Sheriff Shannon Dicus has released his mid-term report, offering an overview of the department’s progress and key initiatives since he took office. The report reflects the department’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, support personnel and address community challenges.
“As sheriff, my priority has always been to ensure the safety and well-being of San Bernardino County residents,” said Sheriff Dicus. “This mid-term report highlights the steps we’ve taken to modernize our department, support our personnel and address the challenges we face together.”
The 152-page report outlines significant strides in modernizing law enforcement tools, improving customer service, expanding the department’s concealed carry weapon (CCW) program and addressing quality-of-life issues such as homelessness, mental health and violent crime. Sheriff Dicus also emphasizes the importance of empowering residents to protect themselves in a county covering more than 20,000 square miles, especially in situations where deputies may not arrive quickly enough.
The department has also introduced new divisions and services, including a Transit Division to enhance public transportation safety and a Customer Service Unit which allows residents to initiate non-emergency police reports by phone. Additionally, the new Community Service and Reentry Division (CSRD) consolidates outreach efforts to vulnerable populations, including those reentering society after incarceration and residents experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges.
“Our department remains committed to delivering effective, modern policing which reflects the needs and values of our community,” Sheriff Dicus said. “While we’ve made significant progress, there is still more to do, and I look forward to continuing our work.”
The entire mid-term report is available for review at wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff. Sheriff Dicus encourages residents to explore the report and learn more about the department’s efforts to maintain safety and security across the county.
He has also released a video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=soIxq223bRM) with input from several assistant sheriffs. On the video, Sheriff Dicus states that “public safety is our only priority.” With the support of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, the sheriff’s department has added 169 positions.
Employee wellness is another critical focus of the department; they provide support to deputies during times of need or crisis.
The department received two new Bell helicopters, which have already been used in 11 successful hoists. The department responds to 200 search and rescue missions annually.
“We have seen an increase in violence across the county,” Sheriff Dicus said. He referenced two programs which have been launched in response to that violence.
Operation Hammer Strike has reduced illegal marijuana cultivation across the county, tackling environmental damage and criminal activity. Nearly 1.5 million marijuana plants have been eradicated and 194,821 pounded of processed marijuana have been seized.
And Operations Consequences addresses violent crime, gang activity and ghost guns. There have been 74 human trafficking arrests with 45 rescues.
As for the future, Sheriff Dicus said they are focusing on talent, recruitment and retention. “We are committed to addressing homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues through expanded services, partnerships and enforcement,” he said.
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