Oakland Police extends crime plan through holidays as homicide rate drops
OAKLAND – Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong announced Monday that a crime plan implemented in response to rising gun violence would be extended again through the end of the year.
In a police department statement, Armstrong said the plan would be expanded with a focus on areas popular during the holiday season.
"You will see a higher presence of officers where we know people come to shop, dine, and enjoy our city," Armstrong said Monday. "Also, we will remain laser-focused on addressing homicides and shootings in Oakland."
Armstrong announced the plan on September 27 deploying additional officers following a rise in gun violence, including homicides. Originally planned for 30 days, Armstrong extended the plan in late October.
In the two months since the crime plan took effect, police said homicides are down 50% compared to the 60 days before.
Police also said 130 people deemed "very violent" were arrested and more than 100 firearms have been seized since the plan was announced. So far this year, police have seized 1,318 firearms, up 119 compared to all of 2021.
Also on Monday, the department announced updates in adding new officers to the force, with the department adding 22 new officers from an academy that ended last month. Twenty-four new officers are set to join the department in February and another 28 officer trainees began an academy that started Monday.
Bill Nguyen wants to believe things will improve. Surveillance video showed that in the overnight hours on November 18, a burglar broke a glass panel at his business on Lakeshore Avenue. The thief then stole a change box and emptied the cash register.
It's the third time in the last year crooks hit the boba tea shop. Nguyen prepares drinks for customers.
"I fear sometimes about walking out and facing someone who is actually armed," he said.
Armstrong said he's adding more officers on foot, in patrol cars and motorcycles in high crime areas and shopping districts, as part of the department's holiday safety strategy.
The initiative started in September, after the city experienced its deadliest month all year.
"Pretty good idea, not going to lie. I think it's pretty important to have a safer community and place where no one gets stabbed once in a while," said Nguyen.
Nguyen said just last week, an officer came by looking for any witnesses to a stabbing that happened right outside in broad daylight. He hopes the enforcement will make the Lakeshore area more inviting for customers. Quickly also hopes OPD's plan will help drive down property crimes and quality of life issues.
"I feel like I need to be a little bit more cautious about walking around," said Nguyen.