“Where You From? Run that Fade!” A Highlight Reel of Los Angeles Gang Trends in Juvenile Institutions

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Lonnie Abernathy is a Deputy Probation Officer with 9+ years of dedicated service to the Los Angeles County Probation Department, earning a reputation as a committed professional in community corrections. Beginning in institutional supervision, Lonnie gained vast experience working with diverse populations, including high-risk young adult probationers. His expertise in gang-related issues led him to the Gang and Narcotics Intelligence Unit, where he played a key role in gathering and analyzing intelligence to combat gang activity and build departmental and multi-agency collaboration. Volunteering with the San Fernando Valley Intensive Gang Unit for three years, Lonnie mentored individuals at risk of gang involvement, helping reduce gang violence and promoting positive alternatives for youth during reentry. Since 2017, Lonnie has leveraged his training in gang dynamics as a facilitator for the Department's gang training programs. His workshops have educated probation officers on effective strategies when working with gang-affiliated individuals, keeping the Department at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. Lonnie’s dedication and specialized knowledge has allowed him to serve the Department and his community in the most impactful way. Lonnie received his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a minor in Sociology from Prairie View A&M University, Texas.

Kevin Bodden is a Supervising Deputy Probation Officer with the Intensive Gang Supervision Program (IGSP), serving 20 years with the Los Angeles County Probation Department. His career began working with high-risk youth entrenched in gang activity. Throughout his tenure in various institutional roles, Kevin amassed extensive knowledge of LA gangs, earning recognition as an expert on current issues and trends within the juvenile system. Leveraging his expertise, he joined a multi-agency Gang Task Force led by the LAPD, where he offered probation guidance and ensured compliance among high-profile gang-affiliated probationers. His deep understanding of juvenile institutions and field operations led him to the department's Staff Training Office, contributing to the development of the Field Probation Officer Core (FPOC) training program. To stay connected with gang culture, Kevin rejoined the LAPD as a CLEAR officer in the San Fernando Valley. He later assumed the role of Administrative Supervisor for the Residential Treatment Services Bureau, addressing daily operational needs and identifying gang dynamics within juvenile facilities. His expertise prompted the creation of a staff training module, focusing on gang trends in LA’s juvenile facilities, keeping them informed about gang-related updates. Kevin received his BA in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton.

William Brigges is a Deputy Probation Officer II with the Los Angeles County Probation Department. William helps bridge the service gap through relevant operational experience, ensuring that training practices are up to industry standard and utilizing best practices. William has 16+ years of public service working with at-risk youth, justice involved individuals, families, and communities in the greater Los Angeles area, gaining a wide range of practice efficacy and cultural competence. William has blended his education and work experience through practical application, linking theory and principles to community-based problem solving with direct implementation of evidence-based practices. William helped open the Campus Kilpatrick Pilot Project and implemented the L.A. Model’s small group treatment program, he helped lead the revamp of the Department’s defensive tactics program, implementing Gracie Survival Tactics (GST), and he collaborates on multi-agency gang initiatives and task forces. During his 9 years of service with LACP, William has been an advocate for officer and community safety, working as a frontline deputy in juvenile institutions and lead trainer in various fields. He is a member of the California Gang Investigators Association. William holds a BA in Sociology with concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice from California State University, Northridge.