In 7-2 vote, Berkeley council approves broad package to reimagine policing
Thursday’s vote was a budget referral: The package will come back in June so officials can decide what will actually be funded in the coming years.
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Officials say yes to ‘new vision of public safety’ — and more cops, too
“When we work together as a whole community we can make real progress,” Mayor Jesse Arreguín said Thursday.
Police union files state labor complaint, claiming missteps by new oversight board
It says unlawful changes were made to police misconduct investigations.
Police misconduct hearing put off after cop union said Berkeley broke the law
The city did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Berkeleyside.
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Open patrol beats are the biggest driver of police officer overtime, audit finds
Security work for outside entities, such as UC Berkeley, the Apple store and other Fourth Street businesses, made up 10% of the overtime costs in FY20.
Who will run Berkeley’s new Police Accountability Board? Help choose.
An interim director has been helping the board get up to speed after its creation by the voters with Measure II in 2020.
BPD to review inebriated man’s death after release from police custody
The Police Accountability Board has indicated plans to launch its own independent investigation.
Citing uptick in shootings, council votes for new security cameras in 4 districts
The camera proposal was just one part of a $5 million funding package designed to address traffic safety, social services and more.
Residents favor shifting some police duties to unarmed staff, new survey says
A city consultant asked 630 Berkeley residents for their views about public safety and transportation. Here’s what they said.
Officials vow to increase police staffing, with available officers at historic low
The pledge came amid a lengthy discussion on the annual crime report, use-of-force and police stop data, traffic collision statistics and more.
Officials say security cameras could help curtail gun violence in West Berkeley
Some community members say the cameras will turn Berkeley into a “surveillance city” while others say they are sick of the violence.
New police oversight board now has broader powers for misconduct inquests
In July, the city’s new Police Accountability Board kicked off, replacing the longstanding Police Review Commission, which was formed in 1973.
