Golden State Today

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

Sep 17, 2024

Marking the halfway point of the California Highway Patrol’s four-month enforcement surge in Oakland, Governor Gavin 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,” said 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. 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 that 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 two months since Governor Newsom announced additional officers' deployment 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 from seizures during any previous two-month period since February. The surge has led to a total of 930 arrests, recovery of 1,809 stolen vehicles, and seizure of 93 firearms since its inception.

“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; we’ll continue focusing on keeping California’s communities safer by maintaining a visible presence, partnering with local law enforcement, and holding criminals accountable.”

Last week marked completion of installing Flock cameras on state highways as part of an initiative announced by Governor Newsom in April. The new camera network improves vehicle identification capabilities for law enforcement agencies by allowing them to search for vehicles linked to crimes and receive real-time alerts about their movement. To date, all state Flock cameras have been installed along state right-of-ways while over 100 cameras have been installed on city streets by Oakland Police Department.

The installation has already assisted law enforcement actions such as solving violent crimes among other initiatives recently reported.

On Saturday July 13th: The first blitz targeting sideshows was conducted by CHP's Golden Gate Division using aircraft support which resulted assisting seven pursuits leading thirteen arrests alongside recovering eight stolen vehicles & seizing two firearms.

September seventh: Two armed carjacking suspects were apprehended following alert received via Flock Safety camera near Fruitvale Avenue & E17th Street when they attempted evading traffic stop pursued eventually captured.

Same day September seventh: Four subjects fleeing traffic stop arrested upon determining vehicle being stolen found multiple firearms including ghost guns auto sear equipped handgun high-capacity magazine recovered during incident

Supporting investing further within Oakland March saw release Caltrans’ Ten Point Action Plan supporting city improving street safety beautification comprehensive actionable steps outlined covering blight abatement homeless encampment resolutions community outreach employment opportunities among other beautification safety efforts detailed overview investments available here.

California continues investing violence intervention prevention efforts through CalVIP funding cities community-based organizations aiming reduce violence expanding youth opportunities transforming schools mandating funding after-school programs awarding grants youth coaches establishing targeted college career savings accounts providing tuition-free community college students attending local colleges

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