LAPD says gang crime harder to track after CalGang database ban

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is facing challenges in tracking street gang crime after being banned from using the CalGang database. This ban was imposed in 2020 following pressure from police reform activists. Captain Ahmad Zarekani, head of the LAPD Gang and Narcotics Division, highlighted the impact of this ban on gang crime investigations, stating that the department is no longer allowed to track individuals by their gang association.

The CalGang database contained information on approximately 80,000 suspected gang members, which is now inaccessible to the police. The decision to stop using the database was made by California’s then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra due to allegations of falsified gang affiliations by officers. Activist groups, including the Liberty Hill Foundation, welcomed the end of the database, claiming it discriminated against black and Latino men.

However, critics like Bill Essayli, LA’s top federal prosecutor, argue that this decision undermines local authorities and shifts the burden to the federal justice system. Essayli criticized the activists for prioritizing career criminals over innocent law-abiding citizens and accused them of being obsessed with statistics to push their agenda.

The ban on the CalGang database led to criminal charges against LAPD officers for entering false information. Despite this setback, the LAPD recently conducted a successful operation targeting the 18th Street gang, resulting in multiple arrests for various crimes. One of the key figures arrested was Keiko Marie Gonzalez, who allegedly ran the gang on behalf of her husband, who is incarcerated.

While the operation was deemed a success, Captain Zarekani admitted that the LAPD lacks a comprehensive understanding of the number of 18th Street gang members in LA. The gang, with a significant presence in the US, Mexico, and Central America, is known for its criminal activities. Zarekani acknowledged that the recent arrests dealt a blow to the gang but cautioned that they may attempt to regroup and rebuild.

Despite the challenges posed by the ban on the CalGang database, law enforcement agencies are committed to combating gang crime in Los Angeles. The LAPD continues to work on strategies to address gang-related activities and ensure public safety in the city.