The Tulare County Gang Violence Suppression Unit (GVSU) was founded in 1995 with members formerly assigned to the Sheriff’s S.T.E.P. Unit (Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel) . The original unit was created due to the increasing gang violence issue that Tulare County was facing at the time and need for dedicated persons to specialize in gang related crimes. The ‘95 Gang Violence Suppression Unit consisted of 4 Detectives managed by a Sergeant.

The continuing increase in gang violence and increasing familiarity that gang members are gaining with current technology have forced Law Enforcement to increase their personnel familiar with current trends. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department G.V.S.U. has been recently expanded and consists of two dedicated Detective units managing both the north and south county areas. 5 Detectives are assigned to the North End Unit and managed by 1 Sergeant with offices in North Visalia. 5 Detectives managed by 1 Sergeant are currently assigned to the South Tulare County area with offices in the Pixley Substation.

With the assistance and cooperation of nearby agencies another unit called MAGNET was created in August ‘06 by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. The unit was created out of a need for a multi-agency unit not only to increase law enforcement personnel during details but to facilitate the exchange of anti-gang information through out the different local jurisdictions.

Contact Information:

Office: (559) 735-1862
Fax: (559) 737-4465