A crime suppression partnership between the California Highway Patrol and the Bakersfield Police Department has resulted in more than 1,000 arrests since April, according to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.

The joint effort has led to 1,026 arrests, the recovery of 448 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of 20 firearms linked to criminal activities. In July alone, authorities arrested 321 suspects, marking a 55% increase from the previous month and the most since the operation began.

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Kern County, where Bakersfield is located, experiences higher rates of property crime, violent crime, and arrests compared to the state average. The state’s focused efforts aim to reduce these rates by targeting roadway violence and organized crime, particularly vehicle and retail theft.

Gov. Newsom also announced a new partnership with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office to dismantle criminal networks driving theft and violence.

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Since January 2024, the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has made 717 arrests and recovered stolen goods valued at more than $6.8 million statewide.

Since 2019, California has invested $1.1 billion to combat crime, assist local governments in hiring more police officers, and enhance public safety.

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