Bakersfield is the next California city to receive an enhanced focus from the state to crack down on crime.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the California Highway Patrol and the Bakersfield Police Department are partnering on a crime suppression operation.
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The big picture: The CHP is expanding its enforcement in and around Bakersfield, in coordination with the police department, to address auto theft, retail crime and high-visibility proactive traffic enforcement.
- All CHP officers in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas will join in the crime suppression operations, as well as investigators from the CHP’s Central Division.
- The new operation comes after the Bakersfield Police Department had previously been awarded $6.2 million from the state to specifically prevent and respond to organized retail theft. That is the largest single investment California has ever made to combat organized retail crime.
- Newsom previously launched similar public safety efforts through the CHP in Oakland and San Francisco.
By the numbers: So far this year the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has arrested 474 suspects and recovered over 160,000 stolen goods valued at $4.2 million.
What they’re saying: “We are working hand-in-hand with our local law enforcement partners to increase police operations, stop crime and keep the Central Valley safe,” Newsom said. “This partnership builds on our statewide efforts to take down criminal networks, stop dangerous individuals, and make our communities safer for all Californians.”
- Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh added, “Public safety remains a top priority for Bakersfield residents. This partnership underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our residents. We are grateful for the partnership with the California Highway Patrol. By combining resources and expertise, we are enhancing law enforcement capabilities and creating a safe community.”
