By ALEXANDRIA BORDAS | Reporter
The Palisadian-Post was granted exclusive access to ride undercover with the Burglary Robbery Task Force (BRTF) over the course of three weeks in July 2015. The Post is the first media outlet ever approved to report on the details of this elite team from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau Department. With the exception of Sergeant Michael Maher, names of task force members have been changed to protect their job assignments as undercover detectives. The Sheriff’s Dept. prohibited the use of photography to protect task force members’ identities and edited several details about their strategies and tactics out of this story.
RIDING WITH THE BRTF
On my first morning as an undercover journalist with the BRTF, I slid into the front seat of Sergeant Michael Maher’s surveillance vehicle. He handed me a Kevlar vest—bulky and heavy—and briefed me on the importance of wearing it for protection during ‘tactical takedowns.’
That’s what I was hoping for on this day that started at 7 a.m.—a tactical takedown when the BRTF would catch a burglary crew in the act and arrest them.
Maher drilled it into me to always be alert and constantly scan my immediate surroundings and he instructed me to protect myself if we found ourselves in a dangerous situation.
“If by the slim chance I get hit and go down, protect my body and wait for backup,” Maher said. I gaped at him, not quite sure if he was serious. I looked around at the knives and array of weaponry placed in strategic pockets throughout the car and felt my heart start to pound out of my chest. He was serious.
I just knew I wanted to stay as close to him as possible.
With Maher leading the charge, I wasn’t scared as we carefully drove through gang-affiliated neighborhoods with nothing but a glass window between me and the crews the detectives were intimately watching.
As my adrenaline pumped, time seemingly slowed down and I could hear everything – shutters closing, the scuffling of feet yards away and the crunching of gravel beneath our tires.
We parked near a closed school and spent what felt like hours watching a group of men converge on a suspiciously nice Audi with no license plates. Maher said we were waiting to see if the suspects were preparing to go on a burglary run, and if so we were going to tail them and call in the support team, which includes helicopters and other air support we cannot disclose, as well as other local law enforcement agencies.
For a new perspective, I jumped into Detective Javier Gomez’ car. As he circled around the neighborhood he calmly drew out his gun and held it down out of sight.
“You can never be too careful in this area,” he said while quickly swiveling his eyes left and right. “We are in gang territory and we stand out, which is why we are constantly moving, never stalling too long in one location unless we are on a specific surveillance mission.”
At this point, I was glad I was wearing the bulky Kevlar vest.
After a few minutes of tense silence, four people jumped into the Audi and drove off. With his gun still by his side, Gomez grabbed his radio and alerted Maher that their lead suspects were on the move. We pulled out of the back streets of South LA and the coordinated circling of undercover cars commenced as we tracked the Audi.
Air support was on standby and in my car, Gomez seemed slightly stressed as the Audi pulled out of sight on the 405 South freeway.
“I can’t see him. He changed three lanes in one minute and in my lane, the far left lane, traffic is slowing down. Someone get eyes on that car!” he barked hurriedly into the radio.
Maher’s voice calmly reassured his team that he had eyes on the Audi and to keep heading south.
The suspects sped through Marina Del Rey, the South Bay and eventually out of LA toward Orange County. I white knuckled the door handles and occasionally shut my eyes as we swerved decisively through afternoon traffic, the detective never needing to hit the brakes.
Once in Long Beach the Audi pulled off the freeway and drove to Pacific Coast Highway. Maher’s team was about to call in air support and backup when the Audi stopped in a strip mall and the suspects lazily started window-shopping.
The tracking mission was called off, for now. There would be no tactical takedown today. The entire team, myself included, felt deflated.
Maher reminded us all to be patient. He said the suspects will eventually slip up and that the detectives would be there when they did.
I exhaled. My first day with the team had been both a whirlwind and a quiet waiting game. Over the next three weeks, I would spend many more days and nights hitting the streets of LA with the BRTF in hopes of witnessing a tactical takedown.
A COMMANDING PRESENCE
Travis Foster pops open his trunk, pilfers through multiple locked black cases, pulls out an assault rifle and racks it with a loud ‘crack.’
