In partnership with the San Bernardino County Probation Department, the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force was awarded $20,000 to support at-promise youth, including those who experienced foster care, homelessness, or incarceration. These funds provided scholarships and mentorship opportunities while also allowing youth on probation to have a voice at the annual Safety Summit.
The task force remains dedicated to preventing gang involvement and substance abuse through collaboration with education, law enforcement, the justice system, elected officials, and community partners. This year’s efforts focused on addressing critical safety issues, substance abuse, and community response strategies to create a safer future for youth.
Collaboration is Key!
From Dr. Don English, Executive Director
San Bernardino County Gangs & Drugs Task Force is committed to a strong leadership role in coordination, collaboration, and communication between law enforcement, the criminal justice system, Social Services, education, probation, mental health, children and family services, elected officials, the community at large and private enterprise. The Gangs and Drugs Taskforce provides information and resources in an effort to prevent and stop the alarming trends that poison our neighborhoods and cripple our communities.
The world in which we live is filled with many hurdles that families must navigate. Many of our youth and their families have encountered situations in which they have been traumatized and need a tremendous amount of support, whether that be physically, mentally, or emotionally. We, as a society/community, must provide hope for families.
Moving forward we All must come together as a society at large and Nation to assist all families in alleviating the climate of despair perpetuated by gangs and drugs in our communities. We must expect that together we can make a substantial impact in the lives of youth and their families. We will make a difference!
Message from the Chair
Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers, Board Chair
As Chair of the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force (GDTF), I deeply appreciate all of our partners. Our mission remains clear: to provide leadership in advocating the prevention and suppression of gang membership and drug use throughout San Bernardino County, while working in partnership with the community and allied agencies.
This includes educating our community on legislation, both local and statewide. By equipping our youth with knowledge and awareness, we empower them to protect themselves, friends, and family from harmful influences. When they learn how to recognize gang involvement and risky behaviors, they are better prepared to avoid dangerous situations and make informed decisions.
Key areas of focus include:
- Community Safety: Being informed about gangs enables individuals and neighborhoods to take proactive steps to protect themselves.
- Prevention: Awareness of issues such as human trafficking and fentanyl use allows for early intervention and prevention efforts.
- Support for Law Enforcement: By sharing information on gang activity, we strengthen law enforcement’s ability to respond effectively and build positive community relationships.
When youth encounter gangs in their schools or communities, they need opportunities to engage in open dialogue with trusted leaders. Our Annual GDTF Safety Summit, along with presentations from caring partners, strengthens our anti-gang message and expands our reach to youth and community members alike.
The safety and success of our communities belong to all of us. Thank you for your continued support!
Our Mission
The San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force (GDTF) is committed to a leadership role in advocating for the prevention and suppression of gang membership and drug use throughout San Bernardino County. We achieve this through coordination, collaboration, and communication between education, law enforcement, the criminal justice system, elected officials, private enterprise, and the community-at-large.
By The Numbers
396,860
Total Enrollment
33
Public School Districts
589
Number of Public Schools
20,068.2
Square Miles
89.5%
Graduation Rate