Do Not Change Oakland Police Department's High-Speed Pursuit Policy – It Saves Lives

Photo BART Police Collision 12/24/2024-printed with permission of photographer Bryan Culbertson 

Petition to 

• Governor Gavin Newsom 
• Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell 
• Oakland City Council- Dan Kalb, NIkki Fortuna Bass, Carol Fife, Janani Ramachandran, Noel Gallo, Kevin Jenkins, Treva Reid, & Rebecca Kaplan. Incoming Rowena Brown & Zac Unger

 

Do Not Change Oakland Police Department's High-Speed Pursuit Policy – It Saves Lives

The Oakland Police Department's High-Speed Pursuit Policy is in alignment with California Law Enforcement Vehicle Pursuit Guidelines; it is a critical safety  measure which saves lives and reduces injuries. As Oakland and the greater Bay Area experience a significant increase in vehicle-related injuries and fatalities—30 deaths in Oakland in 2023 alone—a sound and safe pursuit policy is more important than ever.

Protecting Pedestrians and Cyclists
Pedestrian and bicycle safety remain pressing issues in our city. Oakland residents already face an elevated risk of injury or death due to reckless driving. Weakening the High-Speed Pursuit Policy would jeopardize progress made in reducing vehicular violence and endanger vulnerable road users. This policy is a vital tool in addressing the rising dangers on our streets.

Safeguarding Our Officers
The benefits of this policy extend beyond the public to Oakland's police officers. With 159 of the department's 675 officers currently on medical or administrative leave, staffing challenges are at critical levels. A policy that minimizes unnecessary risks during high-speed pursuits helps protect officers, preserving their health and ability to serve our community.

Evidence of Effectiveness
Since its implementation, the High-Speed Pursuit Policy has demonstrably reduced the harm caused by dangerous chases. Reversing this policy could lead to more injuries, fatalities, and strain on emergency services. Other cities with similar policies have reported lower rates of pursuit-related incidents, showing that such measures are both effective and necessary.

Our Call to Action
We, the undersigned residents of Oakland, urge city leaders to oppose any changes to the High-Speed Pursuit Policy. Weakening this policy would increase the risk of vehicular violence, threatening the lives of residents, pedestrians, and officers alike. Let us prioritize safety and ensure that our streets remain a place where everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—can coexist safely.