Representing

The Hardest Working
Police Officers in America

OUR MISSION

The goal of the Oakland Police Officers’ Association is to provide programs, information, and support to those who sacrifice so much for our safety and security.

MEDIA

News & Press Releases 
By Barry Donelan 02 Jan, 2024
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Suspects in Custody Less Than 100 Hours After the Murder of Oakland Police Officer Tuan Le. OAKLAND, CA – Overnight, less than 100 hours after the murder of Oakland Police Officer Tuan Le, Oakland’s finest and members of the US Marshals Service arrested a key suspect in Livermore. Oakland Police Officers’ Association President responded to the news of the arrest with the following statement, “Thank you to the members of the Oakland Police Department and allied law enforcement agencies who have worked tirelessly to bring about the swift arrests of suspects involved in our brother’s murder. We continue to grieve along with Officer Le’s family but take solace from the progress of the investigation and the relentless pursuit of justice by the professional and dedicated members of the department. Great job by everyone.” Officer Le is the 54th Oakland Police Officer killed in the line of duty serving the residents of Oakland. Please refer to the Oakland Police Department and the Alameda District Attorney’s Office for suspect details. About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members at all ranks within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ###
By Barry Donelan 30 Dec, 2023
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE As Oakland’s Finest Mourns the Loss of One of Own Every Police Officer is Determined to Bring This Cop Killer to Justice. OAKLAND, CA – Around 4:30 AM, Oakland Police Officers responded to a burglary in progress in the area of Jack London Square. During the response an Oakland Police Officer was ambushed and shot. Officers on scene transported the wounded officer to the hospital where medical staff worked valiantly to save his life. Sadly, at 8:44 AM the officer passed away with his family and Oakland Police Officers by his side. This officer became the 54th Oakland Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty serving the residents of Oakland. Oakland Police Officers’ Association President Barry Donelan responded to events by stating: “Our members are devastated by this unwarranted attack and the loss of one of our family. I am proud of the officers who responded this morning and carried their brother to the hospital on their shoulders. Their actions personified what it means to be an Oakland police officer.” Donelan continued, “As we mourn, rest assured that we are also determined to bring this cop killer to justice.” Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect in this case should contact the Oakland Police Department. Chief Darren Allison will conduct a press conference detailing events at 1pm today. About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ### About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members at all ranks within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ###
By Barry Donelan 16 Dec, 2023
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Video Unveiled: Armed Suspect Fires at Oakland Police Sergeant; Witness the Sergeant's Swift and Courageous Response OAKLAND – Today, the Oakland Police Department released a remarkable video documenting the courageous response of Sergeant Hamilton during an ambush at city hall in the early hours of November 7, 2023. In this riveting footage, viewers witness Sergeant Hamilton's unmarked car approach its destination. Suddenly, an armed suspect emerges from behind the vehicle, brandishing a firearm and threatening our unsuspecting sergeant. However, in a remarkable display of bravery and resilience, Sergeant Hamilton swiftly turns the tables on his assailant, putting an end to the attack in a decisive exchange of gunfire. The video can be watched and downloaded via the following link: https://oaklandca.nextrequest.com/documents/27099088/download After watching the video, Oakland Police Officers' Association President Barry Donelan said, “Sergeant Hamilton demonstrated great courage, tactics, and professionalism while under fire in this life-threatening situation. His actions illustrate what Oakland Police officers are made of. We are all thankful and relieved that our colleague went home safe following this unprovoked attack.” About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members at all ranks within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ###
By Barry Donelan 06 Dec, 2023
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE It’s the Oakland Way: Mayor Sheng Thao Blames Cops for Her Own Failure to Apply for a Grant. OAKLAND, CA – This Summer we learned that the City of Oakland spectacularly missed a grant deadline for a state retail theft prevention grant, missing out on Oakland’s share of the $267 million available to combat crime. Ultimately, Mayor Sheng Thao took responsibility, until now. This week the mayor engaged in revisionist history, by driving an anti-police media campaign pointing the finger of blame at hardworking Oakland Police Officers for her administration’s failure. The truth is, the Oakland Police Department successfully applies every year for scores of grants and other law enforcement funding via various federal, state, and local opportunities. In this case, the grant application deadline was missed because of the incompetence of the City’s Economic and Workforce Development Department. The police department put together the grant application, and Thao’s staff at the Economic and Workforce Development Department derailed the application by simply missing the deadline to turn it in. Now, they point the finger at police officers for their own failure. Oakland Police Officers’ Association President Barry Donelan responded to Mayor Thao’s revisionist history media attacks by stating; “The failure to apply for this grant was brought to you by the Thao Administration. The same folks that brought us Oakland’s ransomware attack debacle, a year without a permanent police chief, and the elimination of 91 police officer positions in a city with skyrocketing crime. There is no ambiguity where the blame for this epic failure lies, its lies with Mayor Sheng Thao.” About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members at all ranks within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ###
