Newsom Expands California Highway Patrol Crime Suppression Teams in Stockton
Photo Credit: California Governor’s Office
SACRAMENTO, December 24, 2025 (VSNewsNetwork.com) — The Office of the Governor of California, has announced an expanded deployment of California Highway Patrol (CHP) crime suppression teams in Stockton. The initiative builds on the model used in San Diego, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, the Central Valley, Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, where similar partnerships have contributed to reductions in crime.
The deployment places dedicated CHP teams in high-crime areas to work alongside local law enforcement. The teams will continue conducting enforcement actions targeting repeat offenders, seizing illicit weapons and narcotics, and recovering stolen vehicles across the region.
“California is stepping up to increase public safety in Stockton. 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,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
“In the wake of last month’s tragic mass shooting, our priority is the community’s safety. 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,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.
Local leaders voiced support for the expanded deployment.
“Stockton families deserve to feel safe in their city, especially in light of the recent tragedy. 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,” said Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi.
“Violence will not be tolerated in our community, and we welcome the increased law enforcement presence to help make Stockton stronger and safer,” said San Joaquin County Board Chair Paul Canepa.
“We must seek new ways to work together, to collaborate and bring the best to the table in addressing the horrific manifestations of violent crime. Through violence intervention, prevention, and partnerships like this one, we will change the trajectory of violence now and into the future. I am thankful to Governor Newsom for deploying additional resources to Stockton,” said Kristen Birtwhistle, President and CEO, United Way of San Joaquin County.
CHP’s crime suppression teams statewide have made nearly 1,700 arrests, recovered more than 300 stolen vehicles, impounded almost 1,200 vehicles and seized nearly 70 illicit firearms since the program’s expansion.
Since the increased deployment in Stockton, CHP officers have carried out several enforcement actions, including arrests connected to narcotics seizures, recovery of stolen vehicles and the confiscation of firearms.
The state highlighted new data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association showing decreases in major crime categories year-over-year in California. According to the state, homicides are down 18%, robberies down 18% and aggravated assaults down 9%. Violence declined in every major California city reporting data, with the largest drops in Oakland and San Francisco.
Local data provided by the state shows Stockton reporting declines across several crime areas in 2025. From January through November, burglaries decreased about 33%, robberies about 19% and motor vehicle theft about 30%, with total reported incidents down about 11% compared with the same period in 2024.
The Governor’s Office also outlined available support for victims of violent crime. According to the state, the California Victim Compensation Board can provide up to $70,000 in financial assistance for funeral expenses, medical bills and mental health treatment for victims of the recent Stockton mass shooting.
California has invested $1.7 billion since 2019 to support public safety efforts, including local law enforcement staffing, organized retail crime initiatives and violence intervention programs. According to the state, Stockton has received approximately $8.7 million in CalVIP violence intervention funding since 2018.
For more information on state resources and programs, visit www.ca.gov.
Source: Governor’s Office of California
