1. **Simplify the expression:** $$3(2)^2 \div [2 \cdot (-2)] - 5$$ 2. **State the problem:** Simplify using order of operations (PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction). 3. **Calculate the exponent:** $$2^2 = 4$$ 4. **Substitute:** $$3 \times 4 \div [2 \times (-2)] - 5$$ 5. **Calculate inside the brackets:** $$2 \times (-2) = -4$$ 6. **Expression becomes:** $$3 \times 4 \div (-4) - 5$$ 7. **Multiply:** $$3 \times 4 = 12$$ 8. **Expression:** $$12 \div (-4) - 5$$ 9. **Divide:** $$\frac{12}{\cancel{(-4)}} = \cancel{12} \div (-4) = -3$$ 10. **Expression:** $$-3 - 5$$ 11. **Subtract:** $$-3 - 5 = -8$$ **Final answer:** $$\boxed{-8}$$