California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, on Friday called on Oakland officials to revise an “extreme” policy that typically only allows police to pursue suspects in cases of “violent forcible crimes.”
The governor sent a letter to Oakland Mayor Sheng Tao, the Oakland City Council and the Oakland Police Commission urging them to reconsider the Oakland Police Department’s (OPD) policy that restricts officers from pursuing suspects.
“While some jurisdictions in California only allow vehicle pursuits for certain crimes (such as felonies), Oakland is an exception and imposes special restrictions on OPD’s ability to police criminal activity, generally only allowing vehicle pursuits as defined in OPD policy. ‘Violent compulsive crimes’ pursuits, as well as crimes involving firearms,” Newsom wrote.
Unlike most other jurisdictions in the state, local police in Oakland are prohibited from pursuing people suspected of committing a variety of felonies and any misdemeanor, including acts of violence and other crimes that endanger public safety, such as reckless conduct, the letter said. Driving, juggling activities and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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“I am mindful of the sensitive nature of vehicle pursuits, which can pose dangers to officers, suspects, and innocent bystanders,” the governor wrote. “The California Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission recognized and addressed this issue in its standards-setting guidance . However, allowing criminals to go unpunished also poses a great danger to the public, and reckless driving associated with sideshows and other crimes is a serious threat.
The move follows Newsom’s recent move to increase the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Oakland to conduct surge operations targeting organized crime, sideshows, carjackings and other crimes.
Newsom said the move quickly led to the arrests of several suspects accused of the crimes. Two days after the governor’s announcement, the CHP conducted reinforcements for the sideshow using ground and air resources. Multiple vehicle pursuits conducted through the operation resulted in five felony arrests, eight DUIs, the recovery of eight stolen vehicles and the seizure of two guns.
“However, in the course of the CHP’s operations, they observed certain dynamics that contributed to public safety challenges in Oakland based on their professional law enforcement experience and expertise,” Newsom wrote in the letter. “In particular, CHP has observed certain dynamics that contribute to public safety challenges in Oakland.” The Center brought to my attention that they observed criminals frequently getting away with impunity because it is known that the Oakland Police Department’s (‘OPD’s’) pursuit policy only allows for vehicle pursuits in very limited circumstances.”
Newsom said the CHP observed the suspects trying to use the same route to evade arrest, meaning the suspects knew where OPD would stop pursuing them. However, the governor said the suspect was unable to avoid six manhunts initiated by the CHP, which had many resources available, including air support.
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“Any policy regarding automobile pursuits must soberly balance the risks and benefits involved,” Newsom wrote in the letter. “Due to the public safety challenges faced by Oakland and the fact that OPD’s pursuit policies are an anomaly among California law enforcement agencies, situation, I support the recent action taken by City Council to direct a review of this policy.
“I urge you to reconsider whether OPD should be allowed to pursue suspects in more situations to improve public safety in your city, and to establish a process to evaluate whether OPD is fully utilizing its powers, including those granted under existing pursuit policies. , protect public safety and enforce the law,” he continued.
Newsom concluded his letter by saying he is committed to improving public safety in Oakland and throughout California. He said public safety has improved recently, but officials “should continue to look for solutions to give back to our communities.”
