Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course will provide student s the opportunity to obtain an accurate understanding of gang members through an academic, sociological, and practitioner view. Students will learn the history and origin of certain gangs; how gangs regenerate and recruit; and other topics related to the gang subculture.
Students will be provided an insight into police tactics not normally provided to the general public. Examples include how law enforcement defines a gang; enforcement tactics; and special prosecution.
The material for this course will be presented in lecture and discussion format. Additional educational methods will include guest speakers, pictures and videos and research paper. Readings from books, journals, and periodicals pertaining to the study of gangs may also be used.

1. Use the latest methods in law enforcement and the criminal justice system to detect and investigate criminal gang activity in
preparation for prosecution.
2. Analyze strategies, methods of suppression, intervention and education in combating gang activity.

The materials in this court will be presented in lecture, writing and discussion format. The instructor will use power point presentations, in and out-of-class writing assignments and role-playing scenarios. The instructor may use videos, legal updates, or guest speakers.

Assessment may include in-class and out-of-class writing assignments, along with student participation in, and contribution to, all class and group discussions.

This course will address topics including, but not limited to:
A brief history of gangs
Gang structure and organization (types)
Gang subculture (family, recruitment, departure)
Graffiti
Criminal activity of gangs
Girls in gangs
Why are there gangs?
Law enforcement strategies
Community-based intervention