OPD Reassigns Traffic Officers to Strengthen Patrol Coverage

Published on September 19, 2025

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) will reassign six Traffic Enforcement Motorcycle Officers to patrol duties due to the ongoing staffing challenges facing our department.

These officers will be assigned to dedicated patrol beats throughout Oakland, filling vacancies currently covered by overtime, to ensure consistent and sufficient patrol coverage.

OPD currently has 644 sworn officers. Of those, 511 are available for the full and unrestricted duties of a peace officer.  The remaining 133 officers, or 20% of our current sworn staffing, are on various types of leave status (administrative, medical, military) and limited duty.

OPD’s Executive Team provides elected officials, the police commission, and community members with updates on current staffing levels and any necessary changes in officer deployment based on real-time staffing levels during weekly and monthly meetings.

Despite the reassignment of these traffic officers, OPD will maintain a Traffic Investigation Unit to respond to critical vehicular incidents throughout Oakland.

Additionally, all OPD officers have the authority to conduct traffic enforcement stops when they observe violations.

The reassignment of these Traffic Enforcement Officers will not affect OPD’s sideshow enforcement detail coverage on the weekends.

OPD remains committed to serving our community and appreciates your understanding as we work to balance resources to keep Oakland safe.

The City has funded five police academies over the next two years. The 195th Academy is currently in session and expected to graduate in January 2026.

OPD is actively recruiting for future academies. If you’re interested in positively impacting your community, apply today at OPDJOBS.COM.