The Santa Rosa Police Department is rolling out its Gang Crimes Team once again in an attempt to combat the uptick in gang-related violence that has plagued the community since the team's disbandment back in 2019. The city has seen a notable surge in gang activity, with half of last year's homicides connected to gang violence, a major increase in seized illegal firearms, and a 320% spike in juvenile arrests over firearm-related offenses, according to a report by the City of Santa Rosa.

Chief John Cregan outlined the team's renewed focus on enforcement, prevention, intervention, education, and bridging the gap in community resources. In a surge towards a proactive approach, the Gang Crimes Team, outfitted with four detectives and a sergeant, spearheaded their mission in early December. They look to hold the line against gang violence with a four-pronged priority list and a coupling with local partnerships to offer a lifeline to those caught in the crosshairs of gang affiliations.

The restyled team is straying away from the heavy-handed tactics of yesteryears. "This is not a ‘gang task force’ with uniformed officers making indiscriminate enforcement stops,” Chief Cregan emphasized, acknowledging the shift from brute force to a more nuanced strategy aimed at the roots of gang affiliation.

Wielding an array of programs such as the Violence Prevention Partnership (VPP) and the .RJ Diversion Opportunity for Transformation Program, this strategy is not short on allies. The Gang Crimes Team is intent on quickly solving violent gang crimes to prevent further victimization in the Santa Rosa community. Chief Cregan, and Gang Crimes Team Sergeant Travis Menke have set a date to unfurl the blueprint for this strategy in front of the City Council Public Safety Subcommittee later this month, pledging an honest discourse of their plan moving forward.