Street gangs are increasingly posing a threat to communities across the United States. Gang members are no longer limited to large metropolitan cities. Smaller communities and suburban areas are experiencing gang violence at alarming rates. Gang members are involved in various types of violent criminal activities. The majority of gang violence revolves around drug distribution and "turf wars."
Drug dealers and gang members are responsible for drive-by shootings, home invasions, and violent murders in cities all across the United States. Law enforcement professionals must aggressively investigate these violent acts. If the perpetrators are not apprehended quickly, more violence will likely occur, injuring or killing innocent civilians. 
 
This course is designed to expose the fact that a large number of murders occurring in America are somehow related to drugs and/or gangs. This course will also delve into the extreme violence associated with these murders. In addition to posing a threat to communities, gang members are carrying out deadly attacks against law enforcement officers across the country. Within the past few years, gang members have brutally shot and killed several police officers in the line of duty. 
 
This two-day training course was designed to assist law enforcement officers with the identification and recognition of street gang members. Officers will gain an understanding of the motivation for individuals joining a gang. Officers will receive instruction on the structure and leadership of some of the most violent gangs in America. Exposing officers to a gangs' hand signs, colors, graffiti, or clothing in a classroom setting, will better prepare the officer to win a deadly encounter with a gang member on the streets.