Redmond as the areas most of the identified gang activity had occurred. Police indicated that there was no evidence that any of the gangs identified have claimed, defend, or intimidate others regarding specific territory. No specific times or days of the week were referenced. Who are the victims of gang-related crime? Officers stated that the general public, and specific residents or businesses that had been vandalized or experienced theft by individual identified as gang-involved were the majority of victims. A small number of domestic disturbances involving individuals known personally to the gang members, and of fights / harassment between members of two of the gangs were identified as additional victims. A recent assault appears to be against an unrelated/innocent individual. School resource officers also identified a loosely formed group with many gang characteristics called "Cowboys" or "Hicks", with sporadic, low-level anti-social and criminal activity located generally on Redmond High School property / surrounds. Informal, without a clear leadership structure and generic use of a confederate flag symbol, school resource officers stated that the group and its members were responsible for isolated and sometimes group acts of intimidation and harassment (sometimes based on race), minor drug crimes and violations. In addition to these, officers listed two other gang groups that had been in existence more than two years ago, but that have disintegrated, or members have left the area, with no criminal or anti-social activity attributed to them in at least one year. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 8 of 29 Table two summarizes SRO and police information data about youth gangs in Redmond. -r Wn 7 Cnmmnrv of R,-dmnnA nnlirP Aano activity information Name Location Identifiers Members and Affiliates Activities Victims Number Age Race Gender "Reds", Mostly North Red, "14", 6-8 w/ 3-5 Older teen - Hispanic Males Intimidation, General Nortenos; and Central "Norte", affiliates early Assaults; neighborhood, not set- "XIV", four twenties Tagging, Public specific square dots Representing, property Vandalism, Drug Crimes "Blues", Mostly North Blue, "13", Up to 10 19-21; a few Hispanic, Male Robbery, Public Surenos, and Central Blue paisley w/ under 19 White tagging, property, Hybrid w/ bandanas unknown domestic neighborhood, "41s' St" and affiliates violence, "COT" Flee/elude affiliations; police; Fights not set- with specific "Cowboys" "LAA" - Southwest "LAA", 10-15 w/ 16-22 White Male Disorderly Public Loyalty and Central Black and unknown and conduct, property, Above All white affiliates Female trespass, one Individual bandanas serious assault assault victim w/ a wea on D. School Disciplinary Incidents Data collected about school demographics, characteristics and disciplinary incidents, including any involving gang activity, is important in understanding whether there is a youth gang problem, what kind of problem behaviors are being seen, what the current responses are, and how students and staff are feeling about possible gang activity. Three types of data were collected. Data was collected on the last two years (2006/07 and 2007/08) of middle and high school disciplinary incidents, as tracked in the school district's Electronic Student Information System (ESIS). The assessment project provided the incident types of interest. They included incidents such as truancy, fighting, disobeying a teacher, vandalism/graffiti, disruption, etc. The full list can be found in Appendix C, p. 3. There was a significant increase in the number of incidents that occurred in 2007/08 compared to 2006/07, from 1527 to 2079. The two most commonly occurring incident types were the same for both years: disobeying a teacher/official and disruption. Truancy was the third most common incident type at Redmond High School only. There was only one incident - vandalism/graffiti - for either year, in all schools, listed as gang-related. The school district does not have a policy or procedure that defines the criteria of a gang-related incident. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 9 of 29 E. Student perceptions 1. Method Given the lack of quantitative evidence about gang activity in Redmond schools, the assessment committee was interested primarily whether student opinion varied significantly from statistical reality. Focus groups were utilized at Redmond High School to gauge student perceptions about gang activity. A focus group is a structured discussion, led by a neutral facilitator. Students participated voluntarily and anonymously. A transcriber typed each student's comment verbatim in a table format. Comments were later analyzed for reoccurring themes and sentiments. Students were asked their opinion of the definition and prevalence of gangs, gang members, gang graffiti and gang activity at school. One question was asked about student perceptions of any neighborhoods in Redmond they felt to be experiencing gang activity, or vulnerable to gang activity. Students were provided with the formal definitions listed on p. 4-5 of this report at the end of the focus group, and asked if the definition altered their previously stated opinions or perceptions. The focus group questions are listed in detail in Appendix C, p.4. 2. Description of participants Twenty-nine students from Redmond High School participated in three focus groups in February 2009. Participants were 55% female and 45% male and ranged from 15 to 18 years of age, with an average age of 16. Grades represented included participants from 1011-12 grade, with a majority of respondents from the 11th grade. Each focus group had an average of 10 participants. 3. Results Generally speaking, student perceptions supported the statistical description of non-existent or extremely limited gang-activity at Redmond High School. While the focus groups represent a small percentage of the overall population of youth, ages 11 to 22, in the Redmond city limits, the responses were considered a reasonable estimate of how high school students attending school felt about gang activity within their school. Attempts were made to illicit responses from all participants. Of note is 98% of the participants were White/Caucasian. With these limitations in mind, the following themes emerged: Students do not feel there are gangs operating at the high school. Only one student affirmatively stated that he/she felt there were gangs at the school. Some students described "wannabes" operating at the high school, described so by their clothing, vocabulary, group involvement, and race. As stated by one participant: "They look the part but they don't act it". "Wannabes" were not considered a credible threat to the safety of students or the school. Several students described race-based social groups at the high school when asked if gangs exist - Hispanic youth and a sub-group of white youth - that had occasionally engaged in individual or group conflict in the past. Students provided personal/subjective, sociological and criminal justice perspectives on the definition of gang. Some students stated that gang membership is not always/necessarily a negative activity. Students described gang members by clothing, vocabulary, gang symbols and negative behavior. Students who had moved to Redmond from other places were more likely to feel safe and to not feel as if gang activity is a problem in Redmond. Of those moving to Redmond from cities across the United States, most indicated Redmond was too small and not "poor enough" to support large gangs. