GANG TASK FORCE

THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ESTABLISHED THE GANG TASK FORCE (GTF)

in 1989 as an effort to curb the violence and destruction that criminal street gangs have on communities. The focus of the Gang Task Force is to make a positive difference through outreach and education, identifying criminal street gang members and their activities, and appropriately applying law enforcement efforts to stop them.

CURRENTLY, THERE ARE 631 DOCUMENTED GANG MEMBERS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY AND 50 DOCUMENTED CRIMINAL STREET GANGS. THOSE INVESTIGATIONS HAVE LED TO THE ARREST OF 101 SUSPECTS.

These include white supremacist gangs, Hispanic gangs, Black gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, international gangs, and others.

In 2021, the San Luis Obispo County Gang Task Force is comprised of two San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s deputies, two San Luis Obispo County Probation Officers and a District Attorney investigator. These members conduct street-level contacts with known and suspected gang members and are responsible for identifying current gang members, identifying criminal conduct, and any relevant intelligence as it relates to ongoing gang activity. GTF will investigate felony property and violent crimes as they relate to criminal gang activity as well.

GTF also has a “Vertical Prosecutor” assigned by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. This Deputy District Attorney assists GTF investigators to ensure gang cases are prosecuted appropriately, with a level of expertise rightfully expected by the public in San Luis Obispo County.

In 2021, as part of the Gang Task Force’s effort to control the effects of criminal street gangs, GTF has conducted investigations that have led to the seizure of:

8 lbs

Methamphetamine

9.46 oz

Heroin

119 grams

Fentanyl

23

Firearms