The defund the police movement in Oakland has failed to solve the city’s crime issues, leaving locals feeling increasingly unsafe. According to a neighborhood activist, the lack of public safety officers has turned Oakland, California, into a “ghost town.” Seneca Scott, founder of Neighbors Together Oakland, a nonprofit focused on safety issues, expressed his concerns about the city’s decline, stating that the situation is set to continue into 2024.
Scott described the current state of Oakland as a “doom loop,” where businesses are leaving due to crime and problems, resulting in less money available to hire more police officers to address the issue. This vicious cycle is contributing to the city becoming less livable and less safe.
Statistics from the Oakland Police Department reveal that there have been over 14,500 motor vehicle thefts in Oakland this year, averaging nearly two thefts per hour. Violent crime has also increased by 22% compared to the previous year, with a nearly 10% rise in commercial burglary. These alarming figures have prompted over 200 business owners to shut down their stores in protest against the government’s handling of public safety.
In an attempt to revitalize the community, Oakland city leaders launched a grant program to provide funding for small business owners to host events, such as workout classes, musical performances, and movie nights. The aim is to attract customers to local shops that have experienced a decrease in patrons due to crime. However, despite these efforts, Scott argued that Oakland is still far from thriving. He described the city as a ghost town, with people afraid to go outside due to escalating violence and a general lack of safety.
Complicating matters further, the Oakland Police Department has been without a head since February, when the previous chief was fired for mishandling a misconduct probe. The process of finding a replacement has been delayed and complicated by Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s rejection of the police commission’s list of potential candidates.
Scott also highlighted lax prostitution laws in Oakland, which have resulted in “open-air sex trades and drug markets that would shock people.” Instances of sex workers operating near a Catholic school have been caught on camera, indicating a breakdown of law enforcement in the city.
Despite the rising crime rates and the negative impact of progressive policies, Scott criticized city officials for maintaining their approach without making significant changes. However, he expressed hope that neighbors are waking up and organizing to bring about change in the 2024 election cycle.
The article aims to shed light on the consequences of defunding the police in Oakland, highlighting the increasing crime rates, the sense of unsafety among residents, and the struggles faced by local businesses. It also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and effective approach to address these issues and restore safety and livability to the city.
