The Oakland Police Department says crime is down across the city, according to new statistics released Thursday. Police Chief James Beere says violent crime dropped 17 percent, while overall crime fell nine percent during the first nine months of this year compared with the same period in 2025. Homicides, aggravated assaults and robberies have all declined significantly, according to the department. Beere credits several initiatives that put officers out in neighborhoods, working directly with residents to help prevent crime and improve public safety. The chief says those efforts are making a difference, but he warns the department still faces staffing challenges. Oakland needs nearly 300 additional police officers to maintain similar levels of public safety, Beere says. The department has focused on increasing its presence in the community as it works to address crime. Officials say the latest figures offer encouraging news, while emphasizing that continued staffing and community engagement remain important to sustaining the progress.
