California Governor Gavin Newsom has called on Oakland officials to reconsider an “extreme” policy that limits police pursuits of suspected criminals to cases of “violent forcible crimes.” In a letter to Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, the Oakland City Council, and the Oakland Police Commission, Newsom criticized the policy that restricts officers from pursuing suspects for various felonies and misdemeanors, including reckless driving, sideshows, and driving under the influence. The governor emphasized the danger posed by allowing criminals to act with impunity and the threat to public safety associated with such criminal activities.
Newsom’s call for a review of the Oakland Police Department’s pursuit policy comes after an increase in California Highway Patrol (CHP) presence in Oakland to target organized crime, sideshows, carjackings, and other criminal activity. The operations led to several arrests of suspects accused of committing these crimes, highlighting the effectiveness of increased enforcement efforts. The governor expressed concern over criminals fleeing with impunity due to the limited circumstances in which the OPD is allowed to initiate vehicle pursuits, as observed by CHP during their operations. This has prompted calls for a reevaluation of the pursuit policy to enhance public safety in the city.
Acknowledging the sensitivity and risks associated with vehicle pursuits, Governor Newsom emphasized the need to balance these risks with the benefits of pursuing suspects to prevent criminal activities. He highlighted the importance of evaluating the existing pursuit policy and considering whether OPD should be given more authority to pursue suspects in various circumstances to improve public safety in Oakland. The governor urged city officials to establish a process to assess whether OPD is utilizing its authority effectively to protect public safety and enforce the law, pointing to the need for a clear-eyed approach to addressing public safety challenges in the city.
In his letter, Newsom also emphasized his commitment to improving public safety in Oakland and across California, noting recent improvements in public safety but highlighting the ongoing need to search for solutions to address the challenges faced by communities. The governor’s call for a review of the pursuit policy reflects his administration’s efforts to address public safety concerns in Oakland and ensure that law enforcement agencies are equipped to effectively combat criminal activities while balancing the risks associated with vehicle pursuits. Newsom’s support for revising the pursuit policy underscores his commitment to enhancing public safety and enforcing the law to protect communities in the state.
