closer look: metro gang strike force
History: Legislature created Metro Gang Strike Force in 2005 after dissolving the Minnesota Gang Strike Force.
Composition: Thirty-four officers from 13 local agencies, including police and sheriff's departments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Funding: About $2.2 million from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, including $400,000 for operational infrastructure such as rent and computers and the balance for grants to agencies that provide officers (about $50,000 per officer).
2008 statistics: Initiated 1,016 investigations and made 615 arrests. Eighty-four of those arrested were charged in federal court, and 215 were charged with misdemeanors. The force assisted in 438 arrests, executed 288 warrants and seized 122 firearms, 20 vehicles and $409,385 in cash.
