Full Notification

On Tuesday, the Oakland Police Department confirmed the existence of a long-term, multi-agency investigation of a violent East Oakland gang. Commonly known as “Burn-Out,” the targeted criminal organization was involved in activity such as illegal firearm possession, narcotics trafficking, and fraudulent credit card activities.

“This is another example of making large, coordinated, and meaningful impacts on the sources of violence in Oakland,” said Chief Howard Jordan. “We were successful through the use of our planning, covert intelligence, agency partnerships, and the coordinated assistance of United States Attorney Melinda Haig and District Attorney Nancy O’Malley.”

With Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Secret Service collaboration, the investigation was one of the largest wire tap operations in the history of Oakland. The law enforcement objectives were to investigate all levels of the criminal enterprise, link known and suspected criminal activity to suspects at all levels, and ultimately dismantle its presence. Approximately 45 individuals were arrested on various state and federal charges throughout the investigation, and approximately 22 guns were seized along with fraudulent credit card manufacturing systems. Also, as a direct result of the investigation, officers gathered information leading to arrests for conspiracy to commit murder. In a noticeable enforcement push on June 28th and 29th, 20 more suspects were arrested on state and federal drug and fraud violations.

Grand Jury Report on OPD Crime Lab: A Message from Chief Howard Jordan

The Oakland Police Department recently received the Alameda County’s Grand Jury’s 2011 – 2012 Report with recommendations pertaining to our crime lab operations. It is apparent that the Grand Jury’s work and attention intends to provide the best crime lab service possible to the public, and their report details our committed and talented staff along with clear impediments relating to facilities, resources, and personnel.

As Chief of Police, I share their commitment to excellent public safety service, and I am reviewing each of the report’s recommendations. A formal response will be provided following careful consideration.

This process of examination continues our history of commitment to improvement, regardless of obstacles. Last year, we completed a two year sexual assault kit initiative and completed testing of 489 kits as a result. Additionally, our firearms testing increased 54%, the lab realized a 157% increase in the number of samples processed for DNA analysis, and we increased by 48% the number of completed requests. In our Drug Analysis Unit, we turned results around within 24 hours in all but 5% of requests. We have also addressed workload by means of grant funding, hiring and training, and receiving firearm testing assistance from the ATF. These accomplishments, and additional information regarding performance in years past, can be found in the Department’s Annual Management Reports which are found in the Public Reports section of our home page, www.oaklandpolice.com.

The above results and statements of commitment are not an attempt to deny the existence of obstacles - continuing backlog simply comes down to not having enough resources, on several different levels, to handle all requests as I would like. I will continue to fully vet our needs and options for continuing improvement, and I assure you that the officers, investigators, and lab personnel of our police department are fully committed as well.


Estuary Clean-up Begins

During the week of July 2, the Oakland Police Department, working with Cal Recycling and federal grant funds, identified and removed submerged estuary hazards such as sunken boats, barges, barrels and old pilings. This joint effort not only improves the safety and appearance of our waterways, but focuses on potential “anchor-outs,” individuals or vessels responsible for floating meth labs, thefts from harbors and underwater copper cable theft.


From Chief Jordan and the men and women of the Oakland Police Department, have a safe and enjoyable weekend.