East SBV Times

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus announced that three cities within San Bernardino County have been identified as leading areas in California for the proliferation of unserialized firearms, commonly known as ghost guns. This trend underscores the growing concern over untraceable firearms increasingly used in criminal activities and against law enforcement officers throughout the county.

Ghost guns, assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts without serial numbers, pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies across the state. These weapons bypass traditional legal firearm measures, making them nearly impossible to track. The surge in ghost guns has correlated with an increase in violent crimes within the county, including attempted murder of law enforcement officers.

The removal of ghost guns from neighborhoods is critical due to the serious threat they pose by enabling prohibited persons, such as those convicted of violent felonies like child or animal abuse, to obtain a firearm. Ghost guns provide a dangerous loophole for individuals legally barred from purchasing firearms, increasing the risk of these untraceable weapons being used in further criminal activities.

In the California Department of Justice’s annual Crime Gun in California report, three cities within San Bernardino County made the top 10 list: San Bernardino, Victorville, and Fontana.

- Sacramento – 435

- Los Angeles – 389

- San Diego – 350

- San Bernardino – 319

- Bakersfield – 263

- San Francisco – 205

- Stockton – 177

- Victorville – 168

- Modesto – 136

- Fontana – 132

According to the DOJ, a crime gun is defined as a firearm recovered by a law enforcement agency after it was used in a crime, suspected to have been used in a crime, or illegally possessed.

Additionally, San Bernardino County had the second-highest number of crime ghost guns behind Los Angeles County:

- Los Angeles – 1,914

- San Bernardino – 1,561

- San Diego – 804

- Riverside – 770

- Sacramento – 648

“The rise of ghost guns is a significant threat to the safety and security of our communities,” said Sheriff Shannon Dicus. “These untraceable firearms make it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to do their jobs and protect the public. We are committed to aggressively combating this issue and holding those who use these illegal weapons accountable while protecting the rights of lawful firearm owners.”

San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman added, “The increase in ghost guns directly correlates with the rise in violent crime we are witnessing. Our officers are on the front lines daily, facing these threats head-on. We must address this problem with the seriousness it deserves.”

Fontana Police Chief Michael Dorsey stated: “The proliferation of ghost guns is a clear and present danger to our community. These firearms are being used in crimes with alarming frequency, and we must take strong, decisive action to stem the tide of this growing menace.”

The proliferation of ghost guns and minimal penalties for felons caught with firearms create additional obstacles for law-abiding citizens attempting to obtain firearms through state and federally regulated dealers. Law-abiding citizens face stringent regulations and scrutiny while those with criminal intent exploit legal loopholes. This disparity undermines public safety and places undue burdens on responsible firearm owners who follow the law.

Due to rising crime rates and community concerns, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department developed Operation Consequences. This operation focuses on conducting targeted crime suppression operations to curb violent crime, disrupt criminal street gangs, and locate and arrest individuals illegally possessing or trafficking firearms. From October 2022 to June 2024, Operation Consequences yielded significant results:

1) felony arrests -1,

2) firearm seizures -2,

3) traffic citations -3,

4) fentanyl seized -214 lbs,

5) methamphetamine seized -3,

In June of 2024 ,the Board reauthorized $3 million annually funding specialized services including Operation Consequences Shelter Me Smash Grab .

To read full California Department Justice Crime Gun report visit :https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ab1191-crime-gun-report-

The department serves over residents eight contract patrol stations employees ensure quality safety serve .

Contact: Public Affairs [email protected]