News

Read Oakland OIG's full memorandum, including OPD's official response.

The Oakland Police Department (OPD) Area 5 Violence Suppression is committed to proactive law enforcement efforts to make Oakland safer.

The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is making progress in reducing most crimes citywide. Despite this trend, incidents of robberies remain elevated including a recent increase in smash-and-grab robberies citywide, specifically targeting individuals inside their vehicles. These types of incidents represent a small percentage of overall robberies.

Today, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, in partnership with Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities, proudly announced that the City of Oakland has been chosen by Bloomberg Philanthropies as one of 25 U.S. cit …

CONTACT: mayorspressoffice@oaklandca.gov

*** PRESS STATEMENT***

Mayor Sheng Thao on Oakland’s Continued Partnership with the California Highway Patrol

“The strong partnership between the Oakland Police Department and the California Highway Patrol is delivering results and is an example of good government at work. Together, we are holding criminal groups accountable and disrupting their networks. Promoting a safer and more prosperous city is my top priority and I am grateful to Governor Newsom for providing resources to support Oakland’s public safety strategy”

CHP Release

Background

Investing in a Robust Police Department

Despite inheriting a record $360M budget deficit, Mayor Thao grew the police department in her first year in office. As a result, Oakland has more officers on the streets than anytime in the past two and half years.

Police Staffing (OPD has 712 authorized positions)

January 2022: 690 officers

January 2023 (Mayor Thao takes office): 693 officers

January 2024: 711 officers

Key Actions

• Restored citywide foot patrols and restored motorcycle patrol
• Deployed the Auto-Burglary Suppression Team and Commercial Burglary Task Force to operate in business districts citywide.
• Returned specialized Crime Reduction Teams to the control of Area Police Captains increasing their availability and flexibility to respond to emerging issues.
• Partnership with California Highway Patrol
  • 168 suspects arrested, 360 stolen vehicles recovered, 16 firearms seized

Key Performance Indicators

Since the summer of 2023, Oakland’s business districts have experienced a reduction in most property crimes. For example:

Hegenberger Corridor

• 63% decrease in autoburglaries (bipping)
• 49% decrease in larceny/theft

Downtown/Uptown/Chinatown/Jack London Square

• 40% decrease in autoburglaries (bipping)
• 49% decrease in commercial burglaries

Rockridge/Piedmond Neighborhoods

• 42% decrease in autoburglaries (bipping)
• 39% decrease in larceny/theft

Dimond & Laurel Neighborhoods

• 64% decrease in robberies
• 52% decrease in commercial burglaries

*Data compare the period of May 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 to the period of October 1, 2024 to February 29, 2024

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California is the first state to sign the 'Ebony Alert' into law.

SAFELY LOCATED

Thanks to our community and media partners, Fu Sheng Yee is no longer a #Missing Person.

The Oakland Police Department is requesting assistance from our community and media partners in locating Missing Person, Fu Sheng Yee, who is at risk due to age and Dementia.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the “Ebony Alert” bill to help locate missing Black youth and Black women in the state of California, on Oct. 8.

Two separate investigations by the Oakland Police Department led to multiple arrests and nearly a dozen firearms being taken off the streets.