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?
Sgt. Chris Stines
Posted inCrime & Safety
More than 80% of Berkeley officers have looked to leave BPD, cop union says
Available Berkeley police staffing is down to 135 officers, and 80% of the department is investigating whether to leave, a Berkeley Police Association rep said Monday night.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Police use negotiators, de-escalation to end West Berkeley standoff
A five-hour standoff last week ended with a woman being taken to the hospital for medical evaluation after several disturbances at her West Berkeley home, police said.
Posted inCommunity
Outpouring of concern for Berkeley ‘Toys for Tots’ brings in $8,400 in donations — so far
The 2014 Toys for Toys giveaway. Photo: Berkeley Police Association Update, Dec. 18: The Berkeley Police Association has closed its fundraising campaign because it more than exceeded its goals. The drive for Toys for Tots garnered $11,114 from 193 people in one day. Original story, Dec. 17: Less than 14 hours after the Berkeley Police Association […]
Posted inCity, Crime & Safety
Berkeley City Council limits police tear gas use, for now
Moni Law (right) speaks with Cal student Thanh Bercher during Tuesday’s council meeting. Both have said they were injured by police Dec. 6 during a protest in Berkeley. Behind them, the line of people waiting to speak to ask council to take action about police discrimination. Photo: Emilie Raguso Moni Law (right) speaks with Cal […]
Posted inCity, Community, Crime & Safety
Police Review Commission asks for suspension of tear gas
A line of police officers marched down Telegraph Avenue during the Dec. 6 protests. Photo: Pete Rosos After hearing the testimony of about 10 people who said they were treated unnecessarily roughly during a Dec. 6 protest, the Police Review Commission voted Wednesday to ask Berkeley city officials to restrict the use of tear gas, over-the-shoulder baton […]
Posted inCrime
Surveillance camera registry a possibility for police
Some officials would like residents and business owners to be able to put their security camera locations into a police database. Photo: Mike Mozart The city of Berkeley will explore whether a database of private security cameras might help police solve crime more efficiently after a Berkeley City Council majority vote Tuesday night. Under the proposal, citizens could report camera locations […]
Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
Taser report: Tool could save Berkeley millions, decrease use of force, but oversight and training would be key
With the Berkeley City Council about to request a report on Tasers, a 2011 study on the subject has surfaced. Photo: Creative Commons With the Berkeley City Council about to request a report on Tasers, a 2011 study on the subject has surfaced. Photo: Creative Commons Berkeley officials plan to consider in early May whether to take their first deep […]
Posted inCity, Crime, Crime & Safety
Councilmen: Time is now to discuss Tasers in Berkeley
Councilman Laurie Capitelli is among three Berkeley council members who are calling for a discussion on Taser use by Berkeley Police officers. Photo: Emilie Raguso Three Berkeley City Council members are bringing the issue of Taser use by local police to the forefront with a proposed council agenda item currently set for consideration in early […]
Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
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 […]
Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
Parolee charged in Berkeley robberies has violent past
Jahton Green in 2008. Photo: BPD An Oakland parolee charged in two Berkeley robberies in August has a lengthy and violent history of attacking elders, according to authorities and media reports dating back to 2008. Two of his alleged victims died following the attacks, and he had only recently been released from prison prior to […]
Posted inCrime & Safety
Berkeley Police team wins local Urban Shield contest
Berkeley Police Urban Shield team. Photo: Berkeley Police Association A team of Berkeley Police officers took first place at a recent Bay Area competition to gauge their preparedness in a 48-hour series of grueling emergency response drills, authorities said this week. The fifth annual Bay Area Urban Shield event, which is organized by the Alameda […]
