Salinas Police kick-off gang enforcement sweeps

A gang sweep in Salinas took more than a dozen criminals off the streets and police say they’re not done yet.

The Salinas Police Department joined other law enforcement agencies as part of the operation this week.

They’ve teamed up with seven other agencies to clean up the streets.

They say this latest collaboration is only one part of their efforts.

The sweep will continue throughout the summer.

“The focus of those sweeps is probation and parole compliance but also targeting gang members and potentially people we believe may be involved in activity,” Commander John Murray with Salinas PD said.

Seventeen arrests were made in the first day, starting with three men arrested for a gang-related shooting.

Though it happened nearly two months ago, police say it should be a warning to anyone who thinks they may have gotten away with a crime.

“We’re going after anybody who’s been involved in criminal activity in Salinas and anyone who can potentially be someone who can be involved in activity in the summer months and beyond,” Murray said.

But police say their work going after these people, goes beyond these sweeps.

“What you’re not seeing are additional efforts we’re doing,” Murray said, “We’re doing undercover operations that happen below the public eye but those are also pursuing those who are involved in criminal activity. People who are out there in the community who are looking to victimize members of our community, they should be concerned.”

Salinas PD is working with Monterey County Probation, State Parole, HSI, ATF, FBI, DEA, and US Marshals.

While that includes federal agents, they say no ICE teams are in town and they’re only focusing on criminals.