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Governors

California Expands Crime-Fighting Efforts with Increased CHP Presence in Major Cities

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a continuing effort to reduce crime in the state, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the expansion of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in major cities across the state. Building on successful partnerships in regions such as Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino, the Governor is deploying new CHP crime suppression teams to work directly with local law enforcement in San Diego, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Central Valley, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Key Takeaways:

  • The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will deploy new crime suppression teams to major cities across the state, including San Diego, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Central Valley, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • These teams will focus on high-crime areas, target repeat offenders, and seize illicit weapons and narcotics.
  • The CHP has made over 9,000 arrests, recovered nearly 5,800 stolen vehicles, and confiscated over 400 firearms in regions such as Bakersfield, San Bernardino, and Oakland since 2024.
  • The deployment of CHP crime suppression teams in Bakersfield, San Bernardino, and Oakland has led to significant reductions in crime, with Bakersfield's 2024 crime rates being the lowest since 2021 and Oakland experiencing a 34% decrease in crime year-over-year.
  • California has invested $1.7 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety.
  • The state has also announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime, with an annual 310% increase in proactive operations and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

Statistics:

  • Over 9,000 arrests have been made in regions such as Bakersfield, San Bernardino, and Oakland since 2024.
  • Nearly 5,800 stolen vehicles have been recovered in regions such as Bakersfield, San Bernardino, and Oakland since 2024.
  • Over 400 firearms have been confiscated in regions such as Bakersfield, San Bernardino, and Oakland since 2024.
  • California's homicide rate was the second lowest it has been since at least 1966 in 2024.
  • The overall number of homicides in California decreased by nearly 12% since 2023.
  • California's 2024 homicide rate is nearly four times lower than states such as Louisiana (19.3) and Mississippi (19.4).
  • California's crime rate has remained at near-historic lows, with a 12.5% decrease in violent crime in the first six months of 2025 compared to 2024.
  • Other non-California cities experienced an 11.8% decline in violent crime in the first six months of 2025 compared to 2024.

Sources:

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement on expanding the California Highway Patrol in major cities.
  • California Department of Justice data on crime rates in California.
  • Major Cities Chiefs Association data on homicides and robberies in California.
  • California Public Safety Plan data on investments in public safety.
  • Press release from Governor Newsom's office announcing the distribution of $267 million to 55 communities to help combat organized retail crime.

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