On October 3, 2023 members of Inland Action met with Lt. Julius McCristian, Legislative Liaison, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Two critical issues on which San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus and his Department are focused are : fentanyl and homelessness. In February 2021, the Gangs/Narcotics Division launched a pilot program responding to drug overdoses in San Bernardino County Sheriff’s jurisdictions. Made permanent in 2022, the team has 6 full time members. The team works with the District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to conduct state and federal cases.
In 2014, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department implemented the Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement program to address issues related to the homeless population across San Bernardino County. The mission of H.O.P.E. is to balance proactive outreach with enforcement of the law, while connecting members of the homeless population with resources that may help them transition from homelessness. The ultimate goal is to reduce the rate of recidivism, incarceration, and reduce the current costs associated to homeless related crime.