Existing law establishes various programs to prevent crime, coordinate the efforts of law enforcement, and collect and analyze criminal statistics. Existing law specifically establishes a regional property crimes task force to assist local law enforcement and railroad police in counties identified as having elevated levels of property crime, including, but not limited to, organized retail theft, cargo theft, vehicle burglary, and theft of vehicle parts and accessories. Under existing law, the Attorney General is the chief law officer of the state and the head of the Department of Justice.

This bill would require the Attorney General to establish the California Cargo Theft Task Force to combat crimes involving the theft, diversion, embezzlement, unlawful taking, or fraudulent acquisition of cargo or freight. The bill would prescribe the membership of the task force. The bill would require the task force, among other duties, to investigate, apprehend, and recommend for prosecution, as appropriate, individuals or entities that engage in cargo theft or related offenses. The bill would require the Attorney General, on or before January 1, 2028, and each year thereafter, to submit a report to the Governor, Legislature, and Secretary of State on the activities of the task force, as specified. The bill would define terms for its purposes.