The 2026 NGCRC 29th International Gang Specialist

Training Conference (Aug. 3 - August 5, 2026):

A Look at the Presenters

Last Updated: Oct. 27, 2025

Sally-Ann Ashton, Ph.D.

            Sally-Ann Ashton is a Psychologist and Research Scientist at the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center at Prairie View A&M University. She has an Mphil in Criminological Research (University of Cambridge, England) and an M.S.c. in Investigative Psychology (University of Huddersfield, England). Her Ph.D. investigated the psychological and social risk factors associated with gang membership, group offending and desistance from crime. She was a recipient of a Frederick Milton Thrasher Award in 2017 for superior accomplishments in gang research and in 2020 for superior accomplishments in gang training.

Corporal Jim Bailey

            Corporal Jim Bailey has been with the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years, and has been assigned to the Battle Creek Police Department Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. Corporal Bailey has been directly involved in many of the same gang investigations as Detective Sutherland, and has assisted as one of the lead investigators with Detective Sutherland, on many of the same violence crime investigations. Corporal Bailey has also been involved in cell phone investigations, writing and executing search warrants, surveillance techniques, undercover drug buys, and managing confidential informants. Corporal Bailey has been recognized in Michigan State District Court and Circuit Court as an expert in drug trafficking and drug investigations, identifying armed subjects, and cell phone site analyses. Corporal Bailey is currently a K-9 handler for the Battle Creek Police Department and is a member of the department’s Emergency Response Team. He is a Defensive Tactics Instructor and a Patrol Training Officer for the Battle Creek Police Department. He has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.

Andy Bain, Ph.D.

            Andy Bain is an assistant professor of Criminal Justice Studies at Westminster College, PA. He holds a Ph.D. in Offender Behavior, a Msc. Criminal Justice and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. Andy has authored, and edited numerous books, chapters, and articles, on the outlaw motorcycle gangs; law enforcement and technology; and, professional risk working with mental health, social care, and criminal justice, publishing with a number of leading international academic and professional journals. His professional background includes four years with the National Probation Service (England & Wales) and six years running a successful Criminal Justice Consultancy Group, providing guidance and advice to law enforcement agencies and correctional bodies. This, in turn led to the publication of a number of local and national policing and corrections reports.

Detective Tyler Dailey

            Detective Tyler Dailey has been a deputy with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office since 2017, and he is currently assigned to the Harford County Drug Task Force, where he primarily investigates drug, gun, and gang cases throughout the county. Detective Dailey has been the lead detective on multiple fatal overdose investigations, and he assisted Senior Contact Attorney Stuart Welch in securing the first ever conviction in Harford County of a drug dealer for Manslaughter for dealing the drugs that caused a fatal overdose.

Kenneth Davis

            Kenneth Davis retired from the Yonkers Police Department in July of 2017. From 1985-1990 he was assigned to uniformed patrol (task force and public housing) and plainclothes (street-level and undercover narcotics). From 1990-2000 he worked street gangs, graffiti crimes and police academy. From 2000-2009 he was assigned to several middle/high schools as a school resource officer. In 2009 - 2017, as a detective, he continued investigating street gangs, narcotics (search warrants) and graffiti crimes. As the departments liaison, he assisted the YMCA’s Cure Violence/SNUG Program and the Westchester County Department of Corrections Re-entry Program. From 2017-present, he is a NYS private investigator and a graffiti/gang specialist presenting at various regional, national, and international conferences.

Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D.

            Dr. Gregg W. Etter Sr., Ed.D. is a Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Missouri. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office after serving from 1977 to 2006. He is rated as a gang expert by the National Gang Crime Research Center. He has written extensively and presented classes on gangs, white supremacist groups and police management topics in the United States and Canada. Dr. Etter earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wichita State University and his Doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Etter is the author of numerous books, book chapters, edited and refereed articles. His latest book is: Gangs and Organized Crime which he authored with Dr. George W. Knox and Dr. Carter F. Smith.

Detective Christopher M. Felton, Ph.D.

            Christopher M. Felton, Ph.D. is a Detective Sergeant from the Fort Wayne (IN) Police Department’s Gang and Violent Crimes Unit. He is also the Team Coordinator for the department’s Peer Support/Critical Incident Stress Management Team. He has presented at conferences both in the United States and Canada on police mental health and wellness, PTSD in law enforcement, and the role procedural justice can play in reducing gang and violent crime. Det. Sgt. Felton holds two master’s degrees (a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology and a Master of Philosophy) and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice - Law and Public Policy. Dr. Felton is also an adjunct professor at two local universities where he teaches courses in criminal justice and forensic psychology, and also teaches police mental health to police officers.