By Barry Donelan 07 Nov, 2023
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Armed Criminal Picks the Wrong Victim. OAKLAND, CA – At around 4 AM, a veteran Oakland Police officer arrived at Oakland City Hall to start his early morning shift. The officer was confronted by an armed individual who opened fire. In response, the officer discharged their weapon, striking the armed assailant. The officer was uninjured, and the gunman died at the scene. Oakland Police Officers’ Association President Barry Donelan responded to the attack by stating: "This morning at Oakland City Hall, a criminal picked the wrong victim. We are thankful for our officer's safety and equally relieved that community members were not injured during the incident." Multiple agencies are investigating the incident. About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members at all ranks within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ###
By Barry Donelan 17 Oct, 2023
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 100 Homicides in 2023: A Continuing Crisis in Oakland Oakland Records Fourth Consecutive Year with 100 Homicides 2022: Oakland Suffered its 100th Homicide on October 3rd, 2022 2021: Oakland Suffered its 100th Homicide on September 20th, 2021. 2020: Oakland Suffered its 100th Homicide on December 7th, 2020. OAKLAND – As we approach Mayor Sheng Thao's State of the City address, Oakland faces a critical moment. City officials, law enforcement, community leaders, and concerned citizens must come together to secure our city’s safety, well-being, and prosperity. That need was underlined by the chilling revelation this weekend that Oakland suffered its 100th homicide for the year. 2023 is the fourth consecutive year with 100+ homicides. Before 2020, 2019 had 78 homicides, the seventh consecutive year there were less than 100 killings. However, 100 homicides in 2023 is not an isolated crime statistic . Startling increases have been reported across all major crime categories, including Robbery (up 35%), Carjacking (up 22%), Motor Vehicle Theft (up 51%), and Burglaries (up 36%). These statistics paint a stark picture of Oakland's public safety crisis, marked by a shortage of law enforcement personnel, the absence of a permanent police chief, and a mayoral administration that lacks a comprehensive public safety strategy. Oakland Police Officers' Association President Barry Donelan voiced his concerns, emphasizing, "Residents and police officers anxiously await tomorrow's State of the City address to learn if there's a concrete public safety plan to combat surging crime." Donelan underscored the critical crossroads Oakland's public safety has reached. Currently, Oakland's police department maintains a sworn staffing of 711 officers, with a maximum budgeted number of 712 officers. This is the lowest budgeted number of police officers Oakland has had since 2014. About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members at all ranks within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org.
By Barry Donelan 08 Aug, 2023
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A Call to Action: Oakland’s Urgent Need for a Permanent Police Chief The City of Oakland is in the throes of a crime wave that has reached alarming proportions in 2023. With over 2,000 robberies marking a 24% increase, more than 400 carjackings reflecting a 16% surge, and an astounding 10,000+ burglaries, a staggering 42% rise, the situation has escalated into a public safety crisis that demands immediate attention. OAKLAND – Seven months have passed since the dismissal of the police chief, a period marked not by decisive action but by inertia and indecision. Rather than actively pursuing a new leader for the police department to combat these substantial increases in crime, the police commission has been engaged in sparsely attended community meetings, soliciting opinions on what residents’ desire in their new police chief. Barry Donelan, the President of the Oakland Police Officers' Association, has voiced his frustration and concern with a resounding call to action: "The time for talk has passed. In this critical moment of public safety crisis, action is not just necessary; it is imperative. Seven months have gone by – seven months too many. We must recruit a police chief now. Our community needs stability and certainty and a robust plan to address this spiraling crime. Enough is enough." The time to act is now. The city's leadership must heed this call, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the dire need for a strong and capable police chief. About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members at all ranks within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ###
By Barry Donelan 31 Jul, 2023
