In response to the ever increasing gang problem plaguing our nation and state, concerned criminal justice professionals from Virginia began what is today the Virginia Gang Investigators Association.

Chartered February 1997, The V.G.I.A. is a non -profit organization made up of law enforcement officers and other members of the criminal justice community. The V.G.I.A. promotes a closely coordinated relationship among gang investigators through extensive and rapid dissemination and exchange of information about gang-related, cult and extremist group activity. The V.G.I.A. supports new techniques from identification and apprehension of gang members and encourages legislation related to the reduction of gang related crimes. Additionally; the V.G.I.A solicits public support of its goals so the citizens might be educated about the prevention regarding organized criminal activities, tactics, philosophies, etc., to its members and any other law enforcement agency upon request.