San Bernardino, Calif. – Congressman Pete Aguilar presented the City of San Bernardino with a ceremonial $1.03 million check for the San Bernardino Police Department in a press conference on January 28. The funds will expand the Department’s use of technology to monitor and respond to incidents more effectively, assist in solving crimes, and deter criminal activity.
“I first ran for Congress in order to bring home federal dollars that help improve the quality of life for working families here in the Inland Empire, including making our community safer," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I am so proud to have secured more than $1 million in community project funding for the City of San Bernardino’s Police Department.”
“This is a meaningful investment in the safety and security of the residents of the City of San Bernardino,” said Mayor Helen Tran, who was joined by council members Sandra Ibarra, Fred Shorett, Kim Knaus, Mario Flores, and Treasure Ortiz. The funds will expand the SBPD’s Safety Camera Program and real time information center with the purchase and installation of additional security cameras in downtown San Bernardino and other strategic locations to prevent, identify, and assist with investigations and prosecutions of criminal activity.
The Department will also use the funds for its Mobile Crime Prevention Program to purchase an unmarked mobile surveillance van, unmarked vehicles outfitted with surveillance equipment, surveillance cameras that can be relocated as needed, and license plate readers.
“The utilization of security cameras and license plate readers are effective tools to decrease criminal activity, said San Bernardino Chief of Police Darren Goodman. “However, crime trends are often transient, and the city needs mobile surveillance solutions to continue successfully reducing crime and improving the community's health and safety.”
The new equipment will help continue a trend that has seen a significant crime reduction in the City of San Bernardino in recent years, including a decrease in homicides by more than 50%.
“Our department has experienced a remarkable reduction in crime, thanks to the hard work of our officers, professional staff, and strong partnerships with our community,” said Goodman. “This funding allows us to build on that success by investing in technology that will further enhance public safety, improve our response capabilities, and help us continue driving crime down across San Bernardino.”
The funds, totaling $1,031,000.00, was part of the 2025-2026 Community Project Funding budget request made by Aguilar. The Department of Justice appropriation bill that included the funding was passed by Congress and signed by the President on January 23, 2026.
Community Project Funding (CPF) allows members of Congress to request targeted federal funding for specific local projects that benefit communities, such as infrastructure, public services, public safety, and economic development. The process is highly competitive, requires demonstrated community support, and involves rigorous vetting through House and Senate Committees.
“These funds are more than a line item in a federal budget - they represent safer streets, improved infrastructure, and stronger public services,” added Tran. “Thank you, Congressman Aguilar, for standing with San Bernardino and investing in the safety of our community.