BPD is hoping to get a 3-D laser scanner to improve its approach to crime scene analysis. Image: FARO The Berkeley Police Department has applied for grant funding to buy a 3-D laser scanner to document crime scenes and injury-collision locations more precisely and accurately than its current equipment allows. According to an Oct. 15 memo posted […]
Urban Areas Security Initiative
Posted inCommunity, Crime, Crime & Safety
25 years later: Henry’s hostage crisis remembered
Henry’s hostage crisis: Berkeley Special Response Team officers move in. Photo: David Yee Henry’s hostage crisis: Berkeley Special Response Team officers move in. Photo: David Yee The shots rang out just after midnight, leaving seven people injured and dozens held hostage in Henry’s Publick House at the Hotel Durant in Berkeley’s Southside neighborhood. One of […]
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 […]
Posted inCity
Berkeley says ‘no’ to federal immigration detainers
A battle for immigrants’ rights has been intensifying throughout 2012, as deportations linked to the federal Secure Communities program, run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have risen. Here, protesters outside an ICE processing facility in Colorado call for an end to enforcement efforts. Photo: Justin Valas In a surprising twist, the Berkeley City Council […]
Posted inCity, Crime & Safety, Schools
University, Berkeley, Albany reject armored vehicle
Three local police agencies had planned to purchase a Lenco BearCat G3 with a UASI grant. Photo: Lenco The planned joint acquisition of an armored vehicle by the University of California Police Department, Berkeley Police Department and Albany Police Department has been cancelled. A statement from UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau today said, “Campus administrators […]
Posted inCrime & Safety
Mutual aid agreements crawl to implementation
Berkeley Police Chief Michael Meehan: “Much common ground has been found” Berkeley Police Chief Michael Meehan: “Much common ground has been found” Last November, the Berkeley City Council approved a range of mutual aid agreements between the Berkeley Police Department and other agencies. But five of the proposed agreements — with the Northern California Regional […]
Posted inCrime & Safety
Berkeley passes police mutual aid agreements
Jesse Arreguín: "The issue isn't the police department. It's these other agencies" At last night’s City Council meeting, five mutual aid memoranda regarding the Berkeley Police Department and other agencies passed by an 8-1 vote. The passage followed lengthy and at times impassioned public comment when dozens of people spoke, many arguing against the passage. […]