Full Breakdown
LAPD Struggles to Track Gang Crime After CalGang Database Ban
3/8/2026, 7:52:18 AM
Impact of the CalGang Database Ban on Law Enforcement
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has reported significant challenges in tracking street gang crime following the ban on the CalGang database, an internal intelligence tool that previously contained information on approximately 80,000 suspected gang members. This ban was enacted in July 2020 under the direction of California's then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra, amid allegations of police misconduct and pressure from police reform advocates. Captain Ahmad Zarekani, head of the LAPD Gang and Narcotics Division, stated that the inability to monitor gang affiliations has severely hampered investigations, as officers are now prohibited from tracking individuals based on gang associations.
Background and Context of the Ban
The CalGang database was established to assist law enforcement in identifying and monitoring gang members. However, it faced scrutiny for allegedly discriminating against Black and Latino individuals, who constituted 90% of its entries. Activist groups, including the Liberty Hill Foundation, celebrated the database's dismantling as a victory for civil rights. Critics argue that the decision undermines public safety and shifts the burden of gang-related crime enforcement to federal authorities, as highlighted by Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. He criticized the reforms as detrimental, stating, “They’re not reforms — what’s the opposite of reform? It’s degrading.”
Recent Law Enforcement Actions
Despite the challenges posed by the database ban, the LAPD, in collaboration with the FBI, recently conducted "Operation Dead Horse," targeting the 18th Street Gang, also known as Barrio 18. This operation resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals on various charges, including drug dealing and racketeering. Notable arrests included Keiko Marie Gonzalez, a prominent figure in the gang, who is accused of running operations on behalf of her incarcerated husband. Captain Zarekani acknowledged the operation as a significant blow to the gang but expressed concern over the LAPD's lack of knowledge regarding the current number of gang members active in Los Angeles.
Criticism of the Policy Shift
The decision to eliminate the CalGang database has drawn criticism from various quarters. Scott Meyers, an attorney and California State Assembly candidate, argued that the move reflects a broader trend of public safety policies being influenced by activist agendas. He claimed that lawmakers are prioritizing chaos over order, which he believes contributes to rising crime rates. This sentiment is echoed by other law enforcement officials who contend that the absence of a reliable tracking system complicates efforts to combat gang violence effectively.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the LAPD has reported operational successes against the 18th Street Gang, the lack of a comprehensive database raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of these efforts. There is a notable discrepancy in the assessment of the gang's current strength and membership, with Zarekani admitting uncertainty about the gang's ability to restructure its leadership following the recent arrests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “By our own rules and ordinances, we’re not supposed to keep track of gang members,” — Captain Ahmad Zarekani, LAPD
- “They’re not reforms — what’s the opposite of reform? It’s degrading,” — Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
- “These activist lawmakers believe they’re on the cusp of a socialist revolution, and to get there they need chaos.” — Scott Meyers, LA Attorney
The ongoing debate surrounding the CalGang database ban highlights the complexities of balancing civil rights with public safety in the context of gang violence in Los Angeles.
