CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Police Department is planning to organize a special unit to investigate gang activity that will likely be made up of former members of the scandal-plagued Special Operations Section.

The Chicago Tribune reports the new 115-officer unit will be called the Mobile Strike Force, but its mission will be almost identical to the Special Operations Section, which was disbanded last year.

The Tribune reports that in a draft memo to his command staff last week, Police Superintendent Jody Weis says former members of the Special Operations Section who aren't under investigation be given the first opportunity to be selected for the new unit.

A team of officers of the Special Operations Section are alleged to have robbed and kidnapped victims for years under the guise of police work. Seven officers are awaiting trial on criminal charges.

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