'We want to live in a safer city': Vallejo residents urge Newsom to send CHP officers to city

VALLEJO, Calif. (KRON) -- Homicides. Sideshows. Property thefts.

These are some of the crimes plaguing Vallejo. Now, residents are taking matters into their own hands and taking action. Vallejo resident Paula Conley says her community is upset about escalating crime in their city.

"We want to live in a safer city, said Conley. "The (crime) rates are too high, we need better public safety."

In response, Conley started a Change.org campaign to gather signatures to send to Governor Gavin Newsom pleading to send California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers to the city.

"It has worked," Conley said.

Conley points out how the governor's placement of CHP officers in the East Bay, including Oakland has made a significant difference.

Back in February, CHP officers swooped in. In November, the governor's office reported that the surge led to 1,200 arrests, 2,000 stolen vehicles recovered and 100 illegal firearms recovered.

A spokesperson with the Vallejo Police Department sent a statement to KRON4.

"We respect and appreciate our community's right to voice their concerns and welcome ongoing dialogue about public safety in Vallejo. The mayor, city council and I have also sent recent requests for law enforcement support to the governor, state and regional agencies," the statement read.

The spokesperson added that staffing remains an issue with Vallejo police as they try and rebuild services and tackle public safety. The Vallejo Police Department currently has an interim chief, with an active search still underway for a permanent replacement.

"We need help now," Conley said.

KRON4 reached out to the governor's office but did not receive a response in time for publication.