Oakland has hired a former New York City police chief as a consultant and has now turned to hired help from the California Highway Patrol as the City attempts to control its crime wave. But the outside aid isn’t without its critics and detractors.
Two such critics are members of the City Council who voted against the latest plan to pay the CHP to help patrol city streets. As part of their contract, the CHP is focusing on traffic violations and less severe infractions. They are not responsible for responding to top-tier crimes such as murder or sexual assault. But the plan is intended to share responsibilities on low-level crimes so that Oakland Police can focus on severe crimes and pro-active policing.
But one council member, Desley Brooks, worries what happens when the CHP contract expires. The “Band-Aid” approach taken to the City’s crime issue does not provide long-term solutions.
Read the full story at the San Francisco Chronicle.