OAKLAND — The Oakland Police Department launched its Summer Safety Plan on Saturday by increasing the number of police patrols in the city.
Still, many residents worry about the city’s ability to reduce crime, as looming budget cuts threaten public safety.
“Things are getting worse for us when it comes to safety, so if they let all these police officers go, they won’t be able to meet our needs right away,” said Yvette Williams, a senior who relies on her wheelchair. to make ends meet.
OPD says they will deploy more officers on foot in the business districts and will also conduct sting operations to reduce prostitution on International Boulevard.
“We are working with the California Highway Patrol, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and our Oakland Traffic Enforcement Unit to ensure we are maintaining traffic control in areas where we have unfortunately seen fatalities due to reckless driving,” said Assistant Chief James Beere.
The city expects a $177 million deficit in the next budget year.
Oakland had a record 856 police officers in 2009, according to OPD. On Friday, Police Chief Floyd Mitchell said his department had 709 officers. The council is considering an option to reduce the police force to 610 officers.
During a budget meeting Friday, Chief Mitchell warned the City Council that cuts to his department would harm public safety.
“If we go back to 610 (officers), we are at a critical stage,” the chief said.
Mitchell said there are 70 to 80 officers on leave at any given time, so 610 officers doesn’t really mean much to 500.
“Oh my God, it gets worse: the time for them to (respond to shootings),” Williams said.
Even those who support the police say the budget deficit poses a dilemma. If forced to choose, some say they would rather save recreation centers and youth programs.
“Children and the elderly become more of a priority if you keep them off the streets and just give them resources,” said Fruitvale District resident Zayra Cornejo.
Williams did not offer a budgetary solution, but said cutting spending in a city already in crisis will make the impact even worse.
“We older people would feel unsafe,” Williams said.
The council plans to meet again on Tuesday to discuss solutions and options to close the budget deficit.
Da Lin
