Gang Investigations Unit
The Gang Investigations Unit (GIU) was developed to investigate gang-related crimes committed by members of criminal street gangs as defined by California Penal Code section 186.22. The Unit has the added responsibility of maintaining a working relationship with schools, social services agencies, community based organizations, and other criminal justice organizations in a systematic approach to the prevention, intervention and suppression of criminal gang activity.
Gang Investigations Unit duties include:
- Investigate gang related criminal cases received from the patrol division
- Assist with school related gang cases
- Maintain a liaison with school officials and school security personnel
- Provide student gang awareness presentations
- Develop and coordinate with the City attorney’s office the Gang Abatement Program in specific neighborhoods
Assist VCET and other investigative units with crimes assigned to them that involve gang members - Assist outside agencies with gang related criminal investigations.
- Providing court testimony as a gang expert for other units in our department as well as outside agencies
- Assist with training and gang awareness presentations
- Maintaining current data on criminal gang activity and active gangs and gang members
Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force (MGPTF)
The Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force (MGPTF) is a highly collaborative network organized to prevent intervene, and suppress gangs in San Jose. It was established by then Mayor Susan Hammer in 1991. The Task Force also provides a coordinated inter-agency response to gang related incidents which result in serious injury or death. The MGPTF is comprised of city, county, state, community-based organizations, SJPD, faith community, schools, parent groups, and other community stakeholders.
The MGPTF is made up of a Policy Team and a Technical Team. The Policy Team, co-chaired by the Mayor and the Police Chief, provides direction and focus to the City's gang prevention and intervention efforts. The Technical Team, made up of representatives from over 30 community based organizations, work together with law enforcement and other City programs to implement direct services to prevent and intervene in youth gang issues.