Essential competencies and characteristics of police personnel in gang intervention units : perceptions of significant stakeholders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the essential competencies of police in gang units from the perspectives of eight categories of constituents: (a) the judiciary; (b) probation officials; (c) ex-gang members; (d) police officials; (e) police in gang units; (f) nongang people; (g) school officials; and (h) citizens. The research questions were: (1) what competencies are essential to successful performance of police personnel in a gang intervention unit; (2) what similarities and dissimilarities exist in the competencies and characteristics identified as essential to successful performance of police personnel in gang intervention units in the different target cities; and (3) how are the competencies and characteristics perceived by different significant constituencies? Focus groups and individual interview sessions were held with the respondents. A total of thirty people were interviewed to establish the perceptions of significant stakeholders. Four findings regarding essential competencies emerged. First, police must try to understand the gang problem. Second, police should display sensitivity to the gang problem. Third, police should show respect to gang members rather than exhibit a constant confrontational attitude. Lastly, police must be aware of cultural differences in their jurisdictions. The four major conclusions were: (a) there were essential competencies for police in gang units; (b) these competencies can be identified, taught, and practiced; (c) stakeholders want police to select the best qualified officers and adequately train them for this service; and (d) common ethnic origin of police and gang members plays a major role in understanding and facilitating successful interaction with gang members. There were five recommendations for practice that emerged from this research. One of the recommendations is that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCLEOSE) should establish minimum standards of essential competencies for gang unit personnel and set the minimum training standards by which to acquire these competencies. For researchers, the key recommendation is for local cities and policing agencies to conduct evaluation studies of their existing methods, practices, and procedures for attacking the gang problem in order to measure the level of success or lack of it.