Expert: Dick Rogers - 4/28/2009

Question
Hey Mr Rodgers. I am presently an investigator with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Lately i was in search of several investigative courses to take advantage of preferebly Gang Homicide investigation because it seems as though this is the route we are heading in right now. Can you assist me on where i can search or apply for such a course and are there such courses available on-line via the internet.

Answer
Kevin, it has been quite a few years since I have worked gang cases, however, if this is now becoming and problem in the Bahamas, it should be nailed down at soon as possible...the one thing about gang cases is that if they are not dealt with at the outset, they get a life of their own and it will not be a problem easily dealt with.  As for training, there is little I have left from the years I was dealing with the problem...I can suggest that your Google Las Angeles County Sheriff's Department and query their Homicide Bureau to see if there are current manuals they can send you.  I know that there are periodic updates as new techniques or procedures become known.  The one thing that is apparent when it comes to gang cases is that they parallel organized crime and as such, they should be addressed in the same way.  I don't know what your legal system is in the Bahamas but I cannot emphasize the importance of cracking down on this as soon as it appears (includes painting over graffiti and establishing gang profiles). Good luck