Shellis Hampton, Ma. Of C.J.

            Shellis Hampton is the Supervisor of Nashville’s Gang Resistance Intervention Program (GRIP), a specialty court designed to serve high-risk youth on probation. She holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tennessee State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology from Hampton University. A former adult probation officer who transitioned to juvenile services in 2019, Shellis is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and rehabilitation. She believes that young people are not defined by their worst mistake and emphasizes the importance of community investment in creating pathways to success. Through her leadership, GRIP continues to promote accountability, opportunity, and positive change for youth in Nashville.

Shannon Jones

            Shannon Jones brings 28 years of experience to the field of criminal justice. She currently serves as an Assistant Chief at Bexar County CSCD where she oversees Gang and Field Operations. Shannon earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice-Executive Leadership from Texas State University in 2022. The majority of her career was dedicated to serving as an officer, then supervising the sex offender unit where she worked extensively with multi-jurisdictional task forces to apprehend fugitive sex offenders. She completed advanced computer forensic training with the FBI and has served as an expert witness in both state and federal courts. In her current role, Shannon is leading the design and implementation of a targeted opioid response pilot program for the State of Texas further demonstrating her commitment to innovative and impactful approaches in community supervision and public safety.

            George Knox earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. He has extensive field experience with gangs, including interviewing gang members, gang leaders, and gang victims. He has taught in the field of criminal justice and sociology. He serves as the Executive Director of the National Gang Crime Research Center. He was the author of the first full textbook on gangs (An Introduction to Gangs) and other books and monographs on gang topics. His research interests include how to deal with gang problems in probation/parole, juvenile corrections, adult corrections, and gang threat analysis — examining the gang as a unit of social organization.

Dwayne Melton

            Dwayne Melton, Social Work Supervisor at th State Training School for boys, I have worked here for 9 years. In my current position, I specialize in aftercare and transitional services for our youth. I have been certified in teaching gang resistance at the State Training School since 2018. I have attended the NGCRC gang training conference for 7 years, being an NGCRC Spirit Award recipient two times.

Troy R. Rogers

            Troy R. Rogers is a nationally respected public safety architect, community strategist, and founder of BrightWay Group and The Reentry Playbook. With over 30 years in violence prevention, reentry, and trauma-informed mentoring, he has transformed high-risk communities through relational and restorative strategies. A Public Safety Coordinator for Chattanooga, Troy is the author of The Unseen Work: The Ministry of Public Safety, Dreams Are Unlocked by Reading, and The 10 Commandments of Mentoring. His work challenges systems, inspires leaders, and restores dignity to the most overlooked — proving that healing and hope are always possible.

Professor Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D.

            Mitchel P. Roth, Ph.D. is Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Sam Houston State University. His areas of interest include global organized crime and gangs, history of crime and punishment, mass murder and serial homicide. His many books include, Power on the Inside: A Global History of Prison Gangs (2020), Fire in the Big House: The Worst Prison Disaster in American History (2019), The Illicit Economy in Turkey (with Mahmut Cengiz)(2019), An Eye for An Eye: A Global History of Crime and Punishment (2015) and Convict Cowboys: The Untold History of the Texas Prison Rodeo (2016). His books have been translated into Chinese, Persian, Croatian and Turkish. He has been an instructor at the Zhejiang Police College from 2009 to 2019 and at the International Law Enforcement Academy (Roswell) from 2001-2009. In 2020, Dr. Roth was awarded the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for Excellence in Gang Research.

Joel C. Muneses, J.D.

            Joel C. Muneses, a prosecutor for over 22 years, currently serves as the lead attorney in the Violent Crime/Gang Unit of the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office in Maryland. In early 2011, he became the first prosecutor in Maryland to bring the state’s original 2010 gang statute - Criminal Law §9-801 - to trial. Although the outcome was not favorable, his pioneering use of the statute laid the groundwork for future gang-related prosecutions. Recognizing the growing threat of organized gang criminal activity, Mr. Muneses also played a key role in launching the Safe Streets/CSafe Initiative in Harford County, a coordinated effort to reduce violent crime through intelligence sharing and strategic enforcement. Today, Mr. Muneses continues to explore creative applications of Maryland’s CR §9-801 as part of his ongoing efforts to dismantle gang networks and enhance community safety. His career reflects both legal acumen and a proactive approach to addressing complex gang related issues at the local level.

