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Podcasts Take Two
Why you could be on a secret California database of suspected gang members
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Mar 25, 2016
Listen 3:47
Why you could be on a secret California database of suspected gang members
The directory is called CalGang, and for nearly 20 years, police in urban communities have used it to secretly track confirmed and suspected gang members.
Three members of the 18th Street Gang. The federal government scored another victory Friday in a high profile case against one of Southern California’s most violent gangs.
Three members of the 18th Street Gang. The federal government scored another victory Friday in a high profile case against one of Southern California’s most violent gangs.
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AFP/AFP/Getty Images
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The directory is called CalGang, and for nearly 20 years, police in urban communities have used it to secretly track confirmed and suspected gang members.

California law enforcement has an array of high-tech tools to assist them, including a state-run database designed to help them identify suspected gang members. People on the list often face extra scrutiny if stopped by police.

But there's a problem: just knowing someone else who has a record as a gang member might put you on the list, too. 

Sound kinda Orwellian? 

The directory is called CalGang, and for nearly 20 years police in urban communities have used it to secretly keep tabs on confirmed and suspected gang members.

Now, lawmakers are pushing the state to notify the people on the list, many of whom may have no connection to organized crime.

Ali Winston is an investigative reporter for Reveal News and looked into it. He shared his findings with Take Two. 

Press the blue play button above to hear the interview.