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Amanda Butterfield ReportingOgden City police officers face threats tonight for a shooting that killed a White Supremacist gang member. So they're sending out pictures and information to become more familiar with that gang.
The white supremacist gangs come out of prison; they join for protection. There are two predominant ones that Ogden police are informing their officers about, and they're not to hard to spot, if you know what to look for.
Lt. Loring Draper, Ogden Police Department: "For example, this is a saw patch, silent area warriors."
Tattoos are the easiest way police can spot a white supremacist gang member.
Lt. Loring Draper: "It's got the iron cross, the swastika in the center."
The second white supremacist gang Ogden officers have been informed about is the Soldiers of Aryan Culture.
The threats made to police come from a shooting last month. William Maw was pulled over for a traffic violation, then he pulled out a gun and fired at police. They fired back and killed him. An informant called police and warned them there's been talk the gang wants revenge.
Lt. Loring Draper: "Any time gangs on gang shooting, retaliation, when an officer get involved, we expect pretty much the same thing."
So that's why officers need to know what HH represents.
"HH for hail Hitler."
That the two lightning bolts in the center are earned for committing a violent crime, to look on the left side of the stomach for gang initials, how to read the Runic Alphabet, and that the numbers 14 have deeper meaning, tied to the belief of white supremacy.
Lt. Loring Draper: "Cause not all officers are up on gang activity and gang identifiers."
Now they can be. The two officers involved in that shooting are still on administrative leave; they have also been warned by the department to be careful.
One of Utah's fastest growing communities has a growing gang problem as well. Washington County authorities say they've uncovered at least 700 gang members since April.
The biggest gangs are Latino, but they're seeing more White Supremacist and Straight Edge gangs, and more grafitti.
Saint George Police are encouraging parents to become more aware of what their children are doing.
