500 14th St.
Oakland
CA
Items of particular interest:
- Election of Char
- Use of Force Ad Hoc Cmte
- Draft Ordinance on Militarized Police Equipment
- Process for Drafting Policy
Many of you witnessed or saw images of the Moms4Housing visionary action for the right to housing and the Alameda County Sheriff Office’s warrior deployment of assault weapons, a tank and battering ram in response to peaceful protest in Oakland. The event demonstrated more clearly than ever the need to push back on police use of military equipment in our communities.
The Oakland Police Commission will be considering the proposed ordinance for civilian control over the acquisition and use of militarized equipment by OPD. A key point on the agenda is how this ordinance can impact agencies like the Alameda County sheriff that deploy in Oakland. The Moms will be making comments, and we invite you to come and also make a public comment.
When sheriff deputies deploy to evict someone, they do so as an officer of the court, and are not required to consult with OPD. Our proposed ordinance applies to military equipment deployed by outside agencies in Oakland that are called in through “mutual aid” agreements. We are proposing additional language to the ordinance to ensure OPD doesn’t cooperate with the sheriff’s unfettered use of military equipment and require OPD to notify the police commission and city council if they know of such deployments. (see attached)
The Police Commission likely won’t vote on a recommendation next Thursday, but we want them to know clearly how the community feels about ANY deployment of war-like gear and weaponry in Oakland.
Please be there, Thur. Feb. 13, at 6:30 pm, Oakland City Hall, City Council chambers. Sign up to make a comment at the beginning of the meeting in “Open Forum”, when the agenda comes up, or both.