Post News Group: Will Oakland adopt NYs "Stop-and-Frisk" Policy?

[DocGoldstein]

That's my point. A lot of those measures might work, but would they work better than disciplined Army squads with fully locked and loaded M-16s, M240s, and MK-19 grenade launchers patrolling the most gang infested neighborhoods? IMO, no.

Of course, I fully admit there is a risk of small, all-out fire engagements between Army troops and certain gangs, but we all know who would win those hostile engagements 10 times out of 10. No judge or jury required.

[justinbro2002]

As much as it might be needed declaring marshall law in oakland would cause outrage. No polititian would want to open up that can of worms.

[Stephen1110]

Originally Posted by DocGoldstein

I actually like this plan but it's unrealistic because it requires money to come from Oakland (of which it doesn't have any).

Nope, thanks to increasing tax revenues, Oakland has money, and lots of it. The City Council has already approved for the system to blanket 80% of the city, with an annual cost between $84,000-348,000. Everything on that list is in work.

Originally Posted by DocGoldstein

I've read differing opinions on the "ShotSpotter' approach. Some say it's still to slow as an active deterrent and aid to police, and requires lots of active resources (patrols that are roving). Oakland lacks the resources quite simply.

That was then, when maintenance issues and staffing shortages limited its usefulness. The department fixed the system late last year, and plans to deploy more response teams. And then you have police academies in work + civilian officers freeing up space for police officers to patrol.

Originally Posted by justinbro2002

"Shotspotter" doesn't really do too much to stop violence it only leads the police to the shooting victims but the shooters rarely stick around after the shooting. It might help victims get treatment quicker and could save more lives but it will not stop the shootings.

Well if it saves more lives then that's good.

In some cases, neither perpetrator or victim is found

In other cases, the perpetrator and or the victim is found

The most important function of this system is to accurately pinpoint where the shooting occurred. Faster responses increases the chances of getting to the perpetrator and victim.

[DocGoldstein]

It's not due to increasing "tax revenue", it's due to Mayor Quan gutting social programs and laying off police officers.

Oakland is still 200 officers short from their force total BEFORE Quan took office.

[DocGoldstein]

Originally Posted by justinbro2002

As much as it might be needed declaring marshall law in oakland would cause outrage. No polititian would want to open up that can of worms.

That's basically what politicians have said in Oakland. They WANT to ask the governor to bring in the Army, but they can't do it politically. Oakland is stuck in a catch 22.

[Stephen1110]

Originally Posted by DocGoldstein

It's not due to increasing "tax revenue", it's due to Mayor Quan gutting social programs and laying off police officers.

Oakland is still 200 officers short from their force total BEFORE Quan took office.

83% of Oakland's General Fund pays for public safety. Laying off police officers was unavoidable. However, after slashing expenses to balance the budget, increasing tax revenues adds additional money to the General Fund.

[DocGoldstein]

When I see 200 officers back in uniform, I'll consider the budget balanced. Until then, the city has unfairly handicapped their emergency response ability to the detriment and safety of Oakland's citizens.