This document provides a personal summary of the comprehensive model to gang prevention and intervention developed by OJJDP. It provides my recommended approach to implement the model. The document describes the components and factors involved and how they are connected to understand how the model works. My personal contribution in this document suggests the need to understand this approach in terms of a comprehensive system to address gangs (than a comprehensive model). A System that reacts and addresses the gang problem is more efficient and effective than a Model. In order to make a Comprehensive Model a Comprehensive System it requires a change in the perception of how the work should be done. In this case, I am suggesting that the comprehensive system must be intelligent (learn from their own performance), needs to be dynamic and addressing the issues in real time (like using a texting or chatting channel were the multidisciplinary team work together), and need to have a year program cycle were all members self-observe their task and foster ways to improve. Also the suppression part needs to go beyond arresting and enhance their work by strengthening the community policing approach.
About the Author: Fredy Martinez is an awarded therapist, counselor, teacher, researcher, leader and author with a large experience in gang intervention, and at-risk youth reeducation. Mr. Martinez holds a BA in psychology, an MS in education and human development, and a post-masters certification in Addition and Counseling studies at John Hopkins University. In his professional career, Mr. Martinez has been several times awarded by diverse institutions in Colombia and internationally due to his efforts and contributions in developing a program to counseling at risk youth in the community and transform gangs into youth clubs, and leading research-action to create an alternative model of community building based on human transcendence to foster development in settlements displaced by war. In 2003 Mr. Martinez moved to Miami Florida and during this time in Florida, he provided forensic case management and counseling for adults referred to the forensic program COMPASS. In 2005 Mr. Mr. Martinez moved to Maryland and joined the YMCA-Youth and Family Services program (YFS). Martinez provided individual counseling, case management and psychoeducational activities to gang involved youth from Langley Park, and Tacoma Park communities in Montgomery County. In 2008, Mr. Martinez started working in the Crisis and stabilization Central intake unit in the Department of Human Services in Arlington VA. As intensive care coordinator, he managed crisis stabilizations plans, provided MHSA screening, conducted assessments, developed individualized treatment plans, and coordinated services for youth transitioning from diverse placement settings. In 2011, Mr. Martinez was promoted to lead the creation of the Court Liaison program. Mr. Martinez contributed to define the position and became the Court Liaison. He represented the Department of human services at the Juvenal Court JDRC in Arlington County, from this position actively contributed and supported the Arlington Gang Task Force committee. Currently, Mr. Martinez works at the Alexandria City Public Schools ACPS, as the K-12 Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Coordinator developing and implementing the Substance abuse program across the school system. In 2014 Mr. Martinez, was Nominated and selected in representation of the Arlington task force to participate in Central American Impact Exchange program (CACIE) program by the FBI, the White House, the National Security Staff, and the State Department.