News

As we approach the 4^th of July holiday, the Oakland Police Department encourages the public to be responsible and safe over Independence Day Weekend by not driving impaired.

Stay Safe During 4^th of July Celebrations: Avoid Illegal Fireworks and Celebratory Gunfire

On June 18, 2020, at 8:20 AM, a community member called the Oakland Police Department’s Communications Center to report a “fake body hanging from a noose.” The caller said they removed it from a tree in the 2100 block of Lakeshore Avenue, next to Lake Merritt. Patrol officers, their Supervisor, and the Public Information Officer responded to the scene and observed material stuffed in the shape of a human body with a rope tied around the torso and neck, laying on the ground next to a tree with an American flag laying next to it.

On June 16, 2020, at approximately 3:30 PM, a social media post identified a rope as a noose and suggested this to be a hate crime in the area of Lake Merritt. The Watch Commander, Patrol officers, and the Public Information Officer responded to the area of Staten/Bellevue. Officers conducted a search of the area and observed five ropes attached to various trees.

On June 12, 2020, at approximately 10:22 PM the Oakland Police Departments Communication Division received reports of a group of 100 individuals, some armed with bats in the 4000 block of Telegraph Avenue. Agitators then blocked the streets with trash cans and set them on fire. Numerous businesses were vandalized with windows broken, and a building in the area was set on fire. As officers were responding to the reports of disruptive and unruly activity, agitators began to aggressively throw rocks and bottles damaging police vehicles. No officers were reported injured in this incident.

Interim Oakland Police Chief Susan E. Manheimer wrote an open letter to the people of Oakland about the recent George Floyd demonstrations. The letter discusses Crowd Management, Impact on the community, and policy changes including a Special Order to remove the Carotid Restraint hold.

The Oakland Police Department stands united with our community. We are determined to help rebuild the safety and security of our businesses and merchants. Since May 29, 2020, nearly 200 of our already vulnerable businesses have been looted, vandalized, and destroyed by some violent disrupters.

As part of our dedication to providing equitable public service, On May 16, 2020, at 5:39 p.m. OPD officers were patrolling in the 1600 block of Wood Street, when they came upon a vehicle believed to be stolen. The patrol car’s computer database alerted the Officer of a “possibly stolen property." History has informed us that stolen vehicles can be used in connection with other serious crimes.

The Oakland Police Department has taken actions to measure the presence of internal disparities. The Department is unique in conducting this study. We are committed to working toward equitable outcomes and ensuring policies and practices safeguard against bias and disparate treatment internally and within our community based on race and gender. This is paramount to maintaining trust within all of our employee groups, and credibility within the communities we serve.

Today, the Oakland Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Section released the name and photo of a person who is wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run.