Ms. Avery Penn

            Ms Avery Penn is a 2026 graduate of the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Avery is a member of UCM’s Honors College, Alpha Phi Sigma, and Psi Chi. She interned with the Platte County Sheriff’s Office in Kansas City, Missouri, gaining a diversified experience in law enforcement. She also participated in faculty-led study abroad programs. She has earned multiple awards from professional associations like Lambda Alpha Epsilon. She also holds FEMA certificates and the CITI Social and Behavioral Research Certificate. Her service to criminal justice has included the role of President and Historian of the Lambda Alpha Epsilon (Gamma Epsilon Delta chapter) and as a Criminal Justice Ambassador assisting other students and faculty at her university. Avery’s career interests include probation/parole, park ranger, combining law enforcement, rehabilitation, and community engagement.

Ricky Pickens

            Ricky Pickens is a professional gang intervention specialist/consultant in Los Angeles County. Raised in Pasadena, CA, a city claimed by one of the oldest blood gangs in Southern California. Ricky grew up in the 1980's during the crack cocaine epidemic, and during the height of gang and gun warfare. Living in a gang-impacted community as a young person, Ricky witnessed many of his friends and family die due to gang violence or serve long prison stints due to violent crimes. Ricky was resilient and determined not to find himself dead, in prison, or on drugs. For 23 years and counting, Ricky has committed his life to serving gang-impacted youth. Recognized for his involvement on the syndicated television programs Gangland One Blood sharing his knowledge of gangs, Ricky’s experience, leadership, and advocacy efforts in the gang intervention arena have placed him in high demand. Ricky’s services have transformed the lives of many high-risk youth.

Dr. Charles Russo

            Dr. Charles Russo is a leading expert in the application of critical thinking to public safety, intelligence, and national security challenges. He has dedicated his career to developing and implementing training programs that enhance the analytical and decision-making capabilities of professionals in high-stakes environments. Dr. Russo has advised numerous law enforcement and government agencies on improving their intelligence processes and investigative methodologies. His research focuses on cognitive bias mitigation, structured analytical techniques, and the development of strategic foresight in complex security situations. He holds a Ph.D. and is a respected author and speaker, known for translating complex theories into practical, actionable strategies for front-line operators and strategic leaders alike.

Jazmyn Shockley

            Ms. Jazmyn Shockley is a senior at the University of Central Missouri majoring in Criminal Justice with double minors in Psychology and Legal Studies She is a member of UCM’s Honors College and Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honor society. Ms. Shockley will graduate this spring with her Bachelor of Science degree and plans to complete her Master’s in Criminology by spring 2027 before pursuing law school. She aspires to become a criminal prosecution attorney with a focus on child sex crimes and victim advocacy. Her academic accomplishments include recognition through several prestigious awards this semester, such as the UCM Red & Black Scholarship, the Clinton Graduate Student Award, the Society of Former FBI Agents Scholarship, the Taylor L. Francisco Scholarship, and the ACJA-LAE National Scholarship Award. She is a member of the American Criminal Justice Association/Lambda Alpha Epsilon competitive team for UCM and she currently serves her second term as Treasurer on the Executive Board of Lambda Alpha Epsilon and her first year as Social Chair. In addition, Ms. Shockley is actively involved in the National Society of Leadership and Success, Mock Trial, the Pre-Law Student Association, and Psych Club.

Juliana Sloan

            Ms. Juliana Sloan is an undergraduate student of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Central Missouri with a minor in Law Enforcement and a certificate of Homeland Security & Terrorism. Ms. Sloan will graduate this spring with her Bachelor of Science degree and plans to complete her Master’s in Criminology. She is a member of the American Criminal Justice Association/Lambda Alpha Epsilon competitive team for UCM. Upon graduation, she aspires to work for the Border Patrol in the Department of Homeland Security.

Terrance L. Stone

            Terrance L. Stone is an inspirational leader who has dedicated his life to empowering young people and helping them discover their true purpose. In 2001, he founded and is CEO of Youn Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy. With over 200,000 at-risk youth reached, Mr. Stone is a nationally and state-certified gang intervention and prevention specialist who has helped diffuse conflicts between gangs and set up a workforce development program that provides training and jobs for young people. His vast professional affiliations speak to his community involvement.

Detective Tyler Sutherland

            Detective Tyler Sutherland has been a police officer for the Battle Creek Police Department for over 13 years. He is currently assigned to the Battle Creek Police Detective Bureau, and was previously assigned to the Gang Suppression Unit for over 6 years. As a member of the Gang Unit, Detective Sutherland was directly involved as the lead investigator in a number of gang, and violent crime, cases that resulted in courtroom trials and jury convictions. While participating in all aspects of gang investigations and court room prosecution, Detective Sutherland has been qualified as, and testified as, a gang expert in the U.S. District court and Michigan State Circuit and District Court, more than 15 times in the last five years. One of these gang cases, was the first criminal gang enhancement jury conviction in the State of Michigan since the state statute was created. He is also recognized in circuit and district court as an expert in Drug Trafficking and Drug Investigations. A Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Patrol Training Officer, he has also received Instructor certification for Active Shooter Response for Civilians, through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.