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 10 of 29 The majority of students had witnessed or heard about individual acts of drug use or trade, violence or intimidation/harassment but not any gang related activities. Four respondents indicated criminal activity was done by older individuals rather than high school students. A minority of students had seen or heard about isolated instances of graffiti in the school they believed to gang-related. When graffiti was asked about, several students indicated the most likely graffiti was writing on the bathroom walls or stalls. Some students identified areas in north and central Redmond as vulnerable neighborhoods they had experienced, heard about, or felt that crime and gang activity was likely to occur in. F. Staff perceptions 1. Method Time and resources did not allow focus group interviews with staff at Redmond High School. Instead, a short survey was distributed to teachers, administrators and support staff in February 2009, along with a copy of the definitions of "gang", "gang member" and "gang incident" found in this report. The survey follows the survey suggested for school staff in the OJJDP Assessment Guide. A copy of the survey can be found in Appendix C, p. 8. 2. Description of participants Sixty-one teachers, administrators and counselors responded, with the majority of respondents being teachers (85%). 3. Results The majority of staff either do not believe, or do not know if there is a gang problem at Redmond High School, though 36% of staff do believe there is a problem, statistically significantly more than the Bend staff surveyed. In all other responses, Redmond teachers responded similarly to Bend teachers, with clothing and language both provided as evidence for those who do believe there is a gang problem at their school. Table three describes both Redmond and Bend staff survey results. TahIP 3_ Redmond and Bend High School Staff Survev Results Question Redmond Staff Bend Staff Yes No/Don't know Yes No/Don't know is there a an problem at school? 36% 36%/28% 23% 58%/220/. If yes, what leads you to believe 1. Clothes 2. Graffiti/ 3.1-anguage 1. Clothes 2.Graffiti/ 3. Language there is an problem (to 3)? Vandalism Vandalism What contributes to gang activity 1. Moved 2. Family / 3. Sense of 1. Moved 2. Family / 3. Sense of (top 3)? here from friends in belonging here from friends in belonging elsewhere an elsewhere an If yes, when were you first aware of Last Year 3+ Years Ago a an problem at our school? 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 11 of 29 G. Community perceptions 1. Method Effort was made to survey community leaders and residents on gang activity. Time and resources did not allow an exhaustive sample to be located, surveyed or analyzed, but a small number of community leaders and residents were surveyed using the surveys found in Appendix C, p. 9-11. Fortunately, the Redmond police department recently completed a community and internal agency survey, administered by federal Bureau of Justice. These results provide information about public safety issues Redmond residents are concerned about4. More than 1,100 responses were analyzed, with the majority of respondents coming from the southwest and northwest quadrants of Redmond. 98% of residents surveyed feel safe in their neighborhoods, though 61% feel that crime has increased. Residents appear to have positive, trusting feelings about the police. Residents are concerned most about illegal drugs and traffic issues. Of three community risk factors for gang activity that respondents were asked about, a majority of residents do not have significant concerns about vandalism/graffiti, youths "hanging around" or dilapidated streets/sidewalks. There were no specific questions, or unsolicited responses regarding youth gang activity. 2. Description of survey participants Nine community agency leaders and five parents participated in discussion groups followed by survey. Community leaders all work with children and youth in some way. Parents had young and older children. 3. Results These respondents were less likely than teachers to believe there is a gang problem, and more likely to state that family problems were a top contributor to gang activity when it exists. When respondents had moved from elsewhere in the United States recently, they were more likely to feel there is no gang problem in Redmond. Respondents felt that mentoring, skill building and recreation programs were helpful prevention techniques and expressed willingness to act as mentors, or lead youth groups to prevent gang activity from developing. 4 Bureau of Justice Assistance National Training and Technical Assistance Initiative. "Compilation of Responses to Community and Internal Agency Surveys Distributed by the Redmond, Oregon Police Department, Fall 2007." January 2008. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 12 of 29 H. Current resources The assessment team did not hear of any gang-specific programs or initiatives by police, school or community agencies in Redmond. Four strategies to address both the limited gang activity described, and to prevent negative group behavior were observed. 1. Inter-agency discussion - Safe School Alliance The SSA, an interagency coalition to identify, prevent and intervene in school-based violence, maintains a "gang" agenda item at its monthly meetings. Individuals share new cases, trends, symbols and activities of gang-related incidents or concerns. This strategy is a targeted prevention strategy. 2. Creating positive, welcoming school atmosphere - Redmond High School The school district and the high school in particular, are aware of the complexities, benefits and challenges of an increasingly diverse student body. The district has made a pro-active attempt to create a welcoming and open community for students from all cultural and racial/ethnic groups. Students interviewed were fully aware of "Panther Pride", a school initiative to create membership based on a unified sense of belonging to the school. A DVD on race, racism, and openness was created in 2007/08 to educate the student body about perceptions and realities of race and belonging. These initiatives are not in existence to curb gang development, but to have a positive impact on race and cultural relations within the school. In so far as members of the school community associate gangs with racial groups, clothing styles or vocabulary only, this strategy could have positive impact on helping align perception with the evidence of gang development in the area. This strategy is a universal prevention strategy. 3. Graffiti removal - JCJ While not in existence specifically to remove gang-related graffiti, the JCJ Community Service unit does have dedicated and prioritized capacity to promptly remove any graffiti reported by individuals, police departments or other agencies. Because graffiti is less likely to re-appear if cleaned up promptly, the program may have the value-added benefit of keeping neighborhoods clean and graffiti-free, as well as fostering good relations between the community and the justice system. These two benefits positively impact community-based risk factors for gang activity. 