DATE: May 25, 2023
INCIDENT: Rising Number of Assaults on Deputies
As May comes to a close and we reflect on the many Fallen Peace Officer Memorial ceremonies held this month across our nation, we remember our colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities.
We are disheartened to see the number of deputy assaults continue to rise. In 2022, there were 388 assaults on San Bernardino County deputies. That number breaks down across our agency as follows:
⦁ Valley/Mountain Patrol Stations– 153 incidents
⦁ Desert Patrol Stations – 178 incidents
⦁ Corrections Bureau – 54 incidents
⦁ Specialized / Other – 3 incidents
This includes such incidents as, assault with a deadly weapon, battery, and attempted murder. Between 2021 and 2022, there was a 54.55% increase in assault with a deadly weapon on deputies and a 44.44% increase in attempted murder of deputies.
"I have been in law enforcement in San Bernardino County for 31-years." said Sheriff Shannon Dicus "It used to be rare to hear about an officer involved shooting, there was maybe one or two a year. Now we are experiencing one or two a month. We have to fix this."
Lawmakers continue to pursue legislation that takes away vital tools for officer safety while redefining or eliminating accountability for criminals. We urge community members to become more active with Sacramento and Washington DC legislators. Resources like OpenStates.org allow you to use a website and zip code to find state and federal elected leaders. Learn who your representatives are and call their offices to let them know you are concerned about the safety of your communities and your deputies.
Refer: Public Affairs
Phone No. (909) 387-3700
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
