The Californer - California: Governor Newsom provides two-month update on CHP's East Bay surge operation

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Sep 17, 2024

Governor Newsom provides two-month update on CHP's East Bay surge operation

What you need to know: Marking the halfway point of the California Highway Patrol's four-month enforcement surge in Oakland, Governor Newsom announced that in just two months, CHP officers have made 329 arrests, recovered 606 stolen vehicles, and seized 35 firearms. Governor Newsom also announced that the installation of high-tech Flock cameras on state highways in and around Oakland is now complete.

OAKLAND – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the update, marking two months and the midway point of an increased deployment operation in the East Bay to assist local law enforcement in addressing dangerous crimes. This increased deployment adds to the state's ongoing efforts to improve public safety in Oakland after announcing an initial surge of CHP officers in February.

"As we enter into the second half of this surge operation, I thank the CHP officers on the ground who are making a difference in the East Bay. Our communities deserve to be safe and secure in their neighborhoods. We are standing up for Oakland by helping to end the pervasive lawlessness and support and revitalize this incredible community."

Governor Gavin Newsom

According to the California Department of Justice's most recent verified data, unlike most communities in California, crime spiked considerably in Alameda County last year. Alameda County had the highest homicide, violent crime, and property crime rates of California's 10 largest counties in 2023. And while new verified data will not be available until next year, local reporting indicates that crime appears to be going down.

In July, Governor Newsom announced the state was ramping up efforts to crack down on crime in the East Bay by increasing the deployment of CHP officers in Oakland, quadrupling the number of CHP officer shifts over a four-month period to help local agencies target organized crime, sideshows, carjacking, and other criminal activity seven days a week.

In just the two months since Governor Newsom announced the deployment of additional officers to the area, CHP has made 329 arrests and seized 606 stolen cars. CHP also removed 35 illegal guns off the streets — a 218% increase in seizures from the highest two-month period since February. CHP's surge has led to a total of 930 arrests, 1,809 stolen vehicles recovered, and 93 firearms seized since the beginning of its operation in February.

"We are seeing progress, but our work is far from over. By stepping up enforcement and engaging in surge operations, we're continuing to make strides in addressing crime in Oakland," said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. "Our commitment remains strong, and we'll continue to focus on keeping California's communities safer by maintaining a visible presence, partnering with local law enforcement, and holding criminals accountable.

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Last week, the installation of Flock cameras on state highways was completed. The new camera network, announced by Governor Newsom in April, improves vehicle identification, allowing law enforcement agencies to search for vehicles suspected to be linked to crimes and receive real-time alerts about their movement. To date, CHP has installed all of the state's Flock cameras on state right of ways and the Oakland Police Department has installed over 100 cameras on city streets.

The installation of the cameras has already assisted law enforcement in solving violent crimes, along with other enforcement actions announced in recent weeks.

Putting a stop to sideshows: On Saturday, July 13, the CHP conducted the first of many blitzes in Oakland, with a particular focus on targeting sideshows. The CHP's Golden Gate Division deployed its airplane and helicopter to assist the officers on the ground. While the CHP aircraft were overhead, they assisted in seven pursuits, resulting in the arrest of 13 individuals and the recovery of eight stolen vehicles and two firearms.
Finding freeway shooting suspects: On September 7, the CHP arrested two armed carjacking suspects after receiving an alert from a Flock Safety camera near Fruitvale Avenue and E. 17th Street. When their officers tried to perform a traffic stop, the driver refused to yield and fled. Officers pursued and were able to apprehend the suspects.
Getting illegal ghost guns off the street: Also on September 7, the CHP arrested four subjects who fled from a traffic stop. Officers determined the vehicle was stolen and recovered multiple firearms, including a stolen handgun, two ghost guns, including one with an auto sear, and a high-capacity magazine.

Supporting and investing in Oakland

In March, the Governor released Caltrans' 10-Point Action Plan in support of the city's efforts to improve street safety and beautification. The comprehensive plan outlines actionable steps the state is taking to further support the city through blight abatement efforts, homeless encampment resolutions, community outreach initiatives, employment opportunities, and other beautification and safety efforts. A detailed overview of the state's investments in Oakland and Alameda County is available here.

California has invested in violence intervention and prevention efforts in the city — including through CalVIP, which provides funding for cities and community-based organizations with the goal of reducing violence in the city and adjacent areas. The state has also expanded opportunities for youth by transforming Oakland's schools into community schools, mandating and funding after-school programs, awarding Oakland grants for youth coaches, establishing targeted college and career savings accounts, and providing tuition-free community college for students at Oakland community colleges.

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