For Immediate Release: November 28, 2022
OPD News:
Chief Armstrong Extends Crime Plan Through the End of 2022
Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong of the Oakland Police Department (OPD) announced he is extending the department’s current crime plan through the end of the year. Chief Armstrong added he is expanding the crime plan with a focus on a Holiday Safety Strategy. “You will see a higher presence of officers where we know people come to shop, dine, and enjoy our city. Also, we will remain laser-focused on addressing homicides and shootings in Oakland,” says Armstrong.
Since the inception of the crime plan on September 27, 2022, homicides and shootings have continued to decline. The 60 days before the crime plan took effect, 29 homicides occurred in Oakland. In the 60 days following the rollout, homicides have decreased by nearly 50%.
In 2022, the total number of homicides is down 13%, whereas shootings are also down 25% over last year.
Because of the dedicated work of officers in the CeaseFire Division, Violent Crime Operations Center (VCOC), and Patrol Division, OPD has recovered more than 100 firearms and made more than 130 arrests of very violent individuals within the current crime plan.
When looking at firearm recoveries for the year, the department has seized 1,318 firearms. That’s 119 more firearms recovered than in all of last year.
Today, OPD welcomed 28 police officer trainees as part of the 191st Basic Academy.
Last month, OPD added 22 new police officers during the graduation of the 189th Basic Academy.
Another 24 new police officers are scheduled to join the department after graduating in February with the 190th Basic Academy.
Also, the department recently was awarded more than $1.8 million to hire 15 additional officers through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP).