Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom's newly announced enforcement effort in Bakersfield, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Bakersfield Police Department, has yielded positive results in combating crime and enhancing public safety. In a recent 6-week period, the joint operation led to 211 arrests and the recovery of 127 stolen vehicles in the area.

"We are working proactively to keep Californians safe in the Central Valley. In partnership with local law enforcement, the state will continue to step up to take down criminals and make Bakersfield safer for everyone," stated Governor Newsom.

The Bakersfield Police Department and the CHP conducted a one-day traffic enforcement/crime suppression effort, resulting in various citations, warnings, impounded vehicles, stolen vehicle recoveries, and felony arrests. Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh expressed satisfaction with the partnership's initial results, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between local and state agencies to ensure community safety.

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee highlighted the significance of the strong partnership between the California Highway Patrol and Bakersfield Police Department in enhancing public safety and combatting threats to the community.

The collaboration between the Bakersfield Police Department and the CHP is particularly crucial in Kern County, which faces higher rates of violent crime, property crime, and arrest rates compared to the statewide average. The joint efforts have been effective in reducing criminal activity in the region, focusing on combating vehicle theft and organized crime.

The state's commitment to public safety is further exemplified by the investment in the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program, which awarded the Bakersfield Police Department $6.2 million to address organized retail theft, motor vehicle theft, and cargo theft. This grant program marks the largest single investment to combat organized retail crime in state history.

The ongoing efforts in Bakersfield are part of a broader initiative to allocate resources to the area and improve public safety. Through initiatives like the CHP's Organized Retail Crime Task Force, the state has been successful in conducting numerous investigations, leading to arrests and the recovery of stolen goods.

Since 2019, California has invested $1.1 billion to combat crime, enhance public safety, and support local law enforcement. Governor Newsom's Real Public Safety Plan in 2023 included significant investments in combating organized retail crime, proactive operations, and special operations across the state to address crime and improve public safety.