The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will expand its presence in Vallejo, a Bay Area city grappling with rising crime and a severe police staffing shortage. The decision follows a petition by residents urging Governor Gavin Newsom to deploy state resources, similar to the CHP’s ongoing crime-reduction efforts in Oakland.
Vallejo residents, led by Paula Conley, initiated the petition citing increased crime, including sideshows, shootings, drug activity, and shoplifting. Conley described the city as being in a “crisis situation,” emphasizing the need for immediate manpower. Vallejo’s police department currently operates with only 75 officers out of 129 authorized positions, according to police data.
The CHP has already been assisting Vallejo since July, conducting 600 traffic stops and making 32 arrests, according to CHP Deputy Commissioner Ezery Beauchamp. Meetings between CHP leaders and local officials, including Interim Police Chief Jason Ta and Solano County Sheriff Thomas Ferrara, aim to strengthen these efforts.
Newsom acknowledged Vallejo’s request for additional CHP support but stressed that addressing local police staffing shortages remains the city’s responsibility. “We’re in the business of support,” Newsom said, “but Vallejo has vacant positions they need to fill.” In September, the governor signed emergency legislation allowing retired Solano County deputies to return to service to aid local law enforcement.
Vallejo’s crime statistics reflect a concerning trend. The city recorded 24 murders in 2024, an increase from 21 the previous year. Rapes and larceny also rose, while assaults and robberies saw slight declines. Residents, such as a man identified only as Scott, expressed fears over the city’s deteriorating safety, stating, “Vallejo is more dangerous than San Francisco.”
City Manager Andrew Murray emphasized ongoing efforts to rebuild the police force while collaborating with neighboring agencies. Progress includes mutual aid agreements and proposals for additional contracted services from the Solano County Sheriff’s Office.
The move to expand CHP’s role in Vallejo follows its successful deployment to Oakland earlier in 2024. CHP’s actions there included recovering over 1,000 stolen vehicles, seizing firearms, and arresting over 500 suspects. Newsom extended the CHP’s Oakland mission in December, citing its positive impact despite continued challenges.
Vallejo’s proximity to Oakland, just 25 miles south, makes it another focal point in the state’s broader strategy to combat crime and restore public safety in the Bay Area.