900% more CHP troopers deployed to Oakland to combat cargo theft, traffic violations, violent crime

On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he would deploy more than 100 California Highway Patrol (CHP) troopers to the Oakland area to as part of a targeted law enforcement effort.

In a February 6 announcement, Newsom said that 120 CHP troopers are being temporarily sent to the Oakland and the East Bay areas to crack down on various types of criminal activity.

As part of the CHP “law enforcement surge,” troopers will partner with local law enforcement to target auto theft, cargo theft, retail crime, violent crime, and high-visibility traffic enforcement.

The duration of the law enforcement surge will be determined in consultation with local police.

“As part of this operation, the CHP will deploy license plate reader technology that will help identify and recover stolen vehicles, as well as specialized CHP units — including K9s and air support. This enhanced law enforcement presence will represent a nearly 900% increase in CHP personnel in Oakland and within Alameda County,” Newsom’s office said.

Officials say that while crime decreased in many parts of California in 2023, in the Oakland area, violent crime rose 21%, robbery increased 38%, and vehicle theft increased 45%.

“As crime rates across California decrease — including right across the Bay in San Francisco — Oakland is seeing the opposite trend. What’s happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable. 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,” said Newsom.

“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. As we work to improve public safety, I’m grateful for Governor Newsom for providing these critical law enforcement resources that are a game-changer in helping us hold more criminals accountable and make Oakland safer.”