Joint Gang Task Force

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Monterey County will use the grant funds to support their joint Gang Task Force (GTF) and hire additional personnel. Homicides and other street violence caused by gangs are terrorizing communities throughout Monterey County and Salinas City. Despite conventional enforcement efforts, these gangs continued to commit violent crimes while recruiting new members. In April 2005, the Salinas Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, Probation Department, and District Attorney's Office of Monterey County formed the Joint Gang Task Force and began intensified gang enforcement countywide. Beginning July 2009, an officer from the city of Monterey will be added to GTF which will be secured via the COPS Hiring and Recovery Program (CHRP). Since gang members do not respect city boundaries, GTF aggressively patrols Monterey County's 3,300 square miles of unincorporated area and 12 incorporated cities. The goal of GTF is to reduce gang violence throughout Monterey County, which will be measured by the number of arrests and prosecutions of gang members. Prevention and intervention efforts will also continue and will be measured by the number of counseling sessions and public presentations conducted by law enforcement personnel in an effort to divert youths, young adults and others from the gang lifestyle.

NCA/NCF