In response to escalating violent crime rates in San Bernardino County, California Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated a new "surge operation" involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This operation aims to bolster local law enforcement efforts and tackle issues such as gun violence and property theft.
The initiative mirrors similar successful operations previously implemented in Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Francisco. It will see the San Bernardino Police Department collaborating closely with CHP's Inland Operation Team to address the city's pressing safety concerns.
Governor Newsom emphasized the state's commitment to supporting local law enforcement, stating, "We are sending additional CHP support to help local law enforcement aggressively suppress criminal activity and provide this community with a new level of safety and accountability."
Recent data reveals that San Bernardino's violent crime rate is nearly double the state average, with a homicide rate more than three times higher than the California norm. The city also grapples with one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the state.
As part of the operation, CHP will deploy both ground and air units, focusing on targeting street takeovers and recovering stolen vehicles. Additional investigators will assist the San Bernardino Police Department in disrupting street gangs, organized crime, and removing illegal firearms from the streets.
San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran expressed gratitude for the state's support, noting that the city's police department has already achieved a 13% reduction in violent crime this year. She believes the extra assistance will further enhance public safety in the community.
This operation is part of a broader statewide effort to combat crime. Since 2019, California has invested over $1 billion in resources and law enforcement personnel for this purpose. Previous similar operations across the state have resulted in over 3,200 arrests, the recovery of nearly 3,000 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of more than 170 illegal firearms and drugs.
The governor's office also highlighted recent successes in combating organized retail theft. Last year, 55 local law enforcement agencies received over $267 million in state funding to prosecute retail theft perpetrators, leading to the arrest of more than 10,000 individuals. Additionally, the CHP's Organized Retail Theft Task Force arrested over 3,200 people and recovered stolen items worth more than $46 million.
As the surge operation unfolds in San Bernardino, state officials remain committed to monitoring and supporting local law enforcement efforts across California to ensure community safety and reduce crime rates.