Philip J. Swift, Ph.D.

            Dr. Swift is a distinguished peace officer with over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, currently serving as the Fort Worth City Marshal. Throughout his career, Dr. Swift has a unique blend of practical expertise and academic achievement, positioning him as a leading figure in the field of criminal justice and forensic psychology. He earned his Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology from Walden University in 2017, where he developed a deep understanding of the psychological and sociological dynamics that influence criminal behavior. He also holds dual MBAs and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from American InterContinental University (AIU), equipping him with both advanced business acumen and a strong foundation in law enforcement.

            In addition to his law enforcement duties, Dr. Swift is a published author and a respected freelance brand writer. His work has appeared in Inside Police Psychology, and he is frequently sought after as a speaker at both local and national conferences, where he shares his insights on gang culture, criminal behavior, inmate psychology, and law enforcement dynamics. His expertise in jail gang investigations has made him a recognized authority in the field.

            Beyond his professional accomplishments in law enforcement, he is committed to education and training the next generation of criminal justice professionals. He serves as an adjunct professor at Tiffin University, where he teaches various subjects related to criminal justice and forensic psychology. Through his academic role, he fosters a deep understanding of the psychological aspects of criminal behavior while also exploring broader sociological and anthropological perspectives.

            Dr. Swift's research interests span several interdisciplinary fields, including forensic psychology, sociology, anthropology, neuropsychology, human behavior, and social justice. His work often focuses on understanding violence and its root causes, as well as exploring the ways in which the criminal justice system can more effectively address issues of rehabilitation, justice, and fairness.

            With his extensive background in both law enforcement and academia, Dr. Swift remains at the forefront of discussions on criminal justice reform, the psychology of violence, and the evolving dynamics within the law enforcement community.

Brian Townsend

            Brian Townsend is a retired DEA Supervisory Special Agent with 28 years in law enforcement. He is the founder of Only 2mg Inc, and Eagle 6 Training, and currently serves as a Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Mid-State Organized Crime Information Center (MOCIC). Brian is a nationally recognized speaker on the opioid crisis, known for his expertise on fentanyl and his commitment to raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts.

Dr. Martha Wall-Whitfield

            Dr. Martha Wall-Whitfield is an educator from Little Rock, Arkansas where she is currently the Founder and Principal of Legacy Christian Academy, a private Christian school for at-risk youth and kids from trauma. She was formerly the District Principal for all juvenile correctional facilities in the state of Arkansas and also served as Principal at the state’s largest juvenile facility for incarcerated youth for seven years. She has taught for over 16 years at the University level as an Assistant Professor for Averett University and as an Adjunct for Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Arkansas Little Rock, and Arkansas State University. Dr. Whitfield is a mom of five and a Mimi to five. She is active in both her church and the community as a foster and adoptive parent and foster parent trainer for the state.

Dr. John Z. Wang

            Dr. John Z. Wang is a world renowned criminological expert on Asian gangs. He is a full professor of criminal justice and forensic studies in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at California State University - Long Beach. He joined the first Asian Gang Survey Project in 1991 for his doctoral dissertation and has been providing training seminars at previous NGCRC conferences. He served as an adjunct instructor at Houston Police Academy from 1995 to 1999 and has been serving an adjunct instructor for California Law Enforcement Command College (CA POST Certified) since 2009. Also, he is a fellow of American Academy of Forensic Sciences since 2018. His expertise includes Asian gangs, Asian transnational organized crimes, high tech crimes, and forensic examinations of gang crimes related evidence with many publications.

Stuart Welch, J.D.

            Stuart Welch is the Senior Contact Attorney for the Felony Drug and Gun Unit at the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office. Stuart is assigned to the Harford County Drug Task Force, which primarily investigates complex drug, gun, and gang cases throughout Harford County, Maryland. Stuart has prosecuted over 200 felony drug and/or gun cases, and he specializes in prosecuting drug dealers for dealing drugs that cause the fatal overdose of a victim. He secured the first ever conviction in Harford County of a drug dealer for Manslaughter for dealing the drugs that caused a fatal overdose. This is especially difficult in a state that has no drug-induced homicide laws. Stuart also serves as a member of the Overdose Fatality Review Board, where he studies fatal overdoses in Harford County in order to learn how to better prevent them going forward.