The police union representing officers in Oakland, Calif., called on Mayor Sheng Tao to resign “immediately,” citing a lack of resources to respond to reports of criminal activity.
Huy Nguyen, president of the Oakland Police Officers Association, said at a news conference Tuesday that the union is calling for Thao to resign immediately as mayor “because of the city’s many failings, including crime, the budget crisis, the distraction of FBI raids and more.” “Hinders our ability to function as a city,” KTVU said.
“Every day, our citizens feel the tragedy. They can’t leave their homes, they can’t walk on the streets of Oakland, they can call 911 and they can’t get the services they need,” Nguyen continued.
Nguyen said because the police department is understaffed, officers are unable to respond to every emergency call, or respond slowly.
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Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao speaks to the press at Oakland City Hall after the FBI raided her home, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Oakland, California. (Getty Images)
“We don’t have the resources,” he said.
Thao released a video statement late Tuesday in response to Nguyen’s comments, in which she said crime rates in Oakland were down.
“Unfortunately, the POA is clearly playing politics,” Thao said. “Now, in this very sensitive time, we need to come together. We are seeing that the work we are doing in our comprehensive approach to public safety is making a difference.”
The mayor emphasized that Thao’s budget prioritizes public safety, funding a new police academy and retaining 80 police positions, but the police union says it’s not enough.
“Now is the time to invest more in the city, hire more police officers, retain police officers and solve crime problems. Going forward, this is what we want to see from the next mayor,” said Tim, Vice President of the Oakland POA. “Dolan said.
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Oakland Mayor Sheng Tao reacts during his first State of the City address at City Hall in Oakland, California, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. (Getty Images)
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The recall effort to oust Thao is underway, although the police union says Thao should remain out of office to save the time and resources needed for a recall.
“If she resigns before this week, the election will be held in November rather than waiting for a recall,” Nguyen said. “Then that will happen in April and the process will drag out even longer when we need a new budget immediately. time.”
It comes after several shootings in the past few days, including one on Sunday at a vaudeville show near Fruitvale and MacArthur avenues. Five people were injured.
Another shooting in West Oakland on Monday left two teenagers and an adult hospitalized.
