Santa Cruz Police Department
Digital News Report- The Santa Cruz Police Department has created a three officer Gang Unit to combat gang violence in the area. All three officers assigned to the unit are court-certified gang experts who will coordinate citywide gang intelligence and oversee department gang policies. The unit will work with the countrywide Joint Area Gang Operations and the Santa Cruz County Narcotics Enforcement Team.
According to police spokesman Zach Friend, there have been many, “shootings, stabbings and a homicide that were all gang-related in our city in the first three months of the year.”
“This is a necessary and bold step toward breaking this cycle of violence countywide,” Chief Howard Skerry said. “We are proud to commit our officers to this endeavor and we are confident our community can only benefit from the dedicated efforts of these officers.”
This is the first time in the department’s history that officers will be dedicated full-time towards addressing gang activity.
|
