LOS ANGELES (AP) — Seven Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies from an anti-gang unit have been notified that the department intends to fire them for being members of a secret law enforcement clique that allegedly encouraged unethical conduct.

Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said Wednesday the deputies were sent the letters this week after an internal investigation of their activities as members of a group called the Jump Out Boys.

The deputies were members of the Sheriff's Gang Enforcement Team.

Law enforcement officials say the concern was that the group, with its matching tattoos and a creed seemingly promoting shootings, violated the department's core values.

All seven were placed on paid leave during the probe. Investigators found no evidence of criminal behavior.