AS A PAROLE OFFICER I WORKED THE GANG INFESTED EAST SIDE OF RIVERSIDE AND I DID IT AT NIGHT BY NYSELF

45 Arrested in Crackdown on Riverside Gang Violence

NBC 3
October 20, 2018

Forty-five suspected gang members and associates have been arrested in a crackdown on gang violence in a Southern California neighborhood.

Authorities announced Friday that the joint operation by police and the California Department of Justice in the Eastside area of Riverside also resulted in seizure of 63 firearms, illegal narcotics and evidence of gang membership.

The investigation followed murders, attempted murders, drive-by shootings and assaults, which officials say occurred when gang members and associates were released from custody and began trying to regain control and power.

Riverside County prosecutors have so far filed criminal cases against 22 adults and three minors.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I didn’t need a police escort like many of today’s parole officers want before they venture into a high crime area, even in the daytime.

When I first started to work in the east side, the first place I went to was a bar frequented by gang members – the Chagollas – and introduced myself around to let them get to know me. While they did not like my position as a parole agent, and some knew me when I was a prior cop, they accepted me because they saw I was always a straight shooter.

My only escort was a concealed .32 caliber Colt revolver that came along with me.