2026 Conference on Violent Crime

This course provides participants with an overview of a variety of cipher systems and cryptic communications commonly used by gangs, other organizations, and sometimes non-affiliates to disguise and confuse authorities and avoid detection. Through real-world examples and practical analysis, attendees will have the opportunity to decipher examples of coded communication. This course will also explore how specific subcultures and geography contribute to the use of coded communication.

This block of instruction identifies common themes, technical gaps, and recommendations found across completed NFS and homicide reports across all National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) sites. The presentation will provide stakeholders with an understanding of the types of recommendations made to PSP sites through non-fatal shooting and homicide assessments. The presentation will identify common gaps in non-fatal shootings and homicide investigation capabilities and practices to strengthen investigative capacity.
Some common findings and recommendations include:
• Identifying the impact on investigations with delayed submission of evidence to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for analysis.
• Identifying proven requirements and establishing policies, protocols, and practices involving homicide and non-fatal shooting investigative practices.
• Identifying the impact of designating investigators with specialized knowledge of and techniques involved with homicide and non-fatal shootings investigations.
• Importance of partnering with federal law enforcement agencies to strengthen investigations.
• Recognizing how investigator outreach to neighborhoods experiencing high rates of homicides and non-fatal shooting incidents can promote victim-witness safety and cooperation, promote public safety, and reduce fear and violence.