San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus Announces San Bernardino County Makes Up Three of the Top 10 Cities for Unserialized Firearms.
 
July 19, 2024 – SAN BERNARDINO, CA – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that the Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Shannon Dicus announced three cities in San Bernardino County have been identified as leading areas in California for the proliferation of unserialized or ghost guns. This alarming trend highlights the growing concern over untraceable firearms that are increasingly being used in criminal activities and used against law enforcement officers throughout the County. 

Ghost guns, which are firearms assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts without serial numbers, have posed 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 our county – including attempted murder of law enforcement officers.

The removal of ghost guns from our 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, which lack serial numbers and are untraceable, provide a dangerous loophole for individuals who are legally barred from purchasing firearms. This accessibility increases 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, including the City of 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.”

“The proliferation of ghost guns is a clear and present danger to our community,” said Fontana Police Chief Michael Dorsey. “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 are creating additional obstacles for law-abiding citizens attempting to obtain firearms through State and Federally regulated dealers. Law-abiding citizens are increasingly subjected to stringent regulations and scrutiny, while those with criminal intent exploit these legal loopholes. This disparity not only undermines public safety but also places undue burdens on responsible firearm owners who follow the law. 

Due to the surge in crime 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 and dismantle targeted criminal street gangs, and locate and arrest those who are illegally possessing, manufacturing, and trafficking firearms. From October 2022 to June 2024, Operation Consequences yielded 1,312 felony arrests, 2,194 firearm seizures, 3,492 traffic citations, 214.3 lbs. of fentanyl, and 3,051.41 lbs. of methamphetamine. 

In June of 2024, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors reauthorized an ongoing contribution of $3 million annually for the County’s community concerns reserve, which funds specialized law enforcement services, including Operation Consequences, Operation Shelter Me, and Operation Smash and Grab.

To read the full California Department of Justice Crime Gun report, visit: https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ab1191-crime-gun-report-2024.pdf

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is the law enforcement agency for the largest geographical county in the nation. Sheriff Shannon Dicus currently serves as San Bernardino County’s 36th Sheriff-Coroner. The department serves over 2.1 million residents, with eight county and 14 contract patrol stations and over 4,200 employees to ensure the quality and safety of those we serve. 

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department