4. Functional Family Therapy for at-risk gang involvement youth - JCJ JCJ received a grant in late 2007 to provide services to Deschutes County at-risk gang involved youth and their families using Functional Family Therapy (FFT). An evidence-based model, the program has served 15 youth and families. The program is grant-funded, with the likelihood of some grants being significantly cut in the 2009-11 biennium. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 13 of 29 V. Findings: Bend A. Demographics Bend is a city of approximately 77,780 people, up from approximately 52,029 only 10 years ago5. The city has increasingly become the population, retail, services and entertainment hub of a county itself that has grown exponentially in the past decade. Similar to Redmond, most of the growth in Bend has been due to migration of families, with a majority of new residents having children under age 18 years. The racial and ethnic distribution has remained primarily white/Caucasian, with the Hispanic population growing the most, from 2.8% in 2000 to 3.75% of the population in 2007 (US Census Bureau, 2007). Other minority populations, including Black/African Americans, Native Americans, and Asians, combined make up less than 5% of the population. Community risk factors for gang development were analyzed using 2007 Census data. These include: ■ Poverty: The median income for Bend overall is $56,053, with 6.7% living below the poverty line. However, 55% of low median income families were paying more than 30% of their income on housing. The Bend-LaPine School District reports that 31% of students in middle and high schools participate in the free/reduced lunch program. ■ Single-parent households: The lack of supervision and economic stressors associated with many single- parent households represents a possible risk factor for gang development. Seven per cent of the families living in Bend were single-parent families. These families were over-represented in the families living in poverty. B. Crime statistics A growth in population and a growth in crimes do not necessarily translate into a growth in gang-related crimes. The assessment studied both crime and gang-related crime during the last two years in Bend in two different ways: crime statistics and police information. Gang-related arrests were analyzed in relationship to all criminal arrests in certain crime type areas - those shown to be most related to gang crime, when gang crime does occur (a list of crime types analyzed can be found in Appendix C, p.1). Before the statistical analysis could even begin a challenge to the results - whatever they would be - existed. The Bend police department has no official policy or procedure in place for officers or clerical staff to denote when an arrest is gang-related. It made a push in 2008 to begin to track gang-related offenses more consistently6. Starting in late 2008, if the arresting officer notes it in the police report, it is likely to be coded as such in the database. But because no official definition is in place, observations and notes may still not be consistently tracked. This made the statistical analysis something of a preliminary exercise, no matter how thoroughly the databases were examined at this point in time. With these caveats in mind, three questions were applied to overall crime statistics for the last two years: How much of the overall crime problem is attributed to gangs? 5 Portland State University, Population Research Center. Population Estimates December 31, 2002 and July 1, 2008. e Captain Cory Darling, Bend Police Department. Verbal communication. 2008. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 14 of 29 In the crime types analyzed, between 2007 and 2008, arrests dropped by eight percent (from 5,762 to 5,318). In both years, larceny (low level theft) was the largest crime type by arrest in Bend, accounting for 35-41% of arrests in the two years, followed closely by vandalism, and in 2007 only, burglary. Of all arrests in 2007, those listed in the Bend police database as gang-involved accounted for less than one- half of one percent (0.04%). In 2008, the proportion increased to .08%. Data is not available for how many gang-related arrests were of youth aged 11-22. What crimes are gang members committing? Among gang-related arrests, vandalism was the most common crime type, comprising between 50%-60% of all gang related arrests. Simple assault, larceny and burglary followed. In 2007, five attempted murder arrests were listed as gang-related. These were the only serious person crimes listed as gang related in the two years. Has this changed over time? In what ways? Other than the five attempted murder arrests listed as gang-related, there was a noticeable shift only in the increase in vandalism arrests listed as gang-related - up from eight in 2007 to 25 in 2008. This may be related to a new push in the department to track gang-related arrests, rather than an actual increase in the number of such arrests. Officers interviewed indicated that gang activity was growing at a higher rate than evidenced in the databases, both in terms of number of individual involved, and the characteristics of the gangs themselves (see below). C. Police Information With the understanding that the quantitative data may not be entirely accurate, the assessment relied heavily on the qualitative method of information gathering: police information. School resource officers and a sample of police detectives identified by the department were systematically interviewed for the knowledge they hold about possible gang activity due to relationships with offenders and others, and time spent on the street, in communities and in the hallways. Those interviewed provided another perspective to the raw numbers provided by the police department database. While not contradicting the database, indeed confirming that gang activity at present does not account for a significant amount of criminal activity in Bend officers were able to provide additional information that helps describe the situation more completely. Questions asked can be found in Appendix C, p. 2. They included: What gangs are active? What is their membership number, demographic make-up? SRO's and police detectives interviewed described three groups they were both willing to identify as gangs, and that fit most of the assessment definition of gang and gang member. In sum, both school resource officers and police detectives are aware of three youth gangs currently operating in some capacity in Bend, with total membership between 13-18. One of the gangs' membership was Caucasian only, one was Hispanic and African-American and one was mostly Hispanic. All were believe to be between 14-18. Up to 30 affiliates, some of whom may be female and/or males over the age of 18 were mentioned without any specificity. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 15 of 29 The three groups were described as hybrid gangs, representing commonly known, large-scale gangs and unique, locally defined colors, symbols and names. Larger gangs with whom the three listed local gangs identify include: ■ Surenos - which emerged as one of two rival gangs from the California prison system in the mid 1900's between prisoners identifying either as northern or southern Mexican descent; and ■ Inland Empire - based in south-eastern region of Southern California. The third gang is called "COT". Officers stated that COT stands for both / either Carnales on Top or Chicanos on Top, which appears to be a local/unique gang that has been around for several years. Officers did not feel there was evidence that these groups are "set-specific" - i.e. formally tied to the structure or leadership of any established gang networks. They suggest that some members have family or friends located in California who may live in areas in which Norteno/Sureno gang activity exists and/or be members themselves, but that no formal relationship appears to exist. 