Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs Training for Law Enforcement

Course Overview 

For nearly fifty years, Outlaw Motorcycle Gang's (OMG's) such as the Sons of Silence MC, Galloping Goose MC, and the El Forastero MC, along with their supporters, controlled this central region of the mid-west in the motorcycle club world and they kept other outlaw clubs at bay. In the mid 2000’s a handful of local club members were charged and convicted in criminal cases and were incarcerated, some for a substantial amount of time. Shortly thereafter, in the power vacuum, bigger clubs from other parts of the country began eyeing the region and making moves to establish a presence in this region.

Today, in addition to the Sons of Silence MC, Galloping Goose MC and El Forastero MC, this region is also home to the Vagos, Outlaws, Mongols, Hells Angels, Pagans, and the Bandidos, all of which are considered "Outlaw” clubs by law enforcement, and themselves. Most of these OMG's have also established support clubs in the region to help them further their sometimes-violent endeavors. This block of instruction will discuss the history of the events that have led to the current situation regarding the regions OMG activity. We will discuss each of these clubs and their significance including the trends currently being seen by law enforcement in the area. Additionally, we will discuss enforcement techniques and intelligence gathering methods to keep officers safe and effective when confronting OMG members.

Course Objectives

• Define the term outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) and identify the serious threat posed.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of OMG culture and identify key elements such as image, structure, terminology, symbols, the role of women, and non-OMG clubs.
• Identify OMGs operating in the United States and this region.
• Demonstrate knowledge and identify officer safety issues present when encountering OMGs.
• Identify information useful to conduct a proper traffic stop involving OMGs.
• Identify information required to complete intelligence reports from OMG encounters.