CHP operation aims to help San Bernardino to address violent crime

San Bernardino’s police department will soon have additional support from the state to address crime and enhance public safety.

Governor Newsom announced last week that CHP personnel will be sent to San Bernardino to help the city crack down on property theft and violent crime, including 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,” said Governor Newsom in a statement. “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.”

Recent data shows that San Bernardino’s violent crime rate is nearly double the statewide average, and its homicide rate is over three times the statewide average. San Bernardino’s vehicle theft rate remains one of the highest in the state. Local San Bernardino law enforcement also report increased traffic and street violations, including sideshows, that put public safety at risk.

The CHP’s operation will add special law enforcement units on the ground and in the air — targeting sideshow activities and stolen vehicles. The CHP is also providing San Bernardino Police Department with additional investigative support to disrupt organized criminal activity and violent street gangs, get illegal guns off the street and help prevent gun violence.

Similar programs are taking place in Oakland, San Francisco and Bakersfield. With CHP’s help, those operations have resulted in more than 3,200 arrests, the recovery of nearly 3,000 stolen vehicles, the seizure of more than 170 illegal firearms, and illicit drugs, including fentanyl, taken off the streets.

Additionally, through the CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force, the state has arrested more than 3,200 suspects, recovered over 880,276 stolen items worth over $46 million, and conducted 3,045 investigations.

“We are grateful to Governor Newsom for providing additional support from the California Highway Patrol to the City of San Bernardino,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “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.”