2. What crimes are gangs and gang members committing? The gangs described are informal street-gangs responsible for intimidation, harassment, simple assaults, vandalism/graffiti and limited person/weapons related arrests. The officers stated there is no evidence that these gangs were entrepreneurial, drug trafficking organizations or gangs, or in formal relationship with any known drug trafficking organization. Due to current investigations and protection of information efforts, the assessment was not able to confirm the specific number of arrests that the activities described resulted in. When and where are gang-related crimes being committed? While general quadrants of Bend were identified as more likely for gang activity to occur (Northeast and Southeast Bend, with a number of references to Vince Genna Stadium area), there was no evidence that any of the gangs identified have claimed, defend, or intimidate others regarding specific territory. No specific times or days of the week were referenced. Who are the victims of gang-related crime? Officers stated that in addition to the general public, who may be victimized through vandalism or theft, the primary victims of youth gangs in Bend are other youths, both identified members of other gangs or unaffiliated youth, as part of rival conflicts or arguments. Officers speculated that a recent assault by one individual may have been part of an initiation ritual in which the individual was required to assault a stranger / innocent victim. In addition to these, officers listed two other gang groups that had been in existence more than two years ago, but that have disintegrated, or members have left the area, with no criminal or anti-social activity attributed to them in at least one year. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 16 of 29 Table four summarizes SRO and police information about youth gangs in Bend. Tahh- 4_ Summarv of Bend police Bane activity information. Name Location Identifiers Members and Affilia tes Activities Victims Number Au Race Gender Inland NE Bend "IE" 3 w/ Under White Males Intimidation, Classmates, Empire unkno 18; Harassment, Peers, wn High Assault, Person who affiliate School "Protection" "dissed" s age members. B13, SE Bend Blue 3+ w/ Under Hispa Males Fighting "rivals", "Rivals", "Blood SW Bend tagging, 10-15 18; nic, Intimidation, Possibly 13", "1313", affiliate High Black Harassment, random public Surenos "SUR 13", s school "Jumping', for initiation Possibly age Graffiti, tagging, "jumps" wearing School gray/white disturbances Some also wear red. COT - Several, "COT", 7-10 Under Hispa Males Tagging, fights "Rivals", "Carnales NE "BPL" - with 18 nic with "rivals" - possibly on Top" Brown 10-20 B13, School random public or Pride affiliate disturbances "Chicano Locos s s on Top" D. School disciplinary incidents Data collected about school demographics, characteristics and disciplinary incidents, including any involving gang activity, is important in understanding whether there is a youth gang problem, what kind of problem behaviors are being seen, what the current responses are, and how students and staff are feeling about possible gang activity. Three types of data were collected. Data was collected on the last two years (2006/07 and 2007/08) of middle and high school disciplinary incidents, as tracked in the school district's Electronic Student Information System (ESIS). The assessment project provided the incident types of interest. They included incidents such as truancy, fighting, disobeying a teacher, vandalism/graffiti, disruption, etc. The full list can be found in Appendix C, p. 3. There was a significant decrease in the number of incidents that occurred in 2007/08 compared to 2006/07, from 5513 to 4635. The two most commonly occurring incident types were the same for both years: truancy and disruption. Harassment was the third most common incident in both years. There were no incidents for either year, in all schools, listed as gang-related. The school district does not have a policy or procedure that defines the criteria of a gang-related incident. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 17 of 29 E. Student perceptions 1. Method Given the lack of quantitative evidence about gang activity in Bend schools, the assessment committee was interested primarily whether student opinion varied significantly from statistical reality. Focus groups were utilized at three Bend city high schools to gauge student perceptions about gang activity. A focus group is a structured discussion, led by a neutral facilitator. Students participated voluntarily and anonymously. A transcriber typed each student's comment verbatim in a table format. Comments were later analyzed for reoccurring themes and sentiments. Students were asked their opinion of the definition and prevalence of gangs, gang members, gang graffiti and gang activity at school. One question was asked about student perceptions of any neighborhoods in Redmond they felt to be experiencing gang activity, or vulnerable to gang activity. Students were provided with the formal definitions listed on p. 4-5 of this report at the end of the focus group, and asked if the definition altered their previously stated opinions or perceptions. The focus group questions are listed in detail in Appendix C, p.4. 2. Description of participants Seventy-five students (53% male, 47% female) participated in seven focus groups at Bend, Mountain View and Summit high schools in February 2009. Participants ranged in age and grade, from 15-18, with the average age of 15.7. Participants mostly identified as Caucasian. 3. Results While the focus groups represent a small percentage of the overall population of youth, ages 11 to 22, in the Bend city limits, the responses were considered a reasonable estimate of how high school students attending school felt about gang activity within their school. Attempts were made to illicit responses from all participants. Of note is 98% of the participants were Caucasian. With these limitations in mind, the following themes emerged: Generally speaking, student perceptions supported the statistical description of non-existent or extremely limited gang-activity at or among high school aged Bend students. Themes include: Students do not feel there are gangs operating at Bend high schools. 