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GANG
ACTIVITY
IN
HUMBOLDT
COUNTY
INTRODUCTION
The Humboldt Grand Jury investigated the gang problems in Humboldt County. Chiefs of Police from
Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, the Humboldt County Sheriff, and the coordinator of the Gang Risk
Intervention Program (GRIP) appeared before the grand jury. GRIP is operated by the Humboldt
County Office of Education.
FINDINGS
F-1 According to witnesses interviewed, Humboldt County has a gang problem.
F-2 The gang problem is centered in the Eureka area due to the population.
F-3 A county gang task force has been established by law enforcement agencies, along with
GRIP; they meet once a month.
F-4 According to the Humboldt County Gang Task Force and GRIP, five gangs have been identified.
F-5 GRIP is working with approximately 500 students in county schools.
F-6 Many drugs, firearms, and other illegal activities have been shown to be gang related.
F-7 Persons interviewed stated that no law enforcement agency in Humboldt County has a person assigned full time to gang problems because of a lack of sufficient funding.
F-8 Persons interviewed said a need exists for more sophisticated information exchange capabilities and for more gang crime-prevention programs within law enforcement,
schools, neighborhoods, and local government.
CONCLUSION
C-1 A need exists for more sophisticated information exchange capabilities and for more gang- crime prevention programs within law enforcement, schools, neighborhoods, and local government.
C-2 Working with youth at an early age is a primary key to reducing the impact of gangs on society.
C-3 More personnel and funds are needed to fight the gang problems.
RECOMMENDATIONS
THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING:
R-1 All law enforcement agencies and GRIP continue working together.
R-2 All municipalities and the County of Humboldt seek additional funding from the California Department of Justice and other sources to help law enforcement agencies and the
Humboldt County Office of Education GRIP deal with gang related problems.
RESPONSES
THE FOLLOWING RESPONSES TO REPORT 01-16 ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO P.C. 933 AND THE STANDARD FORMAT FOR RESPONSES.
1. The Board of Supervisors respond to all findings and recommendations.
2. The Humboldt County Sheriff respond to all findings and recommendations.
3. The City Councils of Eureka, Fortuna, and Arcata respond to all findings and
recommendations.
4. The Chiefs of Police of Eureka, Fortuna, and Arcata respond to all findings and
recommendations.
5. The Humboldt County Office of Education respond to finding F-5 and to
recommendations R-1, and R-2.
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