Sheriff adds to gang unit

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department's Gang Unit has added two positions.

The Gang Unit was created in February 2007. The unit addresses public safety concerns.

The Gang Unit is responsible for 69 felony arrests and 97 misdemeanor arrests in its eight months of existence. Most of these arrests involve gang members and many involved weapons, violence and/or drugs.

Anyone living in communities patrolled by the sheriff's department can call the gang tip hotline at (888) 58GANGS (584-2647). To reach the sheriff's department, residents can call (805) 654-9511. In an emergency, always call 911.