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| Image courtesy of the city of San Bernardino
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The California Highway Patrol is providing extra officers and investigation resources to the San Bernardino Police Department to crack down on violent crime, gang activity and theft, officials announced Monday.
The CHP’s operation will add special ground and air units that target sideshow activities and stolen vehicles, according to the governor’s office. The CHP is also providing San Bernardino police with investigative support aimed at disrupting organized crime and violent street gangs with a focus on getting illegal guns off the streets.
“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,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said 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, with a homicide rate more than triple the statewide average, according to Newsom’s office. The city’s vehicle theft rate is one of California’s highest, and San Bernardino police have reported increased traffic and street violations such as “sideshows” that put public safety at risk.
“We are grateful to Governor Newsom for providing additional support from the California Highway Patrol to the City of San Bernardino,” San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran said in a statement. “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.”
The SBPD reported Monday that the city has seen a significant drop in violent crime, with overall aggravated assaults down 17%, robberies down 15% and murders down 33% from the same period in 2023. The city also saw a 50% reduction in homicides between 2022 and 2023, “marking a historic downward trend.”
Police said much the crime reduction was the result of “a proactive approach to law enforcement, intelligence-led policing, and collaborative partnerships.” The additional CHP support will enable San Bernardino police to enhance patrols in high-traffic areas, improve emergency response times and conduct targeted crime-prevention operations.
“Our community deserves to feel safe and secure, and we are committed to sustaining this positive momentum,” San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman said in a statement. “This collaboration with CHP will amplify our ongoing efforts to keep violent crime down, and we are confident that by working together, we can make a lasting impact.”
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said in a statement, “Our partnership with the city of San Bernardino strengthens our efforts to enhance public safety. 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.”
California has spent over $1.1 billion on crime fighting since 2019, according to the governor’s office.
Recently enacted legislation has stiffened penalties for repeat offenders, provided additional legal tools for felony prosecutions and targeted serial shoplifters, retail thieves and vehicle burglars, officials said. New laws also aim to crack down on property crime as well as street sideshows, “drifting,” street racing and blocking intersections.
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