Crime suppression efforts in San Bernardino led by CHP and local law enforcement deliver strong results

San Bernardino, California – Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the ongoing joint law enforcement operation in San Bernardino County has resulted in 858 arrests, including 140 felony arrests, the recovery of 66 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of 28 illegal firearms since its launch in October. This regional safety effort is a collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies, designed to combat violent crime, property theft, and rising threats on California’s roadways.

“As we continue prioritizing the safety and security of our communities statewide, the efforts done regionally in the San Bernardino area between state and local law enforcement are helping keep bad actors off the streets and holding them accountable for their actions,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Targeting Crime with Special Units and Surveillance Technology

At the center of the operation is the deployment of additional California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers in high-crime areas throughout San Bernardino. These officers are part of special enforcement teams operating both on the ground and in the air, focusing on crimes like vehicle theft, organized retail theft, gun violence, and illegal sideshows. The expanded effort is backed by state funding, allowing for the use of high-tech tools and strategic enforcement.

One recent example of success occurred on March 16, when CHP officers quickly arrested a suspect involved in a road rage shooting incident on Interstate 10. Using advanced surveillance camera networks, law enforcement was able to track the suspect—who had fired a black semiautomatic handgun at another vehicle—and arrest them in a neighboring city on the same day.

These camera systems are not limited to license plate recognition. They allow for real-time tracking of vehicles based on various physical details, such as make, model, and color. This high-tech network has become an essential tool not only in San Bernardino but also in regions like the Bay Area, where similar systems have aided criminal investigations.

Law Enforcement Collaboration Across California

The CHP’s high-intensity saturation patrols aim to deter crime before it happens while ensuring swift response to criminal activity. San Bernardino’s success is part of a broader statewide initiative, in which the Newsom administration has expanded CHP presence in areas like the Bay Area and Bakersfield, where similar spikes in criminal activity have occurred.

This initiative also strengthens penalties for those found guilty of property crimes.

Stronger enforcement, serious penalties, and real consequences are the approaches behind California’s aggressive crackdown on organized theft and violent crime. In August, Governor Newsom signed a series of bipartisan laws into effect, described as the most impactful property crime legislation in modern California history. These laws aim to:

• Toughen penalties for repeat offenders

• Expand felony prosecution options

• Crack down on serial shoplifters and auto burglars

• Provide new tools to help district attorneys and law enforcement bring serious charges

Statewide Investments in Public Safety Continue

Since 2019, California has allocated $1.1 billion toward public safety efforts, including funding to help cities hire more law enforcement personnel and support local safety initiatives. In 2023, the state made its largest investment to date to combat organized retail crime, which included a 310% increase in proactive operations targeting retail theft rings and large-scale burglary crews.

As the San Bernardino operation continues to deliver results, state officials emphasize that this is part of a long-term plan to make California’s communities safer, smarter, and stronger by combining technology, collaboration, and accountability.

The results from San Bernardino show the real impact of these combined efforts: hundreds of arrests, stolen property recovered, and lives protected. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to pursuing those who endanger the public and to building safer streets across the state.