Full Notification

DATE/TIME: January 9, 2026, between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

INCIDENT: H.O.P.E. Outreach Operation

LOCATION: Morongo Basin  

SUMMARY:  The Community Service & Reentry Division's Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.), in collaboration with the Department of Aging and Adult Services, conducted "Operation Shelter Me" in the Morongo Basin. This operation aimed to connect staff with unhoused residents, offering them housing, medical, and mental health treatment services, while addressing community safety concerns.

On November 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36, “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” The proposition took effect on December 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 are 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 focused on individuals with significant mental illnesses to link them with restorative mental health pathways. The results of the operation, under the application of Proposition 36, are as follows:

• 34 individuals currently experiencing homelessness were contacted
• 16 individuals accepted referral information to assistance programs
• 2 individuals were connected with local service providers
• 7 individuals were arrested for their in-county warrants 
• 1 individual was arrested for Health and Safety Code 11377 (a) , Possession of a Controlled Substance and Health Safety Code 11550, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
• 1 individual contacted, qualified for Assisted Outpatient Treatment enacted under California Assembly Bill 1421, Laura's Law

The H.O.P.E. Team and other aligned resources will continue similar operations throughout San Bernardino County over the next year, thanks to special "Community Concerns" funding, approved by the 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 residents of San Bernardino County.

If you are aware of any individuals experiencing homelessness who need assistance, please contact the H.O.P.E. Team at (909) 387-0623 or [email protected].

Refer: The H.O.P.E. Team 

Station: Community Service & Reentry Division

Phone No. (909) 387-0623

Case No. N/A

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department