Special Service Unit
The primary mission of SSU is to conduct intricate and comprehensive criminal investigations that focus on both current and former inmates of CDCR as well as individuals under state parole.
[3] These dedicated professionals operate at the intersection of justice and public safety, often collaborating with a network of law enforcement agencies to tackle complex cases.
Through their specialized efforts, SSU agents actively confront criminal behavior that emerges from both the incarcerated population and parolees re-entering society.
Among their array of responsibilities, the agents vigilantly monitor prison gangs, unraveling webs of criminal intelligence and enforcing stringent narcotics laws.
Their relentless pursuit of justice ensures that the delicate balance between rehabilitation and public safety is maintained, reflecting their unwavering commitment to a safer society.
SSU special agents hold a rank equivalent to that of a CDCR captain and strive to maintain a low profile and minimal visibility while carrying out their missions throughout the state.
The Special Service Unit was established in 1964 at the request of California Governor Pat Brown, in response to a harrowing event—the kidnapping of two Los Angeles police officers on March 9, 1963.
At the time, LAPD officers Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger were performing a routine traffic stop at the intersection of Carlos Avenue and Gower Street in Hollywood.
[4] Following the incident, the investigation revealed significant challenges in obtaining timely and necessary information from the department of corrections, which was hampered by its size and bureaucracy.
One of the recommendations from the sub-committee was the formation of a unit within the department of corrections aimed at establishing and furthering liaison activities between the CDCR, street law enforcement, district attorneys, and the courts.
The Special Service Unit is the primary investigative body for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation when it comes to cases involving prisoners, parolees, or situations directly linked to CDCR.
In simpler terms, the unit plays a critical, multifaceted role in ensuring public safety by handling a wide range of tasks as needed.
Equipped with advanced tactical gear, surveillance technology, and unmarked vehicles, these teams are always ready for rapid deployment, responding anywhere in the state at a moment's notice.
[10] With the merger into the OCS, SSU special agents are expected to maintain a higher level of proficiency in tactical firearms and high-risk entry training.
Agents are expected to be proficient in writing skills for preparing criminal reports, surveillance logs, and crafting search warrants.
Conducting covert surveillance is a skill and an art that each agent must master.Although SSU is not a SWAT team, they must operate at a much higher level than a traditional police officer or detective.
However, a 2018 CDCR press release webpage article states, "Since 1977, 99 percent of all offenders who have left an adult institution, camp or community-based program without permission have been apprehended.
The press release states, "[It is] the primary departmental link with allied law enforcement agencies and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services" and "The OCS mission is to protect the public and serve CDCR investigative and security interests."
[20] Hernandez was allegedly able to defeat his restraints and break free from a prison transport van in the parking lot of the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano.
[22] The day after Hearst's kidnapping, special agents from the unit's San Francisco office provided police with photographs of suspects who matched the description of one of the abductors.
During the investigation into the cult, special agents from the SSU were called upon by the Los Angeles Police Department to interview Bruce Davis, a follower of Manson.
[23]On January 26, 2001, San Francisco resident Diane Whipple was attacked and killed by two large presa canario dogs in the hallway of her apartment building.
The Special Service Unit had been investigating the Aryan Brotherhood and its illegal dog breeding business for several months before the death of Whipple.
In February 2012, the Occupy Movement conducted a protest at the east gate of San Quentin Prison, located in Marin County, California[27] SSU special agents worked undercover and infiltrated the group of protestors.
Their mission was to gain intelligence if the protest turned violent or the prison's security was compromised.In 2012, SSU special agents became involved in the Speed Freak Killers investigation.
FBI Evidence Response Team members responded and marked the locations identified by the serial killer and later conducted forensic excavations searching for human remains.
The government alleged that top officials within the Aryan Brotherhood organization used smuggled phones to order murders and orchestrate a multi-state drug trafficking operation from their prison cells.
[31] During the 2020 George Floyd protests in Oakland, California, the Special Service Unit played a crucial role in maintaining public safety and responding to civil unrest.
[32] Tasked with crowd control and tactical operations, the SSU assisted the Oakland Police Department (OPD) in managing large demonstrations, protecting critical infrastructure, and addressing incidents of vandalism and looting.
