From the Garden City Telegram:
Friday's presentation, made by Al Valdez, a social sciences instructor at the University of California, Irvine, who teaches about gangs and gang activity, shared his knowledge and experience with law enforcement. Valdez, formerly an undercover police officer and an investigator for the Orange County District Attorney's office, shared with officers that understanding brain development and the five stages of brain maturation can help increase understanding about youth and gang involvement. Valdez said that the brain doesn't fully mature until age 24 and that in teen years, finding a group to belong to is the primary goal. He said that this, along with hormone changes can go a long way in explaining the tendency for some teenagers becoming gang members.

For the full story, please visit http://www.gctelegram.com/news/2-9-13-Conferemce-on-Gangs.