Golden State Today

Violent crime and property crime in San Francisco have seen a significant decrease, according to recent reports. Governor Gavin Newsom praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in the city, highlighting the success of seizing large quantities of fentanyl and making numerous arrests.

Governor Newsom stated, “These results are a testament to the effective collaboration among state, local, and federal law enforcement in San Francisco. We will continue to work together to get drugs off our streets, address crime, and make our communities safer.”

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has been instrumental in these efforts, seizing over 42 pounds of fentanyl in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood since May 1, 2023. This amount equates to over 9.6 million lethal doses of the drug. In addition to the fentanyl seizure, the CHP has issued citations, made arrests, and recovered crime-linked guns as part of their operation in the city.

Local San Francisco police data shows a significant reduction in property crime by 32% and violent crime by 14% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This decline is attributed to the combined efforts of local law enforcement, state agencies, and federal partners working together to enhance public safety in the city.

The operation led by the CHP in San Francisco focuses on improving public safety, targeting fentanyl trafficking, disrupting the drug supply chain, and holding drug traffickers accountable. This operation aligns with the Governor's Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, which has significantly increased the seizure of fentanyl and allocated substantial funding to combat the crisis.

In addition to the success in San Francisco, the CHP's separate operation in the East Bay has resulted in the arrests of approximately 200 suspects and the recovery of more than 400 stolen vehicles since February 2024.

Law enforcement agencies in San Francisco, including the San Francisco Police Department, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, and federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement Agency, continue to collaborate to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.