The city of Vallejo, California, is grappling with a surge in crime, including car sideshows, drug offenses, shootings, and shoplifting, prompting residents to demand increased law enforcement presence. Spearheaded by resident Paula Conley, a petition on Change.org urges Governor Gavin Newsom to deploy California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers to Vallejo, mirroring a similar deployment to Oakland earlier in 2024. Conley argues that Oakland’s crime statistics improved after CHP intervention, and Vallejo, facing similar issues, requires similar support. The petition emphasizes the need for additional resources to aid the overworked Vallejo Police Department and deter criminal activity. Residents express frustration with the city’s perceived lack of urgency in addressing the crisis and believe outside intervention is necessary.
The CHP has already been assisting the Vallejo Police Department since July, conducting traffic stops and making arrests. Deputy Commissioner Ezery Beauchamp affirms the CHP’s commitment to collaborating with local law enforcement to combat sideshows and illegal street racing. Governor Newsom acknowledges the request for CHP presence but stresses that Vallejo’s leadership must address its police staffing shortage. He emphasizes that the state’s role is to support, not supplant, local law enforcement, and highlights Vallejo’s responsibility to contract with the county sheriff’s office or fill vacant police positions. Conley agrees that Vallejo must take ownership of its policing issues, but maintains that external support is crucial for rebuilding the department.
Governor Newsom signed legislation allowing retired Solano County sheriff’s deputies to return to full-time duty in Vallejo, but the police department remains significantly understaffed. City Manager Andrew Murray acknowledges the community’s concerns and affirms the city’s requests for law enforcement support from state and regional agencies. Rebuilding the police department is a priority, but Murray recognizes the need for further action, including ongoing coordination with neighboring law enforcement agencies. The Solano County Sheriff’s Office is developing a service proposal for Vallejo, potentially leading to a formal contract for enhanced law enforcement services.
Vallejo residents lament the decline in their city’s safety and quality of life, attributing it to the lack of police officers. Statistics indicate an increase in murders and certain other crimes compared to the previous year. Residents express fear and frustration, citing open drug use, prostitution, and a sense of vulnerability due to the limited police presence. Some residents compare Vallejo unfavorably to San Francisco, despite the latter city’s reputation for crime. Vallejo declared a police staffing emergency in July, granting the police chief and city manager authority to seek assistance from the sheriff’s office and the CHP.
The situation in Vallejo echoes the earlier deployment of CHP officers to Oakland to combat rising crime rates. Governor Newsom initially deployed CHP officers to Oakland in February and later quadrupled their presence in July, resulting in the recovery of stolen vehicles, seizure of firearms, and numerous arrests. Last week, Newsom announced an extension of CHP deployment in Oakland for another month while criticizing local leaders for not revising their policy on police pursuits of fleeing suspects. The governor’s office emphasizes the CHP’s ongoing presence and active engagement in Vallejo, working in conjunction with the local police department and community stakeholders.
Conley’s petition has garnered largely positive feedback, reflecting the community’s desire for improved safety. She explains her motivation for initiating the petition stems from frustration with the city’s response to the ongoing crime crisis. Having exhausted other avenues, Conley turned to the governor as a last resort. She acknowledges the prevailing apathy in Vallejo due to prolonged struggles with crime and hopes the petition will galvanize action and bring about positive change. The CHP has confirmed ongoing communication with the interim Vallejo police chief regarding law enforcement assistance. Units from the CHP’s Solano area office have been instructed to provide support in Vallejo whenever possible.
