San Bernardino Operation Overview

California’s San Bernardino operation, which was started by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2024, has resulted in 858 arrests, 66 recovered stolen automobiles, and the seizure of 28 illegal firearms, including 140 for felonies, in a resolute effort to combat crime.

Statement from Governor Newsom

“The regional cooperation between state and local law enforcement in the San Bernardino area are helping keep bad actors off the streets and holding them accountable for their activities as we continue to prioritize the safety and security of our communities statewide,” Newsom stated.

Deployment of Additional CHP Officers

In order to combat violent and property crimes, the initiative places additional California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers around San Bernardino County. These specialized forces combat unlawful street racing and auto theft by operating both on the ground and with aerial assistance.

Freeway Shooting Arrest

The arrest of a suspect in a freeway shooting on March 16 was attributed by law officials to the increased resources. According to authorities, officers were able to apprehend a person who reportedly discharged a semiautomatic handgun at another vehicle on the 10 Freeway with the aid of sophisticated surveillance technology. The following day, CHP officers in a nearby municipality conducted the arrest.

Surveillance Technology Enhancements

Officers can identify and follow cars using features other than license plates thanks to the surveillance system in place in the area. Like technologies employed to combat criminal activities in Northern California, authorities are instantly notified about suspect automobiles.

Multi-Agency Crime-Fighting Partnership

This multi-agency partnership aims to combat highway violence and criminal businesses, namely organized retail theft and auto theft rings, by focusing CHP resources in high-crime regions. Similar CHP assistance operations have been set up by the state in other high-crime areas of the state, such as Bakersfield and a number of Bay Area cities.

New Legislation and Legal Measures

In August of last year, Newsom signed into law what his administration called historic bipartisan property crime legislation. In addition to increasing prosecuting options for felony cases, the new rules toughen punishments for repeat offenders and impose harsher penalties for retail theft, vehicle break-ins, and chronic shoplifting.

Statewide Crime Reduction Investments

Since 2019, California has spent $1.1 billion to reduce crime by funding public safety upgrades and the hiring of local police. With a claimed yearly 310% rise in proactive enforcement operations against these criminal networks, officials said that Newsom’s 2023 Public Safety Plan featured unprecedented financing to combat organized retail crime.

Ongoing Evaluation of the Initiative

Authorities are still assessing the San Bernardino operation’s effect on local crime rates.