Full Notification

The Oakland Police Department held a press conference this morning addressing recent arrests, gun recoveries and improved Shot Spotter technology being used by the Oakland Police Department.

Chief of Police Howard Jordan commended officers for their hard work and recent arrests of 31 criminals connected to downtown robberies, attempted robberies, multiple burglaries throughout the City, shootings, and sexual assaults. “As a result of dedication and focused actions by the men and women of the Oakland Police Department, in the last two weeks, downtown and West Oakland robberies have decreased by 36%, and since January of this year, over 340 illegally possessed or illegal firearms have been recovered,” said Chief Jordan.

Captain Ersie Joyner addressed the improvements in the Shot Spotter technology which has decreased police response time and increased accuracy for responding officers. The improved technology provides maps in patrol cars indicating location and addresses where gunshots are heard.

Shot Spotter technology delivers instant, accurate alerts of gunfire – within 45 seconds of occurrence – directly to the patrol officer. In addition to an exact time and number of rounds fired, a location is displayed, within 25 meters, including street address. Officers and dispatchers may even immediately play the audio recording of gunfire. “This technology is the most innovative and effective crime fighting tool for a police officer on the streets of Oakland,” said Captain Joyner.

The Oakland Police Department’s strategies, dedication and partnerships demonstrate steps the Department is taking to continue using new technology to better respond to incidents of violence, locate suspects and victims of crime, gather evidence, and make arrests.

In the past two weeks:
- 8 suspects arrested in connection to downtown robberies and attempted robberies.
- 9 suspects arrested in connection to burglaries throughout the City.
- 8 suspects arrested for felony shootings, sexual assaults, robbery and attempted robbery.
- 6 suspects arrested in connection to illegally possessed weapons
- 13 gun recoveries.

- Since January, 2012 – Over 340 illegally possessed or illegal firearms have been recovered.

Individual Officers were acknowledged for recent and excellent work under dangerous circumstances:

Officer Gerrans and Officer Campos - On April 5th , officers were conducting a surveillance related to a recent homicide – a potential vehicle was spotted. Offficers Gerrans and Campos attempted to stop the vehicle which fled. The suspects abandoned their car and fled on foot. The suspect was safely taken into custody, and a discarded firearm was recovered along with a large quantity of crack cocaine.

On 17 April, responding to a man with a gun call, these officers located him and, again, after a short foot pursuit, arrested the suspect and recovered a loaded Mac 10 style assault weapon, loaded revolver, and narcotics from the suspect.

Officers Turner and Cumby– On April 11, these officers located three stolen vehicles near the corner of E33rd and Randolph St, They continued the investigation and connected the thefts to an address in the area. The investigation, one week later, resulted in the total recovery of seven stolen vehicles, two suspects in custody – one of which was on parole; a parole search later resulted in the recovery of a stolen firearm.

Additionaly, on an unrelated incident, their problem solving officer work, along with Officer Saey, resulted in the identification of two burglary probationers and 1 person with an outstanding robbery warrant together near the same location – East 33rd and Randolph. One of them was in a parked car while two others were outside and wearing gloves. In their possession were burglary tools and a loaded firearm – all three were arrested.

Officer Tedesco and Officer Bruce – On 18 May, in the 1200 block of 79th Ave, these officers safely apprehending a suspect following a car stop and foot pursuit where the suspect discarded two semi-automatic pistols.

Lt. Mestas and Sgts Walker and Arotzarena – On 22 May, their response to and supervision of a scene where 2 armed suspects were seen entering a residence in the 2400 block of 90th Ave. All occupants safely detained, an arrest made, and a shotgun, rifle, machine gun, and pistol recovered from the building.

It’s this kind of exemplary work that results in crime reduction. No doubt did these officers not only interrupt crimes in progress, but they almost certainly deterred countless more.

You can view video of the press conference posted on our website: www.oaklandpolice.com