He’s quiet and attentive yet fits in with Maher’s outgoing Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau undercover team. Foster’s role is to provide uniformed tactical support and backup to the nine-man BRTF that became well known in Pacific Palisades after the team tracked and arrested the alleged four-person “Knock Knock” burglary crew on June 8 in the 800 block of Oreo Place.
Maher stands well over six feet tall and with his arms crossed at his chest, he boasts a commanding presence. His brown hair is almost always pulled back in a ponytail and he has a long thick beard to match. Maher’s eyes are typically shaded by sunglasses and he’s usually dressed in a plain t-shirt and cargo shorts with running shoes. An everyday pedestrian wouldn’t give him or his similarly dressed detectives a second glance when passing them on the street.
Blending in—that’s the goal.
When Maher briefs his team each morning at the South LA Sheriff’s Substation in Athens, he eases them in with a joke and slight ribbing. A slightly intimidating figure at first, Maher smiles easily around his detectives and takes noticeable pride in their loyalty to the mission of BRTF and overall brotherly support.
As much as the BRTF goofs off with one another, as Maher shifts to a serious business matter, a sharp silence falls over the team.
All eyes stare unblinkingly and attentively at Maher while he discusses their open cases and pending surveillance plans.
THE MAKING OF MAHER’S ‘MOTLEY CREW’
BRTF Detective Javier Gomez spent eight months tracking the alleged leader of the knock knock crew, Chivetta Overstreet, before handcuffing and arresting her along with alleged accomplices Elanee Jarrett, Everald Fisher and Donte Caldwell in the Palisades on the afternoon of Monday, June 8.
Gomez was one of the original detectives when the BRTF was assembled in 2009. It was formed out of the Temple City Sheriff’s Substation after a rampage of daytime burglaries plagued residents in and around the San Gabriel Valley and local authorities looked for a new enforcement tactic to combat these crimes.
“A majority of these residential burgs (burglaries) at the time were being committed by gang members from Los Angeles in and around the San Gabriel Valley,” Maher said. “When it quickly became clear it was a countywide problem not limited to that area it was decided that the task force would move to operate in a more organized central location out of LA County Sheriff’s MCB (Major Crimes Bureau).”
Gomez moved with the task force.
“I was already attached to the job and loved the diversity of it, so I transferred to LA and started working with Maher, after taking the necessary steps of course,” Gomez said.
In 2010 the new BRTF was formed out of the MCB office in Los Angeles. It consisted of a specialized team of eight detectives, one sergeant detective (Maher), two uniformed tactical deputies and SWAT deputies on-hand when necessary.
Since 2010, Maher’s “motley crew” of seasoned detectives has accumulated over 430 felony arrests, mostly related to residential burglary crimes in progress.
Over the years Maher has seen many detectives on his team come and go, depending on morale and overall chemistry. Most have been promoted or transferred to other investigative units taking their new knowledge and experience to their new assignment.
“Listen, we spend a lot of time together, maybe too much. And sometimes we get on each other’s nerves, but the chemistry and skillset is there, which is really important to have during intense moments like the ones we often get ourselves into,” Maher said.
ON A MISSION
The mission of the BRTF is to identify organized prolific criminal gangs and active crews, otherwise knows as “knock knock and/or flocking crews” that are committing daytime residential burglaries.
Simply, Maher’s team is a bunch of modest detectives who are modern-day crime stoppers, except with more beards, tattoos and scars than many of the famous big-screen movie star superheroes.
Every member of the task force has at least 20 years of experience in the sheriff’s department. Just to qualify for MCB a detective needs significant field knowledge and testing.
“MCB is a specialized group of very experienced detectives with many years of experience conducting complex investigations,” Maher explained. “Due to the nature of these investigations, which oftentimes includes witnessing crimes in progress, the BRTF extensively trains in apprehending suspects as well as vehicle and weapons tactics.”
Maher added, “But once you’re promoted into MCB you can get on a specialized team of your interest.”
The BRTF’s track record is close to impeccable. Maher chalks it up to the maturity and experience of his team. According to him, his guys avoid resorting to physical force and weapons and only utilize them as a last option.
“Less than 1 percent of our arrests have ever included the use of force amongst the hundreds and thousands of arrests and missions we’ve conducted,” Maher said.
