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In Queensland since 2014, over 266 Queensland OMCG members have come forward and formally declared their disaffiliation from an OMCG. In addition, over 300 gang participants are recorded as now being ex-members.
Queensland Research into the effects of disaffiliating from a motorcycle gang shows 81% of members who formally disaffiliated had a Queensland criminal history. This offending included serious crimes. Only 15% of those disaffiliated members, however, have recorded offending after leaving the gang. The research demonstrates offending decreases significantly when people turn their back on gang life. Formally leaving the outlaw motorcycle gang is a step towards a turning point for an individual, their family and the community.
The Queensland Police Service has partnered with the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) to give these ex-members a voice. The research has been focussed on their personal journey into motorcycle gangs, reason for leaving and the impact of their association with the gang.
Over 50 ex-OMCG members have participated in the research, giving insight into the reality that gang life did not deliver what they were looking for. The stories are compelling and real, giving an unparalleled insight into the truth of gang membership.
The research examines the consequences of gang membership, including the impact on peers, family, employment, security and mental health. This research further explores the recruitment of gang members and the changing nature of OMCG in Australia. The joint research reports are available on the AIC website.
QPS Research Briefs
This is the first Australian study to explore reasons why individuals join and leave OMCGs by speaking directly to former club members. These snapshots are based on the collaborative research project between the QPS Organised Crime Gangs Group, Strategy and Tactics and the AIC.
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