David Sprague has led the department on an interim basis for nearly a year. He has worked for the department since 2001.
Alex N. Gecan
Alex N. Gecan joined Berkeleyside in 2023 as a senior reporter covering public safety. He has covered criminal justice, courts and breaking and local news for The Middletown Press, Stamford Advocate and Connecticut Post in Connecticut, Asbury Park Press on the Jersey Shore and the Marin Independent Journal.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Berkeley appoints Jen Louis as police chief amid ongoing leaked texts investigation
The Berkeley City Council voted 5-4 not to wait for the outcome of the investigation. Seven members voted to confirm Jen Louis as Berkeley police chief; two abstained.
Posted inCity
Vote set — once again — to confirm Jen Louis as Berkeley police chief
City Council is set to decide Tuesday whether to confirm Interim Chief Police Jen Louis with a permanent role at more than $300,000 annually. Accountability officials have asked for more time.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Second body in 3 weeks found at Berkeley Marina
Police in San Francisco had been searching for the victim, 57-year-old Vittorio Marianecci of Florida, after he was reported missing Monday.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Update: Charges filed in UC Berkeley sexual battery spree
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged the suspect with three counts of misdemeanor sexual battery, one each from incidents on April 5, 8 and 9, according to court records.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Facing mail thefts and delivery issues, Berkeley residents want answers
Postal inspectors confirmed there have been ongoing mail thefts in Berkeley, including as recently as March. Some Westbrae residents believe their mail is simply not being delivered.
Posted inPolice
Firing of Berkeley cop who leaked text messages is allowed to stand
Corey Shedoudy grabbed attention in 2022 when he accused BPD’s bike squad of racism, anti-homeless sentiments and quota systems. His firing for staging a bike crash has been upheld by an independent arbitrator.
Posted inCrime & Safety
In Berkeley, attorney general pushes for recall of Hyundais, Kias after surge of thefts
Thefts of certain Hyundais and Kias have skyrocketed in Berkeley following a TikTok challenge showing how easy it is to steal them.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Update: Woman found dead near Berkeley Marina is identified
The cause and manner of the woman’s death remained pending as of April 18. She was discovered the evening of April 10.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Berkeley police chief appointment still on hold
No action was taken at a meeting this week, but Interim Police Chief Jen Louis’s critics say the city should not even be discussing her confirmation until investigations into a texting scandal are resolved.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Police Accountability Board asks Council to slow chief appointment
After more than two years as BPD’s interim chief, and with her confirmation on hold since November, the City Council discussed Jen Louis’s position in a closed session April 13.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Police ‘early intervention system’ sees first steps in Berkeley
Early intervention systems are meant to warn departments of troubling behavior or trends, from officer burnout to racial disparities in traffic stops and uses of force.
