Working on the gang file
Jul 28, 2009 | 1602 views | 3 
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For a gang member or gang associate to find themselves on file with the gang unit, Sgt. Ray Magee explained, law enforcement must adhere to some strict criteria.
“We follow the Nevada Revised Statues on identifying a gang member or associate,” Magee said. “Officers are trained to identify gang members and associates.”
According to the 2008 Report on the Status of Gangs by the Regional Gang Unit, criteria to identify a gang member includes:
• When a person admits gang membership and there is evidence to support that the claim is true.
• A reliable informant identifies someone as a gang member.
• If a person is arrested and the crime is consistent with gang activity and there is more evidence of ongoing gang activity.
• If a person’s criminal record established a history of gang-related activity.
• If there is information from jail or prison in which a person admits gang membership or association.
The same report states that criteria for identifying a gang associate includes:
• A person who is partially involved with a collective group that is engaged in gang activity but the person is not a confirmed gang member.
• Any person who claims association with other gang members or other confirmed gang associates.
• If the person displays recognized indicators of a gang.
Magee said that a person needs to meet three criteria in order to have a file started unless that person openly admits a gang affliction, which is the only defining factor that stands alone.
“It can be that they have tattoos, and be associated with a gang and the location of the known gang areas,” Magee explained.
Once the information on a person is documented, Magee said that it is then given to two different supervisors that review the information before an official gang intelligence file is started.
“We are the only agency that I know of that sends certified letters home informing parents that their child is being considered for being put in the gang intelligence file,” Magee said, adding that they welcome parents to come in and talk to the officers about their children’s possible gang involvement and to contest it if necessary.
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We all know the corruption and lies that exist in any police department. Trust me, RPD isn't free of guilt by all means, I'm writing because I am sick and tired of the City of Reno and or Sparks to back officers who practice this sort of behavior.
Thank God for community activists like Mr. Nerey and Pastor Leslie Williams, who are not afraid to walk the front lines. People like them is what makes this world go round. Keep on trucking guys and thank you for what you do.
Kevin Earl
My only question here is why does the city leaders and officials support and back them.
One day soon, an officer is going to screw up and get caught red handed. A recording will take place and when that comes about, I swear, I'm going to have a great time, telling you I told you so.
But failing, coming short and making a mistake isn't what's important here because we know they fail all the time, what is important is what kind of reprocaution, fines or repromendations will take place when that time comes?
As a tax payer and a frustrated productive member of my society, I say fire them, get rid of corrupted cops, especially those like McGee, who fill they are above he law.
Edna Jager
Community Activist
La Raza