Veteran officers have been leaving the department in record numbers, walking away from friends and generous benefits to start over at other agencies. What has driven the exodus?
Jeff Shannon
Coroner releases autopsy results on balcony victims; first responders sought help for shock, stress
An injured person is placed into an ambulance at the scene of Tuesday’s balcony collapse. First responders later sought help for shock and stress. Photo: David Yee An injured person is placed into an ambulance at the scene of Tuesday’s balcony collapse. First responders later sought help for shock and stress. Photo: David Yee The […]
Mental health calls #1 drain on Berkeley police resources
Thirty-five percent of calls to the Berkeley Police Department are for people who are having a mental health crisis. Here, police officers restrained a man who was later taken for a mental health evaluation as two mental health workers (left), try to calm him down. Photo: Emilie Raguso Responding to people with mental health issues […]
Officials agree to study Tasers for Berkeley police
Advocates for and against Tasers showed up Tuesday night to speak to the Berkeley City Council. Glenn Turner, in front, says she would rather see an investment in mental health services. Behind her is an officer whose hand was broken during a recent physical fight with a suspect who refused to stop when the officer […]
Police call for Tasers after attempted killing of officer
The Berkeley Police Association has been making the case for officers to have Tasers. Photo: Creative Commons The president of the Berkeley Police Association is asking city officials to consider the use of Tasers by Berkeley officers after a violent attack on an officer Monday. The police association, the union for the rank and file, has […]
Caltrans fence forces homeless to find new camp
People who used to sleep under the Gilman/I-80 underpass are trying to adjust to their new cramped sleeping situation. Photo: Natalie Orenstein Responding to complaints that the homeless people who camped under the Gilman/I-80 underpass were engaged in criminal activity, Caltrans has fenced off the area — pushing the encampment onto a narrow strip nearby. […]
Police arrest man after ‘violent attack’ in West Berkeley
Carlos Alberto Delagarza was arrested On April 7, 2014 after attacking a police officer on Bolivar Drive which runs alongside Aquatic Park in Berkeley. Image: Google Maps Police arrested a 41-year-old man after he struggled with a Berkeley Police officer, tried to take his gun and jumped into the lagoon at Aquatic Park when the officer […]
Berkeley police officers honored for distinguished service
Officer Darrin Rafferty pins a distinguished service medal on Officer Susan Lee at the Berkeley Police Association Awards ceremony on May 3, 21012. Photo: Frances Dinkelspiel The Berkeley Police Association honored seven Berkeley police officers for their outstanding service to the community in an awards ceremony on May 3 at Freight & Salvage. The officers […]