How Oakland saw no homicides for six weeks

No murders in Oakland for more than six weeks; Credit is given to the ceasefire and community cooperation strategy

Police say there have been no homicides in Oakland for a period of more than six weeks for the first time since 2015. The police and the mayor’s office commend the Ministry of Violence Prevention, the ceasefire strategy and community cooperation.

OAKLAND, California. – The city of Oakland had not witnessed a murder for more than six weeks until Wednesday afternoon; That’s the first time this has happened since 2015.

The mayor’s office and police appreciate what they call the Ceasefire Strategy, the Department of Violence Prevention and the community’s support.

The drop in homicides was noted by Samir Ali, who is raising his two-year-old daughter in East Oakland, where he grew up.

He said deadly gun violence has gripped his neighborhood for years.

“There are shootings going on,” he said. ‘Bodies here and there. That hasn’t been the case for a long time.’

But on Wednesday afternoon, down the street from Ali’s home, a man was murdered outside the corner store.

Oakland police said they are focusing on the small group that commits crimes.

“We identify those we believe are involved in violent crimes, and we communicate with them or take enforcement action against them,” said Frederick Davies, Oakland’s deputy police chief.

He said the ceasefire strategy was scaled back by Mayor Sheng Thao early this year.

It focuses on the small group of people, fewer than fifty, who, according to the police, are responsible for the majority of violent crimes.

Shavies said the city’s Violence Prevention Department helps provide services to create change and results.

“Help get a driver’s license,” Shavies said. “Trying to get them back enrolled in school or a GED program or some kind of vocational school. We know this doesn’t happen overnight,”

He said a turning point came on September 28 when a man was shot and killed in De Fremery Park in West Oakland.

Tony Miller attended an annual alumni picnic for McClymonds High School.

Police said the area was filled with families, including young children.

Shavies said the incident led to a groundswell of community cooperation with police.

“The community came together and told those they believe were involved in violent crimes, enough was enough,” Shavies said.

Shavies said the ceasefire strategy has proven effective and that despite Oakland’s budget woes, he is optimistic it will continue to be funded.

Amber Lee is a reporter at KTVU. Email Amber at [email protected] or text/leave a message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU