California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that new California Highway Patrol (CHP) crime suppression teams will be deployed across the state to partner with local law enforcement in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and the Inland Empire.
“These new deployments double down on partnerships to build on progress and keep driving crime down,” Newsom said, contrasting his approach with what he called the Trump administration’s efforts to “undermine cities.”
The CHP units will focus on high-crime areas, targeting repeat offenders, seizing firearms, and disrupting organized crime, according to the Governor’s Office. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said combining resources and intelligence will “better disrupt criminal activity and strengthen community safety.”
Since Newsom first deployed CHP officers to assist local agencies in 2024, the partnerships have resulted in more than 9,000 arrests, nearly 5,800 stolen vehicle recoveries, and over 400 firearms seized.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the move, calling it “a collaborative partnership” that will support LAPD and community organizations.
While Newsom spotlighted the new CHP efforts, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a five-year reform plan for the Torrance Police Department following a state Department of Justice investigation that uncovered racist, antisemitic, and homophobic messages among officers.
“Today’s enforceable agreement is an important step toward improving Torrance Police Department’s practices and strengthening trust,” Bonta said.
The reform package requires Torrance police to expand data collection, modernize oversight systems, improve supervisor training, and enhance Internal Affairs. Interim Police Chief Robert Dunn emphasized the department’s zero-tolerance policy for hate and discrimination and expressed optimism about rebuilding community trust.
Together, the dual announcements highlight California Democrats’ focus on both boosting crime enforcement and addressing misconduct inside law enforcement ranks.
