Newsom approves new crime suppression team to combat theft, drug trafficking in San Diego County

Gov. Gavin Newsom authorized last month the formation of six specialized California Highway Patrol units in cities and regions across the state, including San Diego, to combat theft and drug trafficking, officials said.

The local crime suppression team, which is composed of officers from the CHP El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego offices, will use “intelligence-led policing” to assist local law enforcement against organized retail and vehicle theft, narcotics trafficking and violent crime, officials said.

For years, law enforcement officials throughout the state and in San Diego have been dealing with organized criminal rings that sell drugs or organize targeted theft operations to steal vehicles or from retail outlets.

Officer Jared Grieshaber, a spokesperson for San Diego’s Border Division office, said the team is made up of 10 to 12 officers and includes a lieutenant, who serves as the group’s leader, sergeants, patrol officers and K-9 units trained in drug detection and patrol.

“The establishment of (crime suppression teams) is a forward-looking investment in statewide public safety,” Grieshaber said. “By dedicating specialized teams, CHP will expand its capacity to combat organized and violent crime while strengthening community trust.”

Grieshaber said officers will also work with local law enforcement to conduct patrols and apprehend high-risk and repeat offenders.

“These teams are highly mobile, data-driven and focused on proactive enforcement in high-crime areas,” Grieshaber said. “(The teams) ensure CHP can deliver a high-impact, sustainable and measurable approach to crime suppression across California.”

The team deployments have been working in San Diego County for the last month and use existing resources, so they come at no additional cost to CHP, Grieshaber said. They will be working with six CHP divisions in San Diego County and Southern California to specifically target organized retail theft, vehicle theft, narcotics trafficking and violent crime.

Officials said the teams do not currently have an established end date and will speak with local police chiefs to determine how the additional CHP officers can tailor their work to the community’s immediate needs.