The detectives are mentally and physically prepared to do what is necessary, as their weapons and ammunition are never on short supply, but their preparation allows them to avoid the use of force far more often than not.
“In six years we have dealt with serious crimes in progress,” Maher said. “We are all mature detectives who have prepared for what we need to do.”
Making well over 400 arrests in that time, the BRTF places a heavy emphasis on preparation, research and communication.
“We have a great record of taking serious criminals to jail without altercations. It’s remarkable the amount of work this team has done in high-threat situations that could’ve easily ended violently,” Maher said. “It’s a matter of using everyone’s talents and pre-planning to avoid unnecessary situations.”
Going into a takedown, Maher’s team knows everything about the offenders they are about to arrest far in advance. As with the takedown in the Palisades, it’s common for the BRTF to spend months undercover working surveillance on a crew before catching them in the act.
When it’s time for a tactical mission, Foster, the BRTF’s uniformed tactical deputy, has to be overly prepared for whatever situation might arise because most BRTF encounters include run-ins with convicted felons, many of them armed and desperate with long arrest rap sheets.
Foster, along with Maher, constantly coordinates with local agencies that need to be aware that the BRTF is in their city and that crimes may be occurring.
As the lead sergeant, Maher’s number-one priority is for his team to come home unscathed, citizens safe, with their suspects in custody.
“Realizing we are oftentimes put in harm’s way, I will go to whatever appropriate lengths necessary to make sure my guys come home safe each day. The men and women I’ve worked with I consider family and they are my top concern,” Maher said.
WEAPONRY AND TACTICS
Maher’s vehicle, like the vehicles of each BRTF detective, is a moving office. In every nook and cranny there are surveillance gadgets and a healthy display of gear—from knives to an assortment of weapons. There is an ice chest in the trunk stocked for long journeys and clothes to reflect all weather environments—sweatshirts, pants, boots, flip flops, shorts and even a suit, tie and jacket.
It’s typical to see Maher and his detectives juggling three different cell phones, an official radio and a GPS while conducting their surveillance missions.
While out in the field, Maher keeps in constant communication with his team, booming updates into one or all four of his devices.
During one mission, three undercover surveillance vehicles passed Maher’s car multiple times on the chaotic streets of Compton in a logistically coordinated street dance while tailing four burglary suspects driving a sleek Mercedes Benz.
BRTF team members spend an estimated 30 hours per week in their vehicles alone, not counting overtime hours and additional time spent in their main office.
“I like to say we are a hired band of gypsies,” Maher said with a smile. “We rarely say no to a job and are requested all over the county for various tasks. For example, the BRTF has participated in multi-million dollar agricultural equipment theft occurring throughout central California wherein many of the suspects resided in LA.”
He continued, “The team has conducted overnight surveillance of suspects involved in ‘hot prowl’ burglaries (burglaries occurring during the night while people are in their beds sleeping). A crew traveled from Ventura County through LA County as far south as San Diego County until they were finally apprehended by the BRTF.”
As well as their BRTF responsibilities, Maher and his detectives travel across the nation conducting extraditions when felons arrested out of state are required to return to California.
“Part of being a hired band of gypsies we have been asked to provide training to other law enforcement agencies regarding our techniques and tactics based on our experience with handling organized burglary crews,” Maher said with pride. “It is not unusual for the BRTF to work with local state as well as federal law enforcement agencies on a number of undercover-related investigations.”
Maher’s team doesn’t investigate small burglaries. It follows both loosely organized as well as sophisticated groups or crews that are actively involved in a series of burglaries or robberies. That’s when it becomes a job for the BRTF.
Equipped with modern high-grade and less lethal weapons, the BRTF has a wealth of resources at its disposal.
The nine-man team is cross-trained in various classes of weaponry, including less lethal tactics, such as mace and Tasers. The team also has heavier weaponry standing by, including handguns, rifles and impact gear, in case a threatening situation arises.
“We have helicopter air support during tactical situations to help contain suspects during a crime in progress and additional ground units to help in an arrest,” Maher said. “But most of the time, it’s information from the citizens that is the most important.”
