The California Highway Patrol plans to temporarily flood Oakland and the East Bay with 120 extra officers as part of a “targeted” effort aimed at curtailing crime in the city, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday.
The swell of CHP officers will work with local law enforcement agencies on combatting a broad range of criminal activity, including vehicle theft, retail theft, cargo theft and violent crime, according to the governor’s announcement. The staffing boost will include “specialized units,” as well as “advanced investigative technology,” though the governor’s statement gave few details as to what that those measures might entail.
The governor pointed to persistently high rates of crime in the East Bay as a reason for sending the officers, which represent a nine-fold increase in the number of CHP personnel in Oakland and Alameda County.
“What’s happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable,” Newsom’s statement said. “I’m sending the California Highway Patrol to assist local efforts to restore a sense of safety that the hardworking people of Oakland and the East Bay demand and deserve.”
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In a joint statement, Mayor Sheng Thao praised the move, and expressed her gratitude for the “game-changer” that Newsom offered in sending the officers.
“The surge of crime and violence that we are seeing in our streets is completely unacceptable,” said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “The City of Oakland is hard at work turning the tide — increasing law enforcement investigations, increasing police recruitment, and investing in community and violence intervention efforts.”
Newsom has ordered highway patrol officers to Oakland in the past — often to combat sideshows, reckless driving, stolen cars and highway shootings.
Jakob Rodgers is a senior breaking news reporter. Call, text or send him an encrypted message via Signal at 510-390-2351, or email him at jrodgers@bayareanewsgroup.com.
This is a developing report. Check back for updates.