Opinion ID: 1657407
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Gang-Expert Testimony

Text: Lieutenant Michael Martin, a former investigator for the gang unit in the Minneapolis Police Department, testified as an expert witness on gang culture. Martin began by testifying about general gang characteristics and some specific characteristics about the Bogus Boyz and the S.T.O.'s. Martin then testified that he had investigated gang activities where rival gang members assaulted or shot at each other. Martin said that, to maintain their respect within the community, gang members have to retaliate if a gang member is involved in an incident with a rival gang. In general, according to Martin, gangs are not cooperative with the police; instead, gang members get even on their own. On cross-examination by Bernard's counsel, Martin reiterated his earlier testimony that gang members generally do not talk to the police. In response to a question by Bernard's counsel asking him to define a gang, Martin provided the general law enforcement definition of a gang. See Minn.Stat. § 609.229, subd. 1 (2004). Also on cross-examination, Martin testified that while gang members generally do not cooperate with the police, there are exceptions. Martin agreed with Bernard's counsel that some gang members will falsely accuse other gang members of a crime. On redirect, the state attempted to clarify Martin's testimony, asking him, Have you had experience with gang members falsely accusing people within their own gang of crimes? Martin responded that he had never had experience with gang members falsely accusing their own gang members of crimes. On recross by Bernard's counsel, Martin also agreed that gang members will accuse nongang members of crimes because there is no loyalty to nongang members.