The biggest challenge facing prosecutors in gang cases is to secure the cooperation of witnesses. Witness and victims who are themselves not affiliated with any gangs tend to fear retaliation if they cooperate, particularly if they live in the neighborhood. Many witnesses distrust governmental authority, either because of questionable immigration status, or because they have recently immigrated from countries where government agents are feared. Members of the Gang Violence Unit are trained in dealing with these issues, and in effectively working with recalcitrant witnesses in order to be able to present the cases in court. Witness protection, through a variety of court orders, enhanced police presence, and police escorts to court, is foremost on the Gang D.A.'s mind.
Every effort is made to make the witness comfortable with the legal process.
Appearances in court are usually accompanied by trained police investigators. In the extreme case, witness relocation can be accomplished at state expense, either on a part-time or permanent basis. Members of the Gang Violence Unit work closely with members of the San Francisco Police Department's Special Investigations Detail and the Gang Task Force to ensure maximum effort on cases involving gang violence. Early, aggressive intervention can often be the key to a successful investigation and prosecution. Gang D.A.s develop the expertise to be able to advise police officers on the appropriate steps to take in many of their investigations.