Oakland leaders tout drop in homicide, crime rates
The Brief
- Homicides are down in Oakland by 32% compared to last year; other crimes are down as well.
- Oakland leaders credit the Ceasefire strategy for the decrease.
- Despite the data, the mayor is still facing a recall on Tuesday, largely over crime concerns.
OAKLAND, Calif. – Oakland police and politicians spoke on Friday morning at St. Columba Catholic Church to herald the nearly 30% drop in homicides this year compared to 2023, saying they believe the city is moving in the right direction toward curbing crime, but no one should immediately declare a immediate success.
“Of course, we’re here today touting the data,” Department of Violence Prevention Chief Holly Joshi said. “But the reduction is by no means is a victory flag for the city of Oakland. What it does represent is a data point that tells us that we are on the right track, and that we need to continue our focus, and we need to continue having the resources that we have focused on.”…