66 students stated there were no gangs at their high school. A handful of students "did not know" if there were gangs at the high school. One focus group in one school accounted for the majority of students who stated there were gangs at their school. Some students feel there are "wannabes" operating at the high school, described so by their clothing, vocabulary, group involvement and sometimes race. As stated by one participant: "They just pretend to pose. Wear their pants down low, hats brimmed up." Some students feel that Hispanic youth intentionally group themselves- Of those students who stated this, there was a division between whether the grouping was occurring out of a sense of fear and protection, intimidation and power, or just a neutral, social grouping. Students provided personal/subjective, sociological and criminal justice perspectives on the definition of gang. Some students stated that gang membership is not always/necessarily a negative activity. Students described gang members by clothing, vocabulary, gang symbols and negative behavior. Students who had 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 18 of 29 moved to Bend from other places were more likely to feel safe and to not feel as if gang activity is a problem in Bend. The majority of students had witnessed or heard about individual acts of drug use or trade, violence or intimidation/harassment but not any gang related activities. Very few students had seen or heard about gang-related graffiti in school. Students did not feel that all graffiti was gang-related or necessarily negative / criminal. Students identified Northeast and Southeast Bend as vulnerable areas of the city where they had experienced, heard about, or felt crime was likely to occur in. F. Staff perceptions 1. Method Time and resources did not allow focus group interviews with staff at Bend high schools. Instead, a short survey was distributed to teachers, administrators and support staff in February 2009, along with a copy of the definitions of "gang", "gang member" and "gang incident" found in this report. The survey follows the survey suggested for school staff in the OJJDP Assessment Guide. A copy of the survey can be found in Appendix C, p. 8. 2. Description of participants 113 teachers, administrators and counselors responded to the survey. The majority of respondents were teachers. 3. Results The majority of staff either do not believe, or do not know if there is a gang problem at Bend high schools. While nearly every other indicator was the same as for Redmond staff, only 23% of Bend staff believe there is a gang problem, statistically significantly less than the Redmond staff surveyed. In most other responses, Bend teachers responded similarly to Redmond teachers, with clothing and language both provided as evidence for those who do believe there is a gang problem at their school. Result details are provided in table five, alongside Redmond staff results for comparative purposes. Table 5. Bend and Redmond High School Staff Survey Results Question Bend Staff Redmond Staff Yes No/Dori t know Yes No/Don't know is there a an problem at school? 23% 58%/22% 36% 36%/28`Yo If yes, what leads you to believe 1. Clothes 2. Graffiti/ 3.Language 1. Clothes 2.Graffiti/ 3. Language there is an problem (to 3)? Vandalism Vandalism What contributes to gang activity 1. Moved 2. Family / 3. Sense of 1. Moved 2. Family / 3. Sense of (top 3)? here from friends in belonging here from friends in belonging elsewhere an elsewhere gang If yes, when were you first aware of 3+ Years Ago Last Year a gang problem at your school? G. Conunnrnity perceptions 1. Method Effort was made to survey community leaders and residents on gang activity. Time and resources did not allow an exhaustive sample to be located, surveyed or analyzed, but a small number of community leaders and residents were surveyed using the survey found in Appendix C, p. 9-11. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 19 of 29 Fortunately, the Bend police department recently completed a community survey, administered by Performance Leadership Institute, Inc in August 2008. These results provide information about public safety issues Redmond residents are concerned about7. Residents in all four quadrants of the city were surveyed by phone, for a total of 350 responses. The survey reflects a high level of both confidence in the police and sense of personal safety. Sixty-two percent of respondents indicated that illegal drug enforcement should be the priority area for the police department in the next two to three years. Sixteen percent indicated that gang prevention should be, though no respondents felt that gang activity should be a current priority area. 2. Description of participants Seven community agency officials and seven parents participated in short discussion groups followed by a survey, or were surveyed without a discussion. All of the agency officials participate in public-safety oriented agencies; parents had young and older children. 3. Results The parent surveys reflect similar perceptions as school staff and students. None felt there is a youth gang problem in Bend. Risk factors for gang activity were believed to be poverty, family problems and boredom. All of the community agency/leaders felt there is a gang problem in Bend, with most respondents stating that gang members have moved here from other places and family problems are risk factors for gang activity. Most respondents felt that better parental involvement was required to prevent gang activity; other prevention techniques supported were school programs, followed by mentoring. H. Current resources The assessment team is aware of five gang-specific programs or initiatives by police, school or community agencies in Bend. 1. Interagency discussion - Safe School Alliance (SSA) The SSA, an interagency coalition to identify, prevent and intervene in school-based violence, maintains a "gang" agenda item at its monthly meetings. Individuals share new cases, trends, symbols and activities of gang-related incidents or concerns. This strategy is a targeted prevention strategy. 2. Improving information gathering / documentation - Police, with Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) The Bend police department has hosted a number of DOJ trainings for its officers, and other agency officials, regarding the Oregon Racketeer and Criminal Organization (ORICO) statute, which is connected to a federal Racketeer and Criminal Organization (RICO) statute. The DOJ and individual police entities in Oregon and across the country have made a push in the last several years to train police officers and prosecutors about police documentation that gathers appropriate and needed information about criminal organizational activities throughout the duration of individual suspects / contacts involvement with police. This documentation assists in building solid prosecutorial cases when individual criminal behavior is done on behalf of, or in concert with, criminal organizations. When gang activity fits the definitions and documentation requirements of ORICO, the statute can facilitate stronger cases, convictions and sentences that reflect the seriousness of gang- or criminal organization behaviors. This strategy is an intervention and suppression strategy- 7 Performance Leadership Institute, Inc 2008. "Community Opinion Survey for the Bend Police Department". 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 20 of 29 3. Coordinating prosecutorial approach - District Attorney (DA) The Deschutes County DA's office has recently agreed to begin a process of organizing and streamlining gang-related cases. In early stages of development, the process will aim to strengthen the ability of prosecutors to build strong cases, convictions and sentences. This strategy is a suppression strategy. 4. Graffiti removal - JCJ While not in existence specifically to remove gang-related graffiti, the JCJ Community Service unit does have dedicated and prioritized capacity to promptly remove any graffiti reported by individuals, police departments or other agencies. Because graffiti is less likely to re-appear if cleaned up promptly, the program may have the value-added benefit of keeping neighborhoods clean and graffiti-free, as well as fostering good relations between the community and the justice system. These two benefits positively impact community-based risk factors for gang activity. 