I attended Villanova from 1984 to 1988.

At Villanova, you gained a powerful tool: the ability to study effectively. That skill doesn’t just help in high school; it’s something you carry into life’s toughest challenges. For me, it was critical during college and at the FBI Academy, where passing the rigorous tests wasn’t just about grades—it determined whether you kept the job. There were five written tests at the academy, which required a score of 85% to pass.

I recently wrote Less Tagging, More Killing, a book about my experiences as an FBI agent in Southern California. The title came from graffiti I once saw: “Too much tagging, not enough killing.” It struck me as a chilling mission statement, a clear signal that the gangs had escalated their priorities. My investigations into gang culture began in 2014, studying the backgrounds of gang members from Santa Paula and beyond. I analyzed their ages, ethnicities, criminal histories, and more. Over time, patterns emerged, and I sought to understand why these young men were drawn into gangs.

The book dives into these questions, exploring gang culture, law enforcement strategies, and the crimes they commit. Whether you’re in law enforcement, a student, or simply curious, it provides insights into gang dynamics and how they shape communities. Through this work, I hope to shed light on a dark subject and provide a roadmap for understanding and tackling these challenges.

William Rose served more than 22 years as a Special Agent with the FBI and investigated organized crime and gangs in Southern California. Before working at the FBI, he was a Deputy United States Marshal and served in the United States Army.

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