Oakland to get Tightened Security: Newsom Announce Deployment of CHP Troopers to Combat Rising Crime
On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to significantly increase the number of shifts for California Highway Patrol officers in Oakland. Additionally, starting Monday, prosecutors from the California National Guard will be deployed to tackle organized crime, carjackings, and sideshows.
In a significant development, the announcement has been made after five months of deploying 120 Highway Patrol officers to Oakland.
This move was part of a campaign to strengthen the presence of law enforcement in a city that witnessed a concerning rise in violent crime, with a 21% increase in overall violent crime, a 38% surge in robbery, and a staggering 43% rise in vehicle theft, as per last year’s data.
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Crime in California continues to be a pressing concern, fueled by recent high-profile shoplifting incidents. This issue has become a hot topic in state politics, leading to the introduction of several new laws aimed at curbing retail theft. Additionally, a controversial November ballot measure, Proposition 36, seeks to enhance criminal penalties for theft and the distribution of fentanyl.
“The lawlessness we are witnessing on the streets of Oakland is completely unacceptable,” stated Newsom, expressing some optimism about certain positive trends. “In order to enhance our collaboration with local law enforcement, we are sending a fresh wave of CHP officers to ensure the safety and security of the residents of Oakland and the East Bay.”
According to recent reports, the Oakland Police Department has seen a significant decrease in crime since the beginning of the year. This positive outcome has been attributed to the efforts of law enforcement, as acknowledged by Newsom and Mayor Sheng Thao. During a Thursday news conference, Police Chief Floyd Mitchell acknowledged that there have been discrepancies in local crime data, particularly due to a delay in reporting property crimes.
According to Mitchell, the Highway Patrol has been operating only two to three days a week since officers were deployed in February. According to his statement, the recently announced expanded operation will offer a greater level of “intensity.” The effort will continue for approximately four months, with the CHP providing daily updates.
During a period of increased crime rates in Oakland last year, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta proposed the deployment of state prosecutors from the California National Guard to assist Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, who is currently facing a recall election.
However, Newsom mentioned that Price’s office has not utilized the available resources effectively. Due to the lack of action, Newsom felt it necessary to end the partnership.
“Indeed, our expectations have not been met.” He mentioned the lack of engagement with the D.A.’s office. “We’re making progress.”
According to Newsom, the Cal Guard prosecutors he is dispatching to Alameda County will be under the supervision of the state attorney general’s office. Their responsibilities will involve handling some of the most intricate cases in the East Bay.
Attorneys from the California National Guard have been providing assistance in handling felony drug cases in San Francisco for the past year.
It is not unusual for a governor to send state officers as additional support, particularly when local agencies are overwhelmed. The Highway Patrol in the East Bay has successfully recovered 1,142 stolen cars, confiscated 55 guns connected to criminal activities, and apprehended 562 individuals since February, as announced by Newsom’s office.
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In April, a group of officers were sent to Bakersfield by Newsom. Located in Kern County, the city experiences higher rates of violent and property crimes compared to the state average, according to crime data.
One month later, he described the fentanyl seizures occurring in those cities as “unprecedented.”
Source: The Los Angeles Times
