Newsom launches CHP crackdown in violence-plagued San Bernardino

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new California Highway Patrol operation in San Bernardino to combat escalating violent crime and gun violence in the city, where the violent crime rate nearly doubles the state average and homicide rates are more than triple the California norm.

According to a press release from the governor's office, the operation will deploy additional CHP personnel and resources to assist the San Bernardino Police Department in addressing property theft, violent crime, and gun violence through increased ground and aerial surveillance.

"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," Newsom said. "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."

The initiative expands upon similar CHP operations conducted in Oakland, San Francisco, and Bakersfield. These combined efforts have led to more than 3,200 arrests, the recovery of nearly 3,000 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of more than 170 illegal firearms, along with various illicit drugs, including fentanyl.

San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran expressed gratitude for the state intervention, noting that local police efforts have already yielded a 13 percent reduction in violent crime this year. "The extra support will strengthen public safety in our community," Tran said. "With this new state and local collaboration in San Bernardino, we can continue to impact criminal enterprises targeting our neighborhoods and businesses."

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation.

"Our partnership with the city of San Bernardino strengthens our efforts to enhance public safety," Duryee said. "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."

The operation includes specialized law enforcement units operating both on the ground and in the air, with a particular focus on addressing sideshow activities and vehicle theft, which remains among the highest in California. The CHP will also provide investigative support to disrupt organized criminal activity and violent street gangs while working to reduce illegal firearms and prevent gun violence.

This initiative builds upon broader state efforts to enhance public safety. Since 2019, California has invested more than $1.1 billion in resources and personnel to combat crime and improve public safety. Last year, the state provided 55 local law enforcement agencies with more than $267 million to address organized retail theft, resulting in more than 10,000 arrests within nine months.

Through the CHP Organized Retail Theft Task Force, state efforts have led to the arrest of more than 3,200 suspects and the recovery of over 880,276 stolen items valued at more than $46 million. The task force has conducted 3,045 investigations as part of these efforts.

The governor also recently signed bipartisan legislation establishing stricter penalties for repeat offenders and providing additional tools for felony prosecutions. The new laws target serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars while imposing tougher penalties on illegal activities such as sideshows, drifting, street racing, and intersection blocking.

The San Bernardino operation represents the latest phase in what the state calls its Real Public Safety Plan, which includes the largest investment to combat organized retail crime in California history and a 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime.

Local San Bernardino law enforcement reports indicate ongoing challenges with traffic and street violations, including sideshows that threaten public safety. The enhanced CHP presence aims to address these issues while supporting broader crime reduction efforts in the community.