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.