The CalGRIP Initiative

Definition

On May 25, 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger proposed a comprehensive and innovative anti-gang initiative to fight gang violence in California. The California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) Initiative targeted more than $31 million in state and federal funding toward local anti-gang efforts, including job training, education and intervention programs and gave law enforcement the tools to closely track gang leaders both inside state prisons and when they are released on parole.  CalGRIP combines funding from different programs and directs them toward prevention, intervention and suppression.

Background

For several months prior to announcing the CalGRIP Initiative, the Governor met with mayors, law enforcement, faith-based and community organizations, local officials and legislators to discuss how communities across the state are fighting gangs and what resources they need to strengthen their success.  At every meeting the Governor heard about the same problems: lack of coordination between state and local agencies and programs, lack of funding and lack of a comprehensive approach to anti-gang efforts.

"Everywhere I went, local law enforcement would say the problem is just being pushed from one city to the next. They say gang leaders come out of state prisons and go right back to terrorizing their communities – law enforcement finds out they have gang leaders back in their communities when gang-related violence spikes.  Prosecutors say they need more tools to protect witnesses. Community leaders say they can get kids out of gangs but they need help with job training and education. The State spends hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars on education, job training and substance abuse treatment every year – with no focused coordination on gang activities. We need a comprehensive approach to gang violence that provides a statewide framework with long-term solutions," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

Leadership

The Governor's Office of Gang and Youth Violence Policy (OGYVP) was created as a part of the CalGRIP Initiative, charged with coordinating all state programs and funding for anti-gang activities with local and federal agencies.  On September 4, 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Paul Seave as the director of OGYVP, to serve as the statewide gang coordinator.

Funding Opportunities

There are several funding opportunities for local communities available through the CalGRIP Initiative, administered through the California Emergency Management Agency, the Employment Development Department and the Corrections Standards Authority.

More Information

To learn more about the CalGRIP Initiative and to see a video clip of the press conference where Governor Schwarzenegger announced its creation, visit Governor Schwarzenegger's Web site.

To view a print version of the press release announcing the CalGRIP Initiative, see Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Initiative to Combat Gang Violence.