YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Law enforcement agencies in Yuba-Sutter will shift to a new investigative model this summer with the formation of a joint Special Investigations Unit aimed at serious and repeat criminal activity. 

The Yuba City Police Department and Sutter County Sheriff’s Office announced April 21 that they plan to establish the unit through a memorandum of understanding, with operations set to begin July 1 pending approval from the Sutter County Board of Supervisors and the Yuba City Council. 

The move follows the planned closure of the Yuba-Sutter Narcotics and Gang Enforcement Task Force, known as NET-5, at the end of the current fiscal year. Officials said the transition reflects changes in funding, evolving public safety demands and the need for a more flexible approach. 

The Special Investigations Unit will focus on narcotics trafficking, violent crime, firearms offenses, organized criminal activity and repeat offenders across Yuba City and Sutter County. 

Investigators from both agencies will staff the unit, with support from the Sutter County District Attorney’s Office and the Sutter County Probation Department. Officials said the collaborative model is intended to strengthen investigations, improve coordination and increase successful prosecutions. 

The unit will operate under a joint command structure, with cases prioritized based on public safety impact and regional crime trends. 

Yuba City Police Chief Jim Runyen said the new unit will help agencies remain proactive in addressing crime.

“The formation of the SIU ensures that our agencies remain proactive and adaptable in addressing serious criminal activity,” Runyen said.

Sutter County Sheriff Brandon Barnes said the effort will direct resources where they are most needed.

“Our priority is the safety of our community,” Barnes said. “The Special Investigations Unit allows us to focus our resources where they are needed most and continue to work closely with our partners to address crime in Sutter County.”

Officials said the SIU will continue the core mission of targeting criminal organizations while allowing agencies to respond more quickly to emerging crime trends. Additional details will be released as the unit is implemented.