5. Functional Family Therapy for at-risk gang involvement youth - JCJ JCJ received a grant in late 2007 to provide services to Deschutes County at-risk gang involved youth and their families using Functional Family Therapy (FFT). An evidence-based model, the program has served 15 youth and families. The program is grant-funded, with the likelihood of some grants being significantly cut in the 2009-11 biennium. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 21 of 29 VI. Public safety system officials In addition to community residents, leaders, students and school staff, the assessment project gathered 32 surveys of public safety officials in Bend and Redmond. These included SRO's, judges, and JCJ officers (probation and field officers). All individuals were given the same survey instrument, found in Appendix C, p.12-14. Generally speaking, this group of respondents was more likely to believe there is a gang problem in Bend and Redmond than school staff, students, and community residents who were interviewed or surveyed. Nearly 62% of those surveyed believe there is a gang problem in the community; just over 56% believe there is a gang problem in schools. About the same proportion of respondents had had personal experience with a gang affiliate or gang member. Respondents from Redmond were statistically more likely to believe that gangs were a problem than those in Bend. SRO's were statistically more likely to believe that gangs were a problem than JCJ officers (probation and field officers) Respondents were likely to state an increase in vandalism, school disruption and property crimes as the top three ways gang problems were presenting in the community. Of those who believe gang activity is a problem in schools, vandalism, school disruption and increased fear were the most common ways they believed gang activity to be presenting. The three most common reasons respondents believe that gang activity is increasing are: 1. Gang members moving here from other places (74%); 2. Individuals seeking love and/or a sense of belonging (52%); and 3. Individuals have family or friends involved in gangs (28%). Respondents generally believed that targeted prevention efforts were the most effective way to combat gang activity. Of eight listed ways to intervene in gang activity, respondents believed the best were: 1. Increased support for better parental involvement (78%); 2. Mentoring (58%); and 3. School programming and new laws/ordinances (each 28%). 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 22 of 29 VII. Gang-identified youth The OJJDP Assessment Guide recommends interviewing a number of gang-identified youth as part of the assessment process. The interview format used is included in Appendix C, p. 15. The assessment team made an effort to find and interview youth who had been identified by law enforcement or a juvenile or adult probation officer as a possible current or past gang affiliate or member. Several youth were asked to participate; four agreed to do so anonymously. Three of the four youth were white/Caucasian; one was Hispanic. They ranged in age from 15 to 17. All of them lived in Bend and were attending school. None of the youth interviewed admit current membership in any gang. Relevant themes from the interviews include: Risk Factors ■ Anti-social behavior - All of them are currently on juvenile probation and had stated their participation in many incidents of delinquency and criminality in the past year, including drug use, drug trade, violence, theft, intimidation, and vandalism. ■ School failure - Three of the four stated suspension or expulsion from a school in the past. ■ Attitudes, values and beliefs - All of them agreed or strongly agreed that being in a gang makes a person feel important, like he belongs and can be a good way to make money. ■ Drugs and alcohol - All of the youth describe extensive personal drug use or trade and witnessing adults and other juveniles in drug use or trade in the past. Protective Factors ■ Positive adults - All youth stated that there is a teacher or staff person at school they feel they can talk to, and that their teachers respect them. ■ School attachment - All youth feel a part of the their current school and that teachers are fair with them and others when they "step out of line" ■ Attitudes, values and beliefs - All youth stated logical and positive reasons they would leave a gang, saying "it's all trouble - no benefits in life", "I'd get older and just leave", and "it messes your life up". Community Risk / Protective Factors Youth described no community level risk factors that make gang development more likely. Gang Activity The four interviews support evidence that some low level youth gang activity is occurring. Three of the four youth witnessed 1-3 instances of gang intimidation and recruitment at school and in the community over the last year. None witnessed gang-related fights at school, but did so in the community. Youth stated that police evidence about gangs was "false, over-hyped and blown out of proportion", and that most gang related incidents in the area involve fighting and that "if guns come into play and someone gets hurt or killed, things could deteriorate quickly". 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 23 of 29 VIII. Recommendations A. Use objective, agreed upon definitions, criteria and methods to track youth gang activity. Discussion The assessment confirmed that without common definition, individuals, including public safety decision makers - will apply subjective criteria to youth gang activity, making objective assessment - and therefore efficient intervention - very problematic. Additionally, among those surveyed who believe gang activity is a problem in Central Oregon, some common criteria applied were race, vocabulary, clothing and other appearances - things that have little to do with the real risk factors for gang involvement. Race and other physical appearances on their own are not gang characteristics when criminal and delinquent group behavior does not also exist. Growing racial diversity, or even racial tension that develops as a community is diversifying do not equate with a propensity for gang activity, though some have concluded that institutionalized racism negatively impacts the choices that young people make in regard to gang involvement'. The vast majority of youth of color are not involved in gangs. Many gangs are characterized by homogenous racial membership, and youth gang membership nationally is dominated by youth of color, but this is impacted by the relationship between race and those community risk factors linked to "social disorganization" - large-scale, economic, educational, social and legal disenfranchisement9. It is the best interest of everyone to define, track and prevent the established community and individual risk factors and descriptors of youth gang activity. These can be found on the 4-level Gang Continuum, in Appendix A of this report. Recommendations 1. Approve and use 4-level Gang Continuum, in Appendix A of this report, when conducting training and awareness activity, and in multi-agency discussions about youth gang activity in Bend and Redmond. 