In the wake of the mass shooting in Stockton three weeks ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced he is expanding the deployment of highway patrol officers in Stockton to combat crime and violence in the city
The exact number of officers being sent to Stockton and their arrival date was not disclosed, but Newsom’s office referred to “dedicated teams,” who are officers from the California Highway Patrol whose mission will be to help fight crime in Stockton.
Earlier this year, Newsom launched dedicated crime suppression teams in areas across the state, working with local law enforcement to target repeat offenders and seize drugs and weapons.
“California is stepping up to increase public safety in Stockton,” Newsom said in a statement. “We have seen positive results in other key regions of the state and we look forward to enhancing that model in Stockton. We can’t do this work without our CHP officers and local law enforcement working in partnership, and we thank them for continuing to step up day after day to make California a little safer.”
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi released a statement supporting the move.
“Stockton families deserve to feel safe in their city, especially in light of the recent tragedy,” Fugazi said. “I welcome this new partnership between CHP and local law enforcement, and I am thankful to Governor Newsom for sending us the resources needed. The additional officers and support to local law enforcement will help to make our city safer for everyone.”
Earlier this year, the state announced increased in regional partnerships between the state’s law enforcement agencies and local partners. CHP officers assigned will continue saturating high-crime areas, target repeat offenders, and seize illicit weapons and narcotics. Enforcement actions will continue take place in the San Diego, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Central Valley, the Sacramento Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area regions.
“In the wake of last month’s tragic mass shooting, our priority is the community’s safety,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said, “Increasing Crime Suppression Team personnel in the area allows us to maintain a strong, visible presence, support our local law enforcement partners, and send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated, and that public safety remains our top responsibility.”
The mass shooting in north Stockton on Nov. 29 at a child’s birthday party claimed four lives – three were minors – and wounded 13. There have not been any arrests at this time.