News

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.

Deputy Directors of Housing Development and Community Development to lead strategic efforts throughout Oakland

The Oakland Police Department (OPD) successfully recovered 16 firearms and ammunition in the 3800 block of 39^th Avenue.

This month, the City of Oakland and the Oakland Police Department (OPD) launched a new auto attendant system for OPD’s non-emergency line, aiming to enhance communication services.

The move comes in response to the escalating demand for streamlined communication, particularly after managing more than 430,000 calls to OPD’s non-emergency number in 2023, nearly 34% of all calls handled by OPD’s communications division.

Oakland’s ninth Homekey award will support new modular affordable housing development on City-owned land for seniors experiencing homelessness