Chicago Based Gangs: Beyond Folks & People (Paperback)
Revised 2021 - Undoubtedly, the gang influence that has most affected communities, far and wide, across the United States has been Chicago based gangs. In this regard, two "real cops" that have affected the professional lives of gang investigators across the United States came together to write a book about these Chicago based gangs. Retired Chicago PD Gang Detective, Joe Sparks and King County, WA, Gang Specialist Gabe Morales are not only two of the most experienced gang investigators I have ever met, they have assisted me in many of my own gang investigations. They have also assisted many other gang investigators across the country. Joe and Gabe have always gratefully offered to share their knowledge, expertise, and precious time with other cops. They have always gone beyond their call of duty and have helped countless cops and communities understand and fight the scourge of gangs because they understand it helps us all to be safer. - Lou Savelli, Ret. Gang Sgt. NYPD.
Gabriel Morales is a Gang Specialist with extensive experience working with juvenile and adult offenders for over 30 years. He has taught Gang I.D. and Management to thousands of criminal justice workers. He was the Founder and a past Advisor for the Int'l Latino Gang Investigators Association. He also wrote "Varrio Warfare: Violence in the Latino Community", "La Familia: Prison Gangs in America", and many other books. He also has an autobiography entitled "The Life & Times of a Vato Loco". Joe Sparks was a Chicago PD Officer for 33 years, most of that time being spent in the gang unit. Over his career he dealt with a multitude of criminal figures and gang leaders. He testified in multiple gang cases and shares stories in this book that have never been told before. Sparks not only talks about all of the major Folks & People gangs, he describes Organized Crime, Outlaw Bikers, Drug Cartels, and other lessor known Chicago gangs.