2. Approve and use a community wide definition of "gang", "gang member", "gang affiliate" and "gang incident", found on pages 4-5 of this report when conducting training and awareness activity about gangs in Bend and Redmond. Develop a local training program on the key findings of this assessment, including cultural competency, the Gang Continuum and the local definitions created by this project for key stakeholders. ■ School resource officers • Street police ■ School administrators / counselors ■ Juvenile probation and detention staff ■ Youth-serving community agencies K Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. National Youth Gang Suppression and Intervention. http://www.iir.com/iiygc/publication-SIP.htm 9 Thornberry, T et al. "The Antecedents of Gang Membership." The Modern Gang Reader, 31,4 edition. 2006. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 24 of 29 B. Develop consistent statistical and information gathering methods within public safety and school agencies to appropriately track and respond to individual Gang Continuum behaviors. Discussion The assessment found little to no verifiably criminal and delinquent behavior resulting from current youth gang activity in Bend or Redmond. None of the agency's whose databases were analyzed; however, have a clear, consistent policy and procedure of identifying or tracking gang activity. While police information and community perception appear to corroborate that very little gang activity is occurring, it is also clear that some Level One activity is present. It is vital to put into place tracking systems that are based on commonly agreed upon definitions and criteria to continue to effectively track and intervention in current and future gang activity. Recommendations 1. Establish an information tracking protocol about youth gang activity to be used within and between schools, juvenile community justice, police, district attorney that: ■ Focuses on observable behavior that meets the gang definitions found on p.4-5 of this report; ■ Notes where on the Gang Continuum observable behavior is continuing; ■ Protects the required confidentiality of individuals engaging in gang behaviors; ■ Notes when, where and how gang activity is occurring; ■ Notes the victims of gang activity; ■ Describes the response to the gang activity in terms of universal or targeted prevention, intervention, or suppression. 2. For police departments, capitalize on DOJ efforts, and existing police and DA support for improving police documentation about observable gang activity with suspects, informants and other police contacts. See Appendix D for a sample of the kinds of observations, questions and notations that are recommended for a no-cost improvement in gang activity information and if appropriate, prosecution. 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Report Page 25 of 29 C. Use a combination of prevention, intervention and suppression techniques appropriate to the identified level of observable gang activity that a youth or group is perpetrating. Discussion Even when jurisdictions commonly apply an agreed upon definition and criteria of youth gang activity, track such activity consistently, and consistently communicate findings between agencies, they are still left with the question "what do we do?" There are very few gang prevention or intervention programs that have been proven through scientific research to be effective. Because many jurisdictions wait until a serious, chronic gang problem ahs developed, suppression tends to be the most common approach to any kind of gang activity and is therefore the most studied. Suppression is the emphasis on arrest, conviction/adjudication and removal of the offender from the community. Unfortunately, research has shown that suppression on its own is rarely effective in eradicating gang activity at any level of the continuum'O. The Gang Continuum provides a sample of the different types of intervention that have shown to be effective, or are used commonly, with different levels of gang activity. Different agencies in the community are best equipped to provide different levels of intervention. It is important to remember that a "no tolerance" attitude is important, and can be communicated in all levels of intervention. Recommendations For the emerging Level 1 gang activity occurring in Bend and Redmond currently, research recommends to emphasize universal prevention in schools, and targeted prevention and intervention with most individuals who are displaying gang behavior. Universal prevention includes: ■ Consistent anti-gang and pro-social messages and policies in schools ■ Abundance of pro-social recreation and vocational opportunities ■ Up-keep of neighborhood streets, infrastructure ■ Community-presence by police For those youth displaying gang behavior, targeted prevention and intervention includes: ■ Provision of pro-social opportunities • Opportunities to create positive, non-gang affiliated peers and mentors ■ School and/or vocational attachment efforts ■ Family skills management intervention / treatment ■ Intensive case management for youth on probation • Continued strong police presence in areas where crime is more likely to occur ■ Continued quick clean-up of graffiti (gang or otherwise) Examples of these and other kinds of interventions can be found at the bottom of the Gang Continuum in Appendix A of this report. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. 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U P cn U (7 Cr H W V W. m L-------- L --------------I 0 V G 0 v 0 N M U 0 u 0 v 0 0 u rn 0 0 N 'C d 2008 Deschutes County Gang Assessment Appendix B: List of assessment committees Steering Committee: Mike Dugan, Deschutes County District Attorney Scott Johnson, Deschutes County Health/Mental Health Director Ron Roberts, Redmond Police Chief Assessment Committee: Cory Darling, Bend Police Captain Robert Jones, Bend LaPine School District Director, Special Programs Al J LaChance, Redmond Police Lieutenant Brad Porterfield, Latino Community Association Executive Director Tony Vandermeer, Redmond School District Business Partnerships Coordinator Research Partner: Dr. Deborah Padgett-Coehlo, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Project Coordinator: Deevy Holcomb, Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice Management Analyst Thanks to the following for their participation and assistance: Bend Police, School Resource Officers and administrative staff Bend, Mountain View and Summit High School teachers, parents and students Deschutes County District Attorney's office Deschutes County judges Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice Probation staff and selected youth Deschutes County Parole and Probation Jefferson County Juvenile Community justice staff Latino Community Association - Latina Women's Group Lynch Community School's Padres de Lynch Oregon State Police - Oregon State Intelligence Network (OSIN) staff Redmond High School teachers, parents and students Redmond Police, School Resource Officers and administrative staff Redmond TAPS (Think Again Parents) Safe School Alliance Appendix D: 2008 Deschutes County Gang Assessment Police Gang Activity Documentation Tips A primary reason for investigation and documentation is to establish a basis of knowledge and/or to articulate facts. Appropriate documentation is based upon observations and responses to interviewing. No conclusions are made - only observations and statements. Principles of appropriate documentation: ■ Document observations ■ Ask questions and probe to obtain an in-depth understanding of the response. ■ Record all pertinent observations and responses to questions in a detailed police report. ■ Report is public record which can be shared unlike intelligence files which are highly regulated. Tips for questioning individuals who display observable, possible gang characteristics: 1. "What does the tattoo mean?" (Does it show a common bond amongst individuals or does it portray criminal behavior) 2. "Who can have the tattoo?" and "What happens if someone has the tattoo who is not a part of the group?" 