Maher explained the reason his task force carries so many alternative devices is because seemingly routine situations can escalate rather quickly.
Most residential burglaries occur midday, when people are less likely to be home, but Maher and his team have witnessed how quickly a daytime burglary can turn into a violent situation when someone is home, unbeknownst to the burglars.
“A quick burglary can turn into a deadly case if something goes wrong,” Maher said. “It’s not just a burglary if someone is breaking into your house when you’re in the shower. These burglars are trying to victimize homes when people are gone but oftentimes it goes from a burglary to a violent robbery when people are home.”
The BRTF has jurisdiction throughout LA County and at times the investigations leads the team outside county lines.
Maher’s team can be in the mountains waist-deep in snow and a few hours later at the beach apprehending a suspect.
“Our team, which has been a task force for many years, has received tremendous support from executives in our department for our innovative and distinct style,” Maher said.
Since no one on the BRTF feels entitled to their position, “Each of us remains motivated and appreciative of our opportunity to do the work we do,” Maher added. “It motivates everyone to stay alert and challenged.”
Every member brings a unique skill to the team. Whether it’s the ability to blend into their environment or sure-fire intuition, detectives take leads on cases based on their knowledge and skill set.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Although Maher claims they all love their jobs, he admits there are very real challenges.
“Oftentimes we are investigating persons who we truly believe are actively involved in criminal activity, although we may lack probable cause to effect an arrest because they haven’t committed a crime yet,” Maher said. “It’s difficult knowing that a person has a history of being a violent gang member or of victimizing innocent people and we cannot intervene until they act.”
Maher said his overall concern is for the safety of the citizens, potential victims and his deputies.
“Knowing we are actively attempting to thwart a violent crime in progress, I am always worried about the safety of all persons involved, including the suspects, who we are trying to apprehend cautiously,” Maher said with an impassioned tone. “If we know a potential burglar is casing around the neighborhood, they may just be attending to personal business so they have that right. And we have a duty to continue our investigation and intervene if and when they break into a home.”
Maher mentioned that the long hours and complex aspects of their missions put a lot of pressure on the team members’ personal lives.
“We have all missed family functions and our kid’s sports games,” he admitted. “We do make sacrifices and sometimes feel the need to decompress after work.”
Many of the detectives are involved with after-work activities such as going to the gym, tending to their gardens and attending relaxing social outings to keep a healthy separation from their demanding work hours.
“It can put a strain on our families,” Maher said ruefully. “My guys are committed to their team and our mission but they never lose sight of the importance of having adequate time for family and friends.”
Despite the extreme nature of the BRTF’s classified undercover assignments, Maher loves the challenging aspects of his position and cares deeply about each member of his team.
“We are a sitcom of hilarity. We love and respect one another, even though it might not always appear that way, but have a very serious perspective on the dangerous elements of our job,” Maher said. “We are a jumbled mess of unique personalities who have come together to form this team, which has been highly successful. Everyone brings something different to the table and all of us positively exploit each other’s strengths.”
A BAND OF BROTHERS
Despite being exhausted after a 17-hour shift, the BRTF detectives laugh easily and are never short on exchanging sly smiles. It’s clear after spending a significant amount of time on-duty with these detectives that each has clearly defined talents that help fortify the team’s foundation.
As dusk settles on one of the days I spent with the BRTF, the team stands in a circle facing Maher in the parking lot at the South LA Sheriff’s station waiting for him to deliver the debriefing.
Wearily, they lean against the trunks of their dusted cars, looking sweaty and hunched, but still managing to crack a half-hearted joke or two.
Many of the detectives have been witnesses to both the highest and lowest points in each other’s lives and because of that there is a familial current that runs through the group, especially when they are together. Even outsiders can sense a feeling of an unbreakable brotherhood, connecting and guiding them through thick and thin.
The detectives slowly turn to leave when Maher finally releases them, lazily waving goodbye. Even though they spend more time together than apart, a few detectives still manage to make plans to meet up over the weekend. They even keep in touch with each other through group chats on their cell phones when they are apart.
And when Sunday evening comes, despite their weekends coming to a close, they are excited to see each other on Monday mornings, when the joking and tactical planning starts all over again.
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