Santa Maria Police Department’s Response to Gang Violence

Source: Santa Maria Police Department

In response to the rise in violent crime, the Santa Maria Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team and Detective Bureau conducted a two-day proactive operation to gather intelligence related to gang trends, gang members, and recent gang crime. 

The Santa Maria Police Department, in conjunction with California State Parole and Santa Barbara County Probation, went to 20 known gang members’ residences, conducted searches and field interviews, and seized items of evidentiary value. 

A total of four people were arrested during the operation, two of which were arrested for firearms related violations.