Posts Tagged ‘Crime’
Oakland police officers shift roles in wake of Measure BB
Currently, the OPD has 324 officers assigned as 911 call respondents, five crime reduction teams and two traffic unit teams. But to fulfill Measure BB requirements, Batts announced that OPD is moving officers back into the 75 public safety officer (PSO) positions starting in January.
Read MoreOakland police officers, community leaders warn against laying off cops
On Monday morning, Oakland police officers and community leaders gathered at the site of a recent murder in West Oakland to warn of what could follow if Oakland’s police force is drastically cut to help close the city’s $31.5 million budget gap. “This is a dangerous city,” Dominique Arotzarena, president of the Oakland Police Officer’s Association, told a small group composed mostly of journalists. Laying off one quarter of the police staff, he said, “sends the wrong message.”
Read More“What is justice?” Inside a death penalty trial
In 2001, Christopher Evans murdered two people at 85th Avenue and International Boulevard in East Oakland, setting him up for either the death penalty or a sentence of life without parole. This week, a jury of his peers would return a verdict on his fate. A look at what they considered and what they decided.
Read MoreLetter from the Community: An Oakland mother’s story
By Jilala Foley/Special to Oakland North My son was shot this week; one bullet lodged in his back, beneath his kidney, and the other went through his arm, breaking the bone as it passed. He had made the not-too-wise choice to attend a side show in East Oakland. Consistent with past events, there were gun…
Read MoreAnxiety and rumors at armed robbers’ apparent shopping center of choice
About a month ago, the North Oakland branch of the San Leandro-based chain Pet Food Express was hit by an armed robber. Two weeks later, it happened again, this time at the Pet Food Express Rockridge store, located in the Safeway shopping center at 51st and Broadway. According to employees, it was the same…
Read MoreThat suspicious car might be casing your network
The van with all the laptops inside, going slowly up and down the street? Could be an example of “war driving”–casing neighborhoods for wireless networks. Click here for the story.
Read MoreDoor-kicking burglary suspects nabbed after hills pursuit
By ISABEL ESTERMAN OCT. 28 — A police chase through the Oakland hills ended yesterday with the arrest of two men police say may be connected to burglaries throughout the Bay Area–including a rash of recent Montclair break-ins in which homes’ front doors were kicked hard enough to force them open. Oakland police said officers apprehended Chas…
Read MoreDomestic violence reports up, but leaders see progress
By CLARE MAJOR OCT. 27 — Less than 24 hours after an Oakland woman was fatally stabbed by her estranged husband and dumped from a car near the Caldecott Tunnel, public and non-profit leaders convened for the 5th Annual Report and Forum on Domestic Violence & Sexually Exploited Minors at City Hall. Oakland City Councilmember…
Read MoreTree thieves hard to track despite trails of dirt
From garden furniture to potted plants, North Oakland residents have noticed mysterious disappearances from their yards and porches. Click here for the story.
Read MoreTemescal neighbors appeal to Housing Authority police
Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council members look for help with some of the ongoing trouble spots. Click here for the story.
Read MoreNew prosecution team aims at “gateway crimes”
By MAGGIE FAZELI FARD SEPT. 29 — Against the backdrop of Oakland’s highly publicized homicide rate, City Attorney John Russo introduced a new crime-fighting team this morning–a group of three city prosecutors charged with investigating crimes like disorderly conduct, graffiti and cockfights, in hopes of improving quality of life for residents all over Oakland. “These…
Read More