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oakland’s National Night Out: An Opportunity to Appreciate Devoted Law Enforcement Amid Rising Crime Rates OAKLAND – The crime statistics unveiled today cast a gloomy shadow on the eve of Oakland’s National Night Out, reflecting a reality familiar to the city’s residents and police officers, who face these challenges daily. "The public safety situation in Oakland, fueled by rising crime and a revolving door justice system, is exacerbated by too few cops struggling to keep up with the surge in criminal activity and increased calls for help from our residents," said Barry Donelan, the President of the Oakland Police Officers' Association. Donelan continued, "I urge community members attending National Night Out block parties to express their gratitude to Oakland's dedicated yet overstretched police officers. I also invite the elected leaders present to share their strategies for tackling Oakland's public safety crisis." On August 1st National Night Out will unfold at multiple block parties across the city. This presents an unparalleled opportunity for community members to interact firsthand with their city’s dedicated police officers and our city's decision-makers. As we come together, let's pause to acknowledge the relentless efforts of Oakland’s police officers and seize this moment to engage our city leaders in a critical conversation about their strategies to counteract Oakland's rising crime rates and their plans to appoint a permanent chief of police. About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members at all ranks within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ###
By Barry Donelan 26 Apr, 2023
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org April 25, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pamela Price’s Crusade Against Police Officers and Advocacy for Murderers Continues by Charging a Veteran Oakland Homicide Investigator. OAKLAND, CA – The Oakland Police Officers' Association (OPOA) expresses anger over the baseless perjury charges against a seasoned Oakland Police homicide detective. These charges come despite a previous investigation by the District Attorney's Office and the police department, which had cleared the officer of any wrongdoing. OPOA President Barry Donelan voiced his support for the officer, stating, "We are confident that this officer will be vindicated once a competent court reviews these unfounded charges. This case is not about seeking justice or ensuring public safety; rather, it appears to be an attempt by District Attorney Pamela Price to undermine the credibility of dedicated public servants and facilitate the release of convicted murderers. Such actions will undoubtedly jeopardize the safety of Oakland and Alameda County residents." The OPOA, along with every Oakland police officer, stands in solidarity with our fellow officer and his family during this challenging and unjust ordeal. About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 2023 Statement from Andrew M. Ganz, Attorney for Oakland Homicide Detective Tran "The DA treats murderers like heroes, looking for every possible excuse to keep them out of jail. Yet, real heroes such as Oakland Homicide Detective Tran – who has dedicated and risked his life to try to keep the city safe – are treated like criminals. He is being prosecuted for having the audacity to investigate, arrest and bring to justice the killers who terrorize Oakland. These charges are baseless and should gravely concern every Alameda County resident that desires a truly equitable criminal justice system.” ###
By Barry Donelan 27 Mar, 2023
Contact: Oakland Police Officers' Association Phone: (510) 834-9670 Email: policeofficers@opoa.org March 27, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oakland City Employees Face a Reckless Avalanche of Identity Theft. Meanwhile, City Leaders Ignore and Stonewall Employees. OAKLAND, CA – Between February 6-9, 2023, the City of Oakland experienced a cyber-attack that released all city employees’ personal information. This is the second serious breach of employee confidential information within the last two years. The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) immediately wrote to the administration, seeking a meeting to learn the impacts on employees, how the City plans to mitigate the damage caused to its employees, and how to ensure employees’ confidential information can be safeguarded in the future. [ The March 6th letter to the city administrator is attached ]. The city failed to respond. The lack of a response led the OPOA to write directly to Mayor Sheng Thao seeking a response. [ The March 20th letter to the mayor is linked here ]. The mayor has not responded to the OPOA’s March 20th letter. Oakland Police Officers’ Association President Barry Donelan said: “Oakland city leaders talk about accountability, yet there has been zero accountability and a deafening silence for the safety and financial security of the city’s valued employees.” Donelan continued, “This city is truly broken when city employees learn more about the release of their confidential information from the media than their employer, whose incompetence and sloppy security allows these data breaches to occur.” Unfortunately, continued stonewalling by our employer may leave litigation as the only recourse for victims of the City’s latest incompetence. About the Oakland Police Officers’ Association: The Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) represents all sworn members within the Oakland Police Department. Representing the hardest working Police Officers in America. The OPOA can be found on the Web at www.opoa.org. ###

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