Newsom launches CHP crime-fighting effort in San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA. – Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new California Highway Patrol deployment with the city of San Bernardino to address higher crime rates and gun violence in the city.

The operation, which is similar to others currently underway in Oakland, San Francisco and Bakersfield, will deploy dedicated ground and air law enforcement units to target sideline activities and stolen vehicles.

The San Bernardino Police Department will also receive additional investigative support to combat organized crime and violent street gangs, remove illegal weapons from the streets and prevent gun violence.

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“We are sending additional CHP support to help local law enforcement aggressively suppress criminal activity and provide a new level of safety and accountability to this community,” Newsom said in a statement.

Recent data shows San Bernardino's violent crime rate is nearly twice the national average and the murder rate is more than three times the national average, according to Newsom's office.

The vehicle theft rate in San Bernardino remains one of the highest in the state. Local law enforcement in San Bernardino is also reporting increasing traffic and street violations, including street takeovers.

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“We thank Governor Newsom for the California Highway Patrol’s additional support to the City of San Bernardino,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “This year, our city police department’s efforts have resulted in a 13% decrease in violent crime, and the additional 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. We are targeting our neighborhoods and businesses.”

The operations in Oakland, San Francisco and Bakersfield combined resulted in a total of more than 3,200 arrests, the recovery of nearly 3,000 stolen vehicles, the seizure of more than 170 illegal firearms and the seizure of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, from the streets.