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 and began working in the jail. There, he spoke with the inmates and tried to learn everything he could about them. Goose talks about his 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.