Episode 101 retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Gang Detective Knute "Goose" Grani

Interview with retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Gang Detective Knute "Goose" Grani

Years of Service: 1969-1984

In 1969, Goose was hired by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He began working in the jail, where he spoke with the inmates and tried to learn everything he could about them. Goose talks about interactions with inmates including a fascinating story about Charles Manson.

Goose talks about his time on patrol and working with Operation Safe Streets and the difference between working in Hispanic versus black neighborhoods.

During this interview, we discuss potential reasons for why people commit crimes and Goose tells many interesting stories including one involving a very young Suge Knight. Goose briefly discusses a shooting that resulted in his partner's death and the residual effects of survivor's guilt.

Goose finally discusses his time as a gang detective and what it was like dealing with people who were committing crimes versus those in the community who wanted nothing to do with those same gang members.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:24 Goose's Early Life and Family Background
03:07 Journey to Law Enforcement
05:06 Starting at the LA Sheriff's Department
05:56 Experiences in the Jail and Encounter with Manson
14:41 Transition to Patrol and Gang Wars
27:51 Challenges of Policing Different Neighborhoods
31:20 Joining the Gang Unit
32:24 Operation Safe Streets: The Dirty Dozen
36:38 Partnership Dynamics
36:55 Community Reception of OSS Unit
37:26 Memorable Cases and Community Impact
39:33 Personal Preferences in Cases
40:07 Interrogation Skills and Personal Stories
40:57 Curbside Justice
43:56 Humorous Patrol Stories with Gil Carillo
47:14 Coping Mechanisms in Law Enforcement
52:34 Tragic Loss of a Partner
57:08 Notable Arrests and Investigations
01:09:38 The Straight Shooter's Tale
01:10:09 The Informant's Story
01:11:04 The Gang Banger Incident
01:13:21 The Chase and Arrest
01:15:50 The DA and Conviction Rates
01:20:09 Generational Changes in Policing
01:21:35 The Evolution of Hiring Standards
01:29:41 The 46 Search Warrants Case
01:31:56 The Impact of Media on Policing
01:39:23 Final Reflections and Advice