The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Community Service & Reentry Division, through its Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement (H.O.P.E.) Team, recently carried out “Operation Shelter Me” in the Morongo Basin. The initiative, conducted with the Department of Aging and Adult Services, aimed to connect unhoused individuals with housing options as well as medical and mental health services. This effort also addressed community safety concerns.
According to the department’s statement: “The Community Service & Reentry Division’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.), in collaboration with the Department of Aging and Adult Services, conducted ‘Operation Shelter Me’ in the Morongo Basin. This operation aimed to connect staff with unhoused residents, offering them housing, medical, and mental health treatment services, while addressing community safety concerns.”
The operation took place following California voters’ approval of Proposition 36 on November 5, 2024. Known as “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,” this measure amended previous laws from Proposition 47 that were seen as contributing factors to homelessness and related issues. Under Proposition 36—effective December 18, 2024—law enforcement can now apply new Penal and Health and Safety Codes during arrests. These allow for enhanced sentencing and prevent certain offenders from being released before court appearances.
During Operation Shelter Me:
– Thirty-four people experiencing homelessness were contacted.
– Sixteen accepted referral information for assistance programs.
– Two were directly connected with local service providers.
– Seven individuals were arrested due to in-county warrants.
– One individual was arrested under Health and Safety Code violations related to possession and influence of a controlled substance.
– Another qualified for Assisted Outpatient Treatment under California Assembly Bill 1421 (Laura’s Law).
“The H.O.P.E. Team focused on individuals with significant mental illnesses to link them with restorative mental health pathways,” according to the department.
Operations like these are expected to continue across San Bernardino County over the next year. Funding comes from special “Community Concerns” allocations approved by the County Board of Supervisors. These resources support efforts around homelessness, mental illness, and public safety.
Shannon D. Dicus serves as sheriff-coroner for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department official website. The department provides law enforcement services throughout San Bernardino County—the largest county by area in the contiguous United States—with more than 2.1 million residents supported by fifteen patrol stations official website. It operates specialized divisions including aviation, patrol, dispatch centers handling numerous calls for service official website, training facilities, court operations, detention centers, coroner functions official website, as well as a historical society museum preserving departmental heritage official website.
Anyone aware of an individual experiencing homelessness who may need help is encouraged to contact the H.O.P.E. Team at (909) 387-0623 or [email protected].
“SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department”
