SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — In an ongoing effort to bolster public safety across California, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a new operation involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in the city of San Bernardino.
This initiative aims to provide additional CHP personnel to address property theft and violent crime, including incidents of gun violence.
“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. Whether in the Bay Area, the Central Valley, or Southern California — we are monitoring and stand ready to step in and support local law enforcement to protect communities and keep Californians safe,” stated Governor Gavin Newsom.
San Bernardino’s Mayor, Helen Tran, expressed gratitude for the CHP’s increased support. “We are grateful to Governor Newsom for providing additional support from the California Highway Patrol to the City of San Bernardino,” she said. “This year, our City Police Department’s efforts have led to a 13% reduction in violent crime, and the extra support will strengthen public safety in our community. With this new state and local collaboration in San Bernardino, we can continue to impact criminal enterprises targeting our neighborhoods and businesses.”
Recent statistics indicate that San Bernardino has a violent crime rate that is nearly double the statewide average, with its homicide rate exceeding three times the state’s average. The city also has high vehicle theft rates and increased reports of traffic violations, including sideshows, which compromise public safety.
The CHP’s operation will involve deploying specialized law enforcement units on the ground and in the air to target sideshow activities and stolen vehicles. Additionally, the CHP will offer investigative assistance to the San Bernardino Police Department to disrupt organized crime, reduce gun violence, and remove illegal firearms from circulation.
“Our partnership with the city of San Bernardino strengthens our efforts to enhance public safety,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This collaboration allows us to share resources, intelligence, and expertise, enhancing our ability to reduce crime and create a safer environment for all members of the community.”
This initiative builds on the CHP’s previous collaborations with local law enforcement across California, including operations in Oakland, San Francisco, and Bakersfield. These efforts have resulted in over 3,200 arrests, nearly 3,000 stolen vehicles recovered, as well as the seizure of more than 170 illegal firearms and various illicit drugs, including fentanyl.
Additionally, this initiative complements Governor Newsom’s ongoing investments to assist local law enforcement in tackling organized retail theft. Last year, he allocated over $267 million to 55 local law enforcement agencies, resulting in more than 10,000 arrests in just nine months.
Through the CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force, the state has apprehended over 3,200 suspects, recovered more than 880,276 stolen items valued at over $46 million, and conducted over 3,045 investigations.
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