Beginnings: The Strike Force was created by the Legislature in 1997.
Purpose: To combat gangs statewide. It later focused on the metro area, with members from local police and sheriff's offices.
Demise: A legislative auditor's investigation in 2009 found improprieties, including improperly forfeited vehicles. The force was closed in July 2009. A state inquiry found members took home seized property.
Aftermath: An ex-member was federally indicted for allegedly kicking a black teen in the head. The Hennepin County attorney's office is overseeing further criminal investigations.
