Part 10/12:
The ongoing turmoil within Oakland’s police department reflects a national trend of high officer turnover and strained police-community relations, especially in Democratic-led cities with progressive policies. Critics argue that official crime reductions reported by city officials may be exaggerated or underreported, pointing to increased incidents of shootings, robberies, and public disturbances happening regularly across the city.
Several community members and law enforcement officials suggest that many police officers view Oakland as a stepping stone—gaining experience and then moving to more stable, better-paying jurisdictions. This “revolving door” hampers efforts to build long-term stability and trust between the police and residents.