Gang officers and detectives focus primarily on the investigation of crimes involving gangs and on the successful apprehension and prosecution of gang members. The team also specializes in graffiti enforcement. The Gang Unit has identified 27 gangs in the City of Modesto. In the last year, the Gang Unit investigated 391 cases. These cases involved everything from vandalism and auto theft to assaults, stabbings, drive-by shootings, drug arrests, and homicides. The unit is extremely proactive and, along with gang enforcement, conducts gang awareness presentations for various community organizations such as schools, churches, parent/teacher groups, property management associations, and other city and county departments.

The mission of the Modesto Police Department Gang Unit is to provide the safest environment possible for the citizens of Modesto, by attacking the gang problem on many different levels. This specialized unit will strive to achieve its objectives by identifying gangs, gang members, and their associates, deterring crimes when possible, and educating the public. The unit is charged with investigating gang related crimes, identifying those responsible, and aggressively seeking the prosecution of those individuals. The Modesto Police Department Gang Unit will utilize all resources available to fulfill its mission.