A series of joint law enforcement operations launched by California Gov. Gavin Newsom has led to more than 6,700 arrests, nearly 5,000 stolen vehicles recovered, and hundreds of firearms seized across San Bernardino, Bakersfield, and Oakland, officials announced this week.
Through these partnerships, officials aimed to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in high-crime areas in 2024.
“I am proud of the CHP Officers, who continue to serve their communities, deter crime, and hold bad actors accountable,” Newsom said in a statement. “Their partnership with local law enforcement has helped to bring a sense of safety to communities across the state and exemplifies California’s commitment to putting the public’s safety first.
In Bakersfield, 3,315 arrests were made, including 680 felony arrests, 1,174 stolen vehicles recovered, and 87 firearms seized.
“The city of Bakersfield announced that 2024 was its safest year since 2021, showing a 57% drop in homicides and 60% fewer shootings compared to previous years,” a news release said.
Oakland experienced a 34% overall reduction in crime, including a 25% decrease in robberies and nearly a 50% decrease in burglaries, alongside 2,101 arrests, 1,504 of which were felonies, the recovery of 3,578 stolen vehicles, and the confiscation of 192 illicit firearms.
In San Bernardino, where operations began in October, officers made 1,311 arrests. They deployed high-tech surveillance tools to target vehicle theft and sideshow activity, which contributed to a broader decline in violent and property crimes.
Since 2019, California has invested $1.1 billion in combating crime and bolstering law enforcement resources, according to Newsom’s office.
