Oakland's Police Chief Asks For Public Input On Safety Needs
OAKLAND (KCBS) – Crime and violence are words that have become synonymous with the city of Oakland, but the police chief said that he is working to change that by asking the community to help police.
On more than one occasion, Oakland has found itself on the F.B.I.'s Most Dangerous Cities list. Chief Howard Jordan said that's unacceptable. He made a public service announcement Tuesday, asking the public to participate in a survey that focuses on improving safety of the residents of Oakland.
"I am confident that together we can make Oakland a safe place to live, work and do business," said Jordan in the recorded announcement.
Allen Temple Baptist Church sits in east Oakland, where drug dealing, prostitution, and homicides are common. Reverend Daniel Buford is director of the Social Justice Ministry there, and said that he commends the chief for reaching out.
KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:
"I really support everything that I see him trying to do," said Buford. "I really see this as a man who has his heart in it, and his heart for the city."
Buford also said that police will have to do more to repair the department's relationship with minorities. He adds that authorities need to get military weapons off the streets.
"Where in the heck is a kid in the ghetto getting an Uzi or an AK47?"
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