3. "How does one go about getting the tattoo?" (This question may result in an answer such as "They need to commit a crime or they need to be jumped into the gang" etc...) 4. "Does the tattoo list a name? What does the name mean? Who goes by the name? Is it a group? Who is in the group? Can I be a member of the group? How do you become a member of the group? What does the group do?" (If the group is involved in criminal activity you may ask what benefit the group obtains from the criminal activity... monetary_ respect, and territory.) "Can I take a picture of the tattoo?" These types of questions can apply to dress, patches, and behavior such as tagging, territory, hand signs, or colors: 1. "Why do you wear (color that is worn)"? 2. "What does the color mean?" 3. "Who can wear the color?" "What would happen if someone wore that color who was not allowed to wear that particular color?" 4. "What would happen if someone wore blue in your neighborhood?" FIGHT CRIME: Hundreds of Police Chiefs, Sheriff's, Prosecutors, other Low Enforcement Invest n K~ d S Leaders, and Violence Survivors Preventing Crime and Violence Oregon FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2009 Contact: Martha Brooks Cell: (503) 577-4715 Office: (503) 649-2068 mbrooks@fightcrime.org Washington Co. Law Enforcement Back Early Learning To Cut Crime District attorney, Hillsboro police chief lend support to Head Start HILLSBORO, ORE. As the state legislature considers a budget that would significantly reduce the number of children served by the state's pre-kindergarten program, Hillsboro Chief of Police Lila Ashenbrenner and Washington County District Attorney Bob Hermann signaled their support for early education in a visit to a local Head Start center. Prior to reading to the Head Start students, Ashenbrenner and Hermann cited the educational benefits of pre- kindergarten, which boosts pre-literacy and learning skills and helps children adapt well to grade school. The law enforcement leaders also said that children who benefit from early education are much less likely to engage in crime as adults. "This isn't just a head start for learning, it's a head start on fighting crime. These early years are fundamental to everything that comes after, because success follows success, and the opposite is true, too. Early education is a crime prevention strategy that we need," Hermann said. A long-term study of Michigan's Perry Preschool Program, which has served as a model for subsequent early education programs, found that children who did not attend the high-quality program were five times more likely to be chronic offenders than children who did participate. The children who did benefit from the early learning were 44 percent more likely to finish high school than their peers who missed out. By age 40, the children who attended were half as likely to be arrested for a violent crime. They were also more likely to be employed and less likely to collect welfare payments. The Perry program saved the public $16 for every dollar invested through reductions in crime-related costs, welfare and other expenses. "When kids miss out on early learning, they're more likely to fall behind, drop out and find themselves out of options. That's when they're really at risk to make the wrong decisions and wind up criminals," Ashenbrenner said. "With our public safety at stake, we shouldn't gamble with the education of young children. Let's not take any chances and make sure our kids get a great start." Oregon has in recent years made advances in providing early education to more at-risk children, said Martha Brooks, state director for Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, but tight budgets have prompted officials to propose major cuts to Head Start. The cutbacks would translate to 4,000 fewer 3- and 4-year-olds served each year. "This is a tough time for Oregon's budget. We need to be judicious about which programs receive funding, but we should at least not cut Head Start," Brooks said. "We only have one shot to get kids the right start so they can succeed in school and stay on the right side of the law. If the cuts go through, it will be a missed opportunity for thousands of young children, and taxpayers will foot the bill in years to come." Hermann and Ashenbrenner are members of FIGHT CRIME: INVEST IN KIDS Oregon, an anti-crime group of over 170 chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors and violence survivors statewide and 5,000 nationally. FIGHT CRIME: INVEST IN KIDS OREGON 17675 SW Farmington Road, PMB# 336 • Beaverton, OR 97007 • (503)649-2068 • www.fightcrime.org(or Exhibit Page t_ of _2 Attachment 3 ~~TES ~o Deschutes County Department of Community Justice o° GZ< J. Kenneth Hales, Director 633360 Britta Street, Building 1, Bend, OR 97701; ph 541.317.3115 April 7, 2009 Commissioner Tammy Baney, Chair Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners 1300 NW Wall, Bend, OR 97701 Re: Crime Prevention Fund Steering Committee FY 2010 Recommendation (Revised) The Crime Prevention Fund Steering Committee met on April 6, 2009. Present were the Honorable Judge Michael Sullivan, District Attorney Mike Dugan, Sheriff Larry Blanton, County Administrator Dave Kanner, Director Hillary Saraceno, Program Manager Lori Hill representing Director Scott Johnson and myself. It was the unanimous decision of the committee to recommend the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners make appropriation of $245,500 to the Crime Prevention Fund and approve transfers to the Commission on Children & Families, Department of Health and Department of Community Justice in the amounts of $48,500, $127,000 and $70,000 respectively to finance the programs listed below in the amounts indicated. Ready Set Go Healthy Start $ 31,500 Family Resource Center Family Trax $ 17,000 Bridge Program $ 59,000 Mental Health Court $ 68,000 Domestic Violence Diversion Supervision $ 50,000 Functional Family Therapy $ 20,000 It was also the unanimous decision of the Committee to recommend the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners increase appropriation to the Crime Prevention Fund by $25,850 and to approve transfer of that amount to the Commission on Children & Families to finance the 1St Steps to Success Program. Respectfully, Hales c: Commissioner Denis Luke, Vice Chair Commissioner Alan Unger County Administrator Dave Kanner Adult Parole & Probation 541.385.3246; Juvenile Community Justice 541.388.6671 Exhibit Page Z of Z. Attachment 4 Recovery Act: Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program Application Submission #1: Functional Family Therapy for High-Risk Juveniles Amount Requested: $421,508 Category: Category 2 Providing for Funding of Neighborhood Probation and Parole Officers Submission #2: Domestic Violence Unit Enhancement Amount: $371,856 Category: Category 2 Providing for Funding of Neighborhood Probation and Parole Officers Submission #3: DUII Court Amount: $335,213 Category: Category VII Supporting Problem-Solving Courts Exhibit Page _ of