For nearly fifty years, Outlaw Motorcycle Gang's (OMG's) such as the Sons of Silence MC, Galloping Goose MC, and the El Forastero MC, along with their supporters, controlled this central region of the mid-west in the motorcycle club world and they kept other outlaw clubs at bay. In the mid 2000's a handful of local club members were charged and convicted in criminal cases and were incarcerated, some for a substantial amount of time. Shortly thereafter, in the power vacuum, bigger clubs from other parts of the country began eyeing the region and making moves to establish a presence in this region.

Today, in addition to the Sons of Silence MC, Galloping Goose MC and El Forastero MC, this region is also home to the Vagos, Outlaws, Mongols, Hells Angels, Pagans, and the Bandidos, all of which are considered "Outlaw" clubs by law enforcement, and themselves. Most of these OMG's have also established support clubs in the region to help them further their often violent and or extremist activities. This block of instruction will discuss the history of the events and their ideology that have led to the current situation regarding the regions OMG activity. We will discuss each of these clubs and their significance including the trends currently being seen by law enforcement in the area. Additionally, we will discuss enforcement techniques and intelligence gathering methods to keep officers safe and effective when confronting OMG members.