Newsom deploys additional officers to Oakland to curb ‘alarming and unacceptable’ crime wave

California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that he is sending additional state officers to Oakland to curb the “alarming and unacceptable” crime wave.

A press release from Newsom’s office stated that 120 California Highway Patrol officers will be sent to Oakland and the East Bay “to crack down on crime and improve public safety.”

The officers, including specialized units, will work with local law enforcement agencies to combat criminal activity, including violent crime, auto theft, cargo theft, and retail theft. Additionally, the temporary deployment will allow for “high-visibility traffic enforcement.”

“As part of this operation, the CHP will deploy license plate reader technology that will help identify and recover stolen vehicles, as well as specialized CHP units — including K9s and air support. This enhanced law enforcement presence will represent a nearly 900% increase in CHP personnel in Oakland and within Alameda County,” the press release stated.

“As crime rates across California decrease — including right across the Bay in San Francisco — Oakland is seeing the opposite trend. What’s happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable. I’m sending the California Highway Patrol to assist local efforts to restore a sense of safety that the hardworking people of Oakland and the East Bay demand and deserve,” Newsom stated.

The governor’s office noted that preliminary reports indicated Oakland experienced a 21% increase in violent crime in 2023. Additionally, robberies increased by 38% and vehicle thefts by 45%.

The area’s surging crime has forced many businesses to close shop and head elsewhere. Earlier this month, Denny’s permanently shut down its only Oakland location after 54 years. Last month, In-N-Out notified residents that it plans to shutter its Oakland establishment in March. Black Bear Diner, Subway, and Starbucks have also closed down locations in the area.

Oakland-based Clorox Company recently ramped up its safety measures by providing employees the option to be escorted to and from the building and their vehicle by a security officer. Blue Shield of California has implemented similar measures to protect its workers.

Kaiser Permanente has advised its staff to stay in the building during breaks. Workers were instructed to bring their own lunch or have food delivered.

Oakland Democratic Mayor Sheng Thao stated, “The City of Oakland is hard at work turning the tide — increasing law enforcement investigations, increasing police recruitment, and investing in community and violence intervention efforts. As we work to improve public safety, I’m grateful for Governor Newsom for providing these critical law enforcement resources that are a game-changer in helping us hold more criminals accountable and make Oakland safer.”

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