Gangs/Firearms Unit
The Gang Unit investigates all gang crimes, validates gang members, testifies in court as experts regarding gang activity, and assists outside agencies with gang intelligence. The unit conducts parole and probation searches of known gang members. The RPD Gang Unit works collaboratively with CCSO, San Pablo, Pinole and El Cerrito Police Departments and is a member of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The Gang Unit detectives collaborate with the RPD School Resource Officers and conduct proactive gang enforcement operations. Additionally, this unit is responsible for handling all follow-up on cases involving firearms and persons arrested for possession of firearms.


Narcotics Unit
The Narcotics Unit is responsible for all narcotics investigations in the city. The narcotics detectives follow up on all patrol officer narcotics arrests. While the patrol officers respond to narcotics complaints occurring on the street, the Narcotics Unit detectives primarily handle drug sales that are typically out of the public view (within houses or business, for example). The Narcotics Unit detectives routinely write and serve search and arrest warrants, and they conduct buy/bust operations. Sgt Sousa is available for contact regarding narcotics activity information at the number and email listed below.


Parole Unit
The Parole Unit consists of 5 RPD detectives and 2 California Department of Corrections Parole Agents who work in collaboration. The unit monitors a number of identified gang members using GPS technology 24 hours a day. The unit is also responsible for random parole compliance checks and apprehending parolees at large. Parole Unit detectives attend monthly Parole and Community Team (PACT) meetings intended to advise newly paroled inmates of resources available to them and the consequences of continued criminal behavior in effort to reduce recidivism.


Contact Information

Special Investigations Division Commander
Lieutenant C. Whitney
    510-621-1816
    Monday - Thursday
    9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
    Email

Gangs/Firearms Unit Supervisor
Acting Sergeant J. Lopez
    510-412-2081
    Monday - Thursday
    9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
    Email

Narcotics Unit Supervisor
Sergeant E. Sousa
    510-621-1701
    Monday - Thursday
    2:00 PM to Midnight
    Email

Parole Unit Supervisor
Sergeant T. Mollenbernd
    510-231-3045
    Monday - Thursday
    9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
    Email