Golden State Today

Governor Newsom’s deployment of state law enforcement in Bakersfield has resulted in the arrest of 470 suspects and the recovery of 244 stolen vehicles.

BAKERSFIELD — Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that joint operations between the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Bakersfield law enforcement have led to 470 arrests for illegal activity and the recovery of 244 vehicles. This effort accounts for a monthly arrest increase of 56% and a vehicle recovery increase of 24%. Since March, CHP and the Bakersfield Police Department have collaborated to address crime in the region.

"Week after week we continue to see positive results from our partnership with local law enforcement in the Bakersfield area. Our ultimate goal is to take down criminal activity and make Bakersfield’s streets safer," said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Comparing April and May, this localized enforcement effort has led to a 56% increase in arrests, a 33% increase in firearms recovered, and a 24% rise in stolen vehicles recovered.

"The success of the ongoing operation in Bakersfield is a testament to the power of collaboration between our two law enforcement agencies and the support of our community partners," said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. "Working together, we can make significant strides in improving public safety and reducing crime in the community."

The collaboration between the Bakersfield Police Department and CHP focuses on vehicle theft and organized crime. Kern County reports higher rates of violent crime, property crime, and arrest rates compared to statewide averages.

In 2023, as part of California’s Real Public Safety Plan, Governor Newsom announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history. The Bakersfield Police Department was awarded $6.2 million specifically to prevent and respond to organized retail theft, motor vehicle or motor vehicle accessory theft, and cargo theft.

Building on efforts by the Newsom Administration to improve public safety across California, including Oakland and San Francisco, significant steps continue to be taken to ensure community safety in places like Bakersfield.

Since 2019, California has invested additional resources to fight crime, help local governments hire more police officers, and improve public safety. Most recently, Governor Newsom announced a new partnership between the Bakersfield Police Department and CHP aimed at addressing rising crime rates. This partnership has already led to notable progress — including the arrest of 302 individuals for illegal activities and recovery of 182 stolen vehicles.

Through CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force since January 2024, there have been 185 investigations leading to 474 arrests with over $4.2 million worth of stolen goods recovered. This includes an annual increase of 310% in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime statewide.

Today’s announcement underscores continued investments focused on improving education equity, arts and culture, health services, economic development initiatives, public safety measures within Kern County's communities.

Most recently unveiled was Governor Newsom's state-funded "10-Point Plan" aimed at beautifying Bakersfield through improved street safety measures alongside enriched public spaces among other supportive programs.