Oakland police Archives

Here’s what Oakland’s City Council wants to do about crime

by Eli Wolfe September 20, 2023September 20, 2023

In its first full session since July, the council discussed 911, security cameras, walking officers, and more. But nothing will happen quickly.

Two police cars double-parked on a street near a cyclist and several other vehicles. Construction looms in the background.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland blew its opportunity for a retail theft prevention grant. What happened?

by Eli Wolfe September 15, 2023September 15, 2023

An understaffed department missed out on potentially millions in state funds, raising questions about the city’s strategy for securing outside dollars.

Smiling woman in maroon blazer gives speech at lectern covered in microphones. Flanking her is a green poster and three other people also in suits.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland leaders say 911 system fixes are coming

by Eli Wolfe September 11, 2023September 11, 2023

The mayor and several councilmembers announced a $2.5 million investment in OPD’s struggling emergency call center.

City Hall & Policing

Seneca Scott, organizer of upcoming rally for public safety, denounced for ‘hateful anti-LGBTQ statements’

by Eli Wolfe and Darwin BondGraham September 7, 2023September 7, 2023

The mayor and district attorney will appear at a town hall on Saturday. A prominent activist with a history of inflammatory statements is holding his own rally nearby, with notable Oakland officials slated to attend.

hands holding a psilocybin mushroom with a small heart carved on the cap.

Arts & Community

Oakland’s psychedelic mushroom church applies for permit to keep operating

by Ayla Burnett August 21, 2023September 8, 2023

Zide Door dropped a lawsuit against the city alleging religious discrimination, but the church’s founder says he’s prepared to go back to court if the permit is not approved.

A small white camera attached to a street light with trees, a street, and a lone car in the background.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland’s license plate readers have been off for months, so why does the city want more?

by Eli Wolfe August 17, 2023August 17, 2023

OPD quietly shut down its license plate reader system in February, but officials are pushing for more cameras.

Several women sit in chairs in an auditorium. One of them, wearing a pink jacket and hat with a mask, holds a sign that reads "Enough Suffering Fix It Already." There is a folded scooter in front of the women.

City Hall & Policing

What can Oakland’s City Council do about crime?

by Eli Wolfe August 15, 2023August 16, 2023

Residents often look to their neighborhoods’ elected representatives to “clean up the streets.” Here’s how city councilmembers can—and can’t—affect public safety in their districts.

City Hall & Policing

Former OPD Chief Armstrong files legal claim accusing Mayor Thao of retaliation, federal monitor of corruption

by Eli Wolfe August 14, 2023August 14, 2023

The claim, a precursor to a potential lawsuit, takes aim at OPD’s federal oversight.

A golden Oakland police chief badge pinned to a dark blue police uniform shirt.

City Hall & Policing

Here’s your chance to weigh in on Oakland’s next police chief

by Darwin BondGraham July 31, 2023July 31, 2023

The Police Commission is hosting several community forums and surveying residents about what qualities they want to see in the next OPD leader.

District Attorney Pamela Price sitting next to Oakland Police Captain Clay Burch as Burch speaks into a microphone.

City Hall & Policing

Heated public safety meeting in Montclair reveals a divided Oakland

by Darwin BondGraham July 28, 2023August 16, 2023

District Attorney Pamela Price defended and explained her public safety philosophy during an emotional town hall that drew hundreds.

Police Chief Darren Allison, wearing a police uniform, stands as a podium in Oakland City Hall. Behind him are a police captain, Kentrell Killens, the chief of violence prevention for Oakland, and City Administrator Jestin Johnson.

City Hall & Policing

A show of unity after Oakland suffers 4 homicides in 10 hours

by Darwin BondGraham July 20, 2023July 20, 2023

Oakland’s police chief and chief of violence prevention outlined the city’s strategies for dealing with gun violence.

A imposing building wrapped in silver and blue metal paneling with a large emblem of a police badge above the door and the words "Oakland Police" on the badge.

City Hall & Policing

In Oakland police bribery case, an internal investigation revealed more troubling practices at OPD

by Darwin BondGraham and Ali Winston June 13, 2023June 16, 2023

Veteran officer Phong Tran faces criminal charges for his handling of a murder case. His internal affairs file reveals that unrecorded cash payments to witnesses have been allowed at OPD for years.

Road Safety

Report: Oakland traffic collisions are a ‘public safety epidemic’

by Jose Fermoso May 25, 2023May 26, 2023

The city described its efforts to stop traffic violence in a sweeping report this week.

The Oakland Police Department's emblem depicting a badge with a six-pointed star, City Hall, and ships at the port.

City Hall & Policing

Shootings, assaults, lies: Oakland police misconduct revealed on new city website

by Darwin BondGraham May 12, 2023May 12, 2023

The Oakland City Attorney’s office has published years’ worth of internal police investigations online.

A police officer in uniform exits his patrol vehicle to prepare to tow a car that was stopped for allegedly taking part in a sideshow. A group of young people talk with a plainclothes officer near the car.

City Hall & Policing

New rules for Oakland sideshows could mean jail time and fines for promoters

by Eli Wolfe May 10, 2023May 10, 2023

Oakland’s Public Safety Committee also discussed replacing OPD’s helicopters with a new surveillance airplane.

City Hall & Policing

District attorney Pamela Price charges Oakland police officer with perjury and threatening a witness

by Darwin BondGraham April 25, 2023April 25, 2023

A no-bail warrant was issued Monday for the arrest of OPD’s Phong Tran, who allegedly made secret cash payments to a witness in a case that sent two men to prison on murder charges.

City Hall & Policing