(June 18, 2009) -- Nearly three dozen alleged LB gang members on parole and probation were taken back into custody for alleged violations in a crackdown by LBPD and other law enforcement agencies.

LBPD Sgt.Dina Zapalski says the action was spurred by a spike in shootings and murders the past few months. "The LBPD, along with L.A. County Probation, LASD, and DCFS conducted a joint operation yesterday morning."

Sgt. Zapalski continues: "L.A. County Probation Officer Ben Morales and Detective Joe Pirooz worked jointly to to identify subjects for compliance checks. The locations were record for active Gang Members on Parole and Probation that have been invovled in violent crimes. 88 of the locations were in the city of Long Beach and the balance of the locations were in Paramount, Lakewood, Bellflower and Compton."

Casting a large net yields a lot of fish, notes Zapalski: "Many times when checks are done, the subject on parole or probabtion will be out of compliance. Many times, repeat offenders, continue to commit violent crimes. If subject is found to be in compliance, then they know the police are watching and will be checking on them at anytime."

She says the LB compliance checks yielded 35 arrests, including 27 felony and eight misdemeanors. She adds, six firearms were recovered, small quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana were seized and the Department of Childrens Services took 12 children into protective custody.

"Probation Officer Ben Morales and Detective Joe Pirooz did an outstanding job coordinating this operation. This was a successful operation and will have an impact on future violent crime in Long Beach," Zapalski concludes.

[This story was first reported by reporter Tracy Manzer on Press-Telegram.com on the evening of June 17; we sought confirmation that same night from LBPD, received at midday today June 18.]