• A self identified ex-gang member stated that they were influenced by family members, friends, and music to dislike and distrust the police and other authoritative figures. As a result, they not only avoided attempts of engaging police officers who had attempted to reach out in the past, but also any attempts by authoritative adult role models, including; teachers, guidance counsellors, and local community leaders. • At a young age, the self identified ex-gang member was groomed by like-minded adult gang members who further substantiated their individual belief system. • As the self identified ex-gang member got older, they began to have positive interactions with members of the police, teachers, and social workers who influenced them to change their perspective and pursue a life outside of gangs and crime. • The self identified ex-gang member stated that persons in authority must understand the perspective of obstacles that gang members feel everyday - and the importance of being consistent in outreach efforts. • The self identified ex-gang member shared that an individual police officer was consistently around, positive, fair, and professional in the arrest of them and their associates in the past. As a result, the gang as a whole had a level of respect for this individual police officer - which led to this particular gang member befriending the police officer and pursuing new relationships with positive adult role models.