SAN BERNARDINO, California. – Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new California Highway Patrol operation with the city of Saint Bernardino to meet the higher needs of the city crime rates and gun violence.

The operation, which will be similar to others currently underway in Oakland, San Francisco and Bakersfield, will add special law enforcement units on the ground and in the air, targeting entertainment activities and stolen vehicles.

The San Bernardino Police Department will also receive additional investigative support to combat organized criminal activity and violent street gangs, as well as take illegal weapons off the streets and thwart gun violence.

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“We are sending additional support to the CHP to help local law enforcement aggressively suppress criminal activity and provide this community with a new level of safety and accountability,” Newsom said in a statement.

Recent data shows that San Bernardino’s violent crime rate is almost double the state average and its homicide rate is more than three times the state average, according to Newsom’s office .

The vehicle theft rate in San Bernardino remains one of the highest in the state. Local law enforcement in San Bernardino is also reporting an increase in traffic and street violations, including street takeovers.

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“We are grateful to Governor Newsom for providing additional support from the California Highway Patrol to the City of San Bernardino,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “This year, the efforts of our municipal police department led to a 13% reduction in violent crime, and this additional support will strengthen public safety in our community. With this new state and local collaboration in San Bernardino, we can continue to impact criminal enterprises. targeting our neighborhoods and businesses.

Operations in Oakland, San Francisco and Bakersfield resulted in a total of more than 3,200 arrests, the recovery of nearly 3,000 stolen vehicles, the seizure of more than 170 illegal firearms and the disappearance of drugs illicit drugs, including fentanyl, on the streets.