In Gang Intelligence, everything matters.

When dealing with Gang Intel:

The first step should be the collection and storage of information and intelligence that is based on a criminal predicate.

What is Criminal Predicate?

From 28 CFR § 23.20 (c)- Operating principles.

(c)Reasonable Suspicion or Criminal Predicate is established when information exists which establishes sufficient facts to give a trained law enforcement or criminal investigative agency officer, investigator, or employee a basis to believe that there is a reasonable possibility that an individual or organization is involved in a definable criminal activity or enterprise.

In other words:

• The criminal predicate must be the base of any collection of information.
• Sometimes, criminal predicate does not exist when information is collected. Law enforcement agencies are obligated to do this because such information may contain hotline tips or suspicious activity reports.
• Any information is allowed to be kept if there is an existence of a criminal predicate.

28 Code of Federal Regulations Part 23:

28 CFR Part 23 is a federal guideline for law enforcement agencies that operate federally funded, multijurisdictional criminal intelligence systems.  28 CFR Part 23 provides guidance for law enforcement agencies on how to operate criminal intelligence information systems effectively while protecting individuals’ privacy and constitutional rights during the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal intelligence information.

https://www.iir.com/WhatWeDo/Criminal_Justice_Training/28CFR/

The second step should be the development of sources that can bring information. Nowadays, reliable information can only be obtained if you have an informant in the gang. However, non-traditional sources are equally important as well. Developing organizations and people can prove to be very beneficial. These sources can be used to obtain useful information. 

It is not necessary that information sources must be confidential. Here are some types of sources:

Traditional Source: Law enforcement institutions used them in the past.

Non-Traditional Source: It can provide valuable information, but it is not accepted as a standard source.

Personal Contact: suspects, witnesses, and informants

Data Sources: Publications, internet, reports, internet

Non-Traditional Sources

Non-traditional sources can be a good tool for collecting valuable information. School staff and Administration has valuable information about rivalries, graffiti, gangs, rumors, etc. Corrections personnel have information about gangs in custody, telephone communications, inmate mail, graffiti, tattoos, confrontations, and visitors list.