NCJ Number
183886
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 69 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 22-24
Date Published
May 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The police department of Rialto, Calif., developed a new drug suppression strategy called Operation Clean Sweep in 1999 to address a significant increase in gang activity and street-level drug trafficking.
Abstract
The city’s population has nearly tripled over the last 30 years. The use of proactive police patrols, buy-bust operations, and drug prevention programs had been effective in the past, but were not sufficient early in 1999. The agency used the SARA model of scanning, analysis, response, and assessment advocated by problem-oriented policing. Results indicated that Operation Clean Sweep should focus on developing such strong prosecution cases that as many arrested drug dealers as possible would receive certain incarceration. Program elements included a target list of dealers, the creative use of technology to gather evidence, close liaison with the district attorney's office, cooperation with other police agencies, strategic use of the media, and an assessment of the results. Operation Clean Sweep resulted in the arrest and prosecution of more than 100 felons. Several offenders face three-strike enhancements and long prison sentences. Operation Clean Sweep proves that law enforcement agencies can develop effective strategies for undercover operations provided that they conduct proper planning and use the right tools. Notes and photograph