H.O.P.E. Team conducts Operation Shelter Me in Chino Hills

San Bernardino County Corner gold badge. — The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department H.O.P.E. Team partnered with Chino Hills Deputies during a targeted operation following the implementation of Proposition 36, connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with services, addressing outstanding warrants, and enhancing community safety through enforcement and outreach efforts.

On Nov. 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36 titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” The proposition took effect on Dec. 18, 2024, and reforms multiple laws from Proposition 47, which have been responsible for increasing homelessness, drug addiction and theft. Proposition 36 includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies will be able to apply during arrests when appropriate. These new charges can carry enhanced sentencing, as well as prevent offenders from being cite-released prior to their court appearance.

During this operation, the H.O.P.E. Team and Chino Hills deputies focused on individuals with significant mental illnesses to link them with restorative mental health pathways. The results of the operation are as follows, where Proposition 36 is applied:

50 individuals currently experiencing homelessness were contacted by H.O.P.E. and Chino Hills deputies
11 individuals accepted referral information to assistance programs
Five individuals were arrested for outstanding arrest warrants
One individual was arrested for PC 30305, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, a felony in the State of California
Three individuals were arrested for HS 11377(a), Possession of a Controlled Substance, a misdemeanor in the State of California
Four individuals were arrested for HS 11364, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a misdemeanor in the State of California
One individual was arrested for PC 602, Trespassing into a Business

The H.O.P.E. Team and other aligned resources will continue similar operations throughout the county over the next year, thanks to special “Community Concerns” funding, approved by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. This funding allows the Sheriff’s Department to address topics of concern, such as homelessness, mental illness and community safety for county residents. All subjects arrested during the operation are contacted in the county jail by the Sheriff’s Transitional Assistance Reentry Team (S.T.A.R.T.) with additional offers of resources and reentry services.

If you know of individuals experiencing homelessness who need services, please contact the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or hope@sbcsd.org.

Additional County Update News – January 29