Gang Suppression Enforcement Team (GSET)

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.

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) will use their 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to fund the a Gang Suppression Enforcement Team (GSET) through the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. DOJ's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) is committed to providing a statewide presence with the suppression of violent gangs throughout California. BNE has established Gang Suppression Enforcement Teams (GSET) in Fresno, Riverside, and Sacramento to conduct complex criminal investigations targeting the leadership and organizational structure of criminal gangs by using innovative investigative techniques and sophisticated technology. The goal of GSET is to dismantle the upper echelon of the gangs' hierarchy which has a far more devastating impact on the gangs' viability and its ability to reorganize. GSET also works with local agencies to conduct post-investigation follow-up to ensure that the gang is not reforming. GSET works with government and grassroots gang prevention groups to encourage those currently in gangs to leave and to prevent others from joining in the first place. GSET will continue to collect data on each gang investigation which will include gang affiliation, arrests, seizures, and